Integrating Corporate Governance and Forensic Accounting: A Study of an Asian Country

The accounting scandals during the last three decades have induced a crisis of confidence in financial reporting practices and effectiveness of corporate governance (CG) mechanisms. Indeed, Forensic Accounting (FA) integrates accounting, auditing and investigative skills to conduct investigations in variety of fraud cases. An increasing number of researchers are finding that „poor" CG is a leading factor in dismal performance, manipulated financial reports, and unhappy stakeholders. Some leading corporations and regulatory bodies, however, are trying their best efforts to analyze and correct the existing loopholes in the reporting system. Undoubtedly, qualified, trained and mature Chartered Forensic Accountants (CFA"s) can prove to be a valuable asset to the corporate sector, and gradually help to improve their CG system. The CFA"s, being professional member of the CG and Audit Committees, can play a far greater role in coordinating company efforts to achieve a cohesive policy of ethical behavior within an organization. By helping companies to detect and prevent fraud, create a „positive" work environment, establish „effective" lines of communication, and be vigilant as a corporate „watchdog", the CFA"s role can gradually evolve into a key component in the CG system. In the 21st century, the Forensic Chartered Accountants (FCAs) are in great demand and “FA is listed among the top-20 careers of the futur