Spotlight On... Connect www.investigation.com

Financial Crime Investigation

SPOTLIGHT ON... Kessler International

“Many companies are unaware of the risks that they face. These types of fraud are an everyday threat, and most companies are not equipped to deal with the aftereffects of financial fraud.”

F Q

Q

or over a quarter of a century, Kessler International® has been the world leader specializing in forensic accounting, computer forensics, brand protection and corporate investigations. Established in 1988, Kessler

International’s satisfied clients are comprised of an extensive and distinguished list of Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and prestigious law firms worldwide.

What more can you tell us about your firm?

Kessler’s diverse staff includes accountants, certified fraud examiners, certified forensic computer examiners, CPAs, certified internal controls auditors, former prosecutors, former law enforcement agents, attorneys, certified forensic accountants, , licensed private investigators and researchers. We remain an independent, privately owned corporation with a proven approach that is quality driven, discreet, thorough and extraordinarily successful.

How has financial crime developed in recent years for the U.S.?

All of our clients, from attorneys to educational

institutions, governmental agencies to the private sector are all feeling the pressure that comes from a recession and down economy. Investors across the board are being taken advantage of by the proprietors of various investment and Ponzi schemes.

Businesses of all sizes are feeling the effects of fraudulent billing by vendors, inadequate or deceptive accounting practices by employees, or are becoming victims of money laundering and a variety of other fraudulent activities. Financial matters relating to divorce cases are becoming increasingly complex, as spouses find new ways to hide assets. Construction projects are subject to fraudulent bidding processes, dishonest vendors, and misleading change orders. Governmental agencies and educational institutions are finding themselves increasingly accountable to a rightfully demanding public, and intense scrutiny typically uncovers deceit and misappropriation of funds within departments.

Our firm specializes in providing forensic accounting services to law firms, individuals, companies, educational institutions including school districts,

colleges and

universities, complex construction projects, insurance agencies, noteworthy private corporations, private estates, Governmental agencies and authorities worldwide.

Q

What trends have you noticed over this period?

Accounting software is essential for efficient supplemental data analysis, inquiries and reporting. Since Kessler’s inception in 1988, tremendous gains have been made in the tools and technology available to Forensic Accountants. Keeping up to date with these ensure that clients are receiving the best possible and most accurate information in an expeditious manner. While nothing can replace an individual eye or gut instinct, seasoned accountants know how to incorporate technology appropriately and effectively, and Kessler recognizes and incorporates important advances into their systems regularly. Advances in computer forensics services enable forensic accountants to obtain data currently in digital format which in the past was maintained in paper format.

Clients have become increasingly cost conscious, and Kessler International has continued to meet their needs as effectively and expeditiously as possible.

Education and training are crucial aspects of having capable staff performing forensic audits. Because so much of the work Kessler does is subject to scrutiny in litigation, all of our staff is required to continually apprise themselves of current legislation and industry practices, attend continuing education and training courses.

Q

What are the most prominent risks for companies right now that lead to

investigations?

Many companies are unaware of the risks that they face. These types of fraud are an everyday threat, and most companies are not equipped to deal with the aftereffects

FINANCEMONTHLY 55

of financial fraud. These days, companies have to stay one step ahead of potential threats. This is why at Kessler International, we are committed to finding fraud, stopping fraud, and helping companies implement plans that will prevent fraud from happening in the future.

Q

What types of financial crime investigation do you carry out and what do these entail?

Kessler International is the world’s foremost forensic accounting and investigative consulting firm, specializing in the field of in-depth forensic accounting. Kessler International specializes in forensic audits, forensic performance audits, insurance audits, fraud detection, investigative accounting,

litigation support, royalty

audits and computer forensics. Kessler International also specializes in the performance of forensic accounting services for the purposes of economic damage loss, damage analysis, contract reviews, professional negligence, and business and family law litigation.

The field of forensic accounting has grown exponentially over the past two decades. It has become more important than ever for those who wish to commission a forensic accountant to question and investigate for themselves the experience and qualifications of the firm or individual they wish to use. So many firms are hiring one accountant with little or no forensic accounting experience or credentials and claiming that they now offer forensic accounting services.

Kessler International predicts that the growth of the demand for forensic accounting and auditing services will also grow exponentially, as sophisticated frauds and swindles are increasingly perpetrated worldwide by a progressively more savvy community.