Financial irregularities have surfaced in your organisation. The signs might be subtle—unexplained variances, missing documentation, or system anomalies that don’t quite add up. Or they might be obvious—discovered fraud, compliance breaches, or internal misconduct that demands immediate investigation.
The critical question isn’t just what happened, but how to investigate professionally whilst protecting your organisation’s reputation and ensuring the investigation itself maintains credibility with stakeholders, regulators, and your own team.
The independence imperative
You need investigators who aren’t part of the problem. Internal investigations risk accusations of bias, cover-ups, or inadequate scrutiny. When management, systems, or controls may be compromised, external expertise provides the independence essential for credible findings and effective remediation.
Facing financial irregularities that demand an independent investigation? Contact UHY Haines Norton today to discuss how our forensic expertise delivers unbiased analysis whilst protecting your organisation’s interests.
Our forensic investigation capabilities
Fraud Detection and Financial Misconduct
We identify and investigate potential fraud and financial misconduct using systematic approaches backed by robust data analysis and evidence gathering. Our methodology ensures comprehensive coverage whilst maintaining the chain of custody requirements for potential legal proceedings.
Advanced Forensic Data Analysis
Thorough forensic analysis of financial and operational data reveals patterns, anomalies, and evidence that standard reviews might miss. We provide insights that are both technically accurate and practically actionable for management decision-making.
Compliance Assessment and Risk Evaluation
We assess financial operations for compliance with relevant New Zealand regulations and industry standards, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical requirements whilst identifying systemic weaknesses that enabled irregularities.
Comprehensive Risk Mitigation
We evaluate financial risks associated with discovered irregularities and provide practical recommendations to mitigate these risks, prevent recurrence, and strengthen organisational controls.
Professional Documentation and Reporting
Our reports are comprehensive and meticulously documented, providing clear, concise findings that withstand scrutiny from management, boards, regulators, and courts when necessary.
Integration with broader advisory services
Investigating accountant work often connects with our Assurance Review, Due Diligence, and Litigation Support services, providing comprehensive support throughout investigation and remediation processes.
This integrated approach ensures investigation findings inform broader organisational improvements and strategic decision-making rather than remaining isolated compliance exercises.
Strategic benefits of professional investigation
Credible Independence Sends Strong Messages
Supporting decisions with independent analysis demonstrates to affected parties and external observers that you’re addressing issues seriously and professionally. This independence helps minimise reputational damage whilst building confidence in your governance processes.
Management Confidence and Effectiveness
Using expert independent investigators enables management to demonstrate they’ve dealt with issues properly and effectively, providing the professional foundation needed for stakeholder communication and remediation planning.
Stakeholder Assurance and Trust Building
External observers can see that independent experts are supporting management responses, helping allay fears of bias and bringing stakeholders along more readily during difficult periods that require organisational rebuilding.
Comprehensive Risk Response Development
Expert investigation provides the foundation for comprehensive risk mitigation responses based on proper identification of causes rather than symptoms, ensuring remediation addresses underlying issues effectively.
Competitive Advantage Through Enhanced Controls
Professional investigation insights enable more effective challenge navigation and opportunity capitalisation by strengthening internal controls and governance frameworks that support sustainable business development.
Types of investigation we conduct
Our investigating accountant experience covers employee fraud, management misconduct, system failures, compliance breaches, supplier irregularities, and complex financial disputes that require forensic analysis and expert testimony.
Each investigation is tailored to specific organisational needs and regulatory requirements, ensuring findings address the precise issues that determine remediation success and stakeholder confidence restoration.
The investigation process
Professional investigations require balancing thoroughness with timeliness, ensuring comprehensive analysis whilst enabling prompt remediation. Our systematic approach maintains evidence integrity whilst providing regular updates that enable management decision-making throughout the process.
We coordinate with legal advisers, regulators, and other professionals as required, ensuring investigation findings integrate effectively with broader organisational responses to discovered irregularities.
Protecting your organisation's future
Today’s investigation quality determines tomorrow’s stakeholder confidence and regulatory relationships. Professional investigating accountant services provide the credible foundation needed for effective remediation and organisational strengthening.
The investment in independent investigation typically pays for itself through improved stakeholder confidence, reduced regulatory scrutiny, and strengthened controls that prevent future irregularities.
Contact UHY Haines Norton to arrange a discussion about how our investigating accountant services can provide the independent analysis and professional credibility your organisation needs during challenging periods.
