Page 244 - AAA Integrated Workbook STUDENT S18-J19
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Chapter 163 4
Acceptance considerations
Due to the specialist nature of this type of assignment, the practitioner should ensure
they are competent to perform the work.
As with any assignment, the practitioner must only take on work of acceptable level
of risk. The matters to consider before acceptance given in chapter 6 must be
considered.
Most importantly for forensic audits, the practitioner must ensure they can comply
with the fundamental ethical principles.
2.1 Professional competence and due care
The investigator should have the appropriate skills and experience, including:
Detailed knowledge of the relevant legal framework.
An understanding of how to gather specialist evidence.
Skills in the safe custody of evidence, including maintaining a clear chain of
evidence.
Strong personal skills: interview techniques, presentation of material in court.
2.2 Confidentiality
Much of the information the investigator has access to will be highly sensitive
therefore they must maintain confidentiality outside of the court.
2.3 Objectivity
The professional accountant must always be, and be perceived to be, entirely
neutral. The expert should consider whether the opinion would be the same if they
were engaged by the opposing party.
In particular the accountant must safeguard against self-review and advocacy
threats.
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