Data Sleuth

Chapter 5Client Communication and Involvement

MANAGING CLIENT COMMUNICATION AND involvement while performing analyses is a complicated juggling act for any investigator that can be improved by implementing a client onboarding process using scheduling software. The client onboarding process can become even more strategic in capturing high-quality leads of clients who can be helped by a forensic accountant or investigator.

Client education regarding the value that a forensic accountant and investigator can provide to a case begins at least from the initial client interaction with the firm – if not the client's interaction with the firm's website. Time should be allotted to address any misconceptions about the roles of forensic accountants, investigators, law enforcement, and the client's attorney to consistently reinforce realistic expectations.

The quality of the analysis in a Data Sleuth engagement is ultimately dependent on the quality of the communication and involvement of the client in the investigation. The better the communication between the case manager or investigator and the client, the better the data and information the client will provide throughout the entire investigation. Client involvement also reduces the risk of over- or understating losses and mistakes in the analysis because of the investigator overlooking significant events or findings specific to the client's business, marital estate, or trust.

Many forensic accounting engagements and fraud investigations ...