Data Sleuth

Chapter 12Practice the Data Sleuth Process

THE MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY to executing the Data Sleuth Process is through working investigations and engagements. Listening to client concerns, converting concerns into investigation priorities, understanding the subject's access to systems creating misappropriation of funds opportunities, and identifying the analysis and data necessary to answer the client questions takes practice. Practice provides the investigator with confidence that no matter the situation, if money is missing, he or she can find it. At the same time, the investigator can use the process to find the missing money to answer the client's questions regarding the method used by subjects to steal, divert, or hide funds. Using the Data Sleuth Process from the initial client inquiry to the final report, the investigator maintains objectivity, organization, and clarity when explaining the findings to the end-client and target audiences.

Working a variety of numerous cases per year may not be practical for all forensic accountants and fraud investigators, so within this chapter are two case studies with worksheets and corresponding solutions to begin the implementation of the Data Sleuth Process.

REVIEW OF THE DATA SLEUTH CASE PLAN

As a recap, the Data Sleuth Case Plan works in the following order as described in detail in Chapter 6:

• Translate the client's concerns into investigation priorities
• Understand the subject's access to systems and information through risk-based ...