Forensic Accountant Characteristics and Fraud Detection in Nigerian Public Sector

ABSTRACT
The objective of the study is to examine the impact of forensic accountants’ skills/characteristics on fraud detection in the public sector in Nigeria using Edo State as a case study.
The methodology employed involved the collection of primary data through the distribution of questionnaires. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design. The population of the study consisted of members of staff of accounting, auditing and internal control departments of selected public ministries in Edo State. The convenience sampling technique was employed to derive a sample of one hundred and fifty (150) respondents. The Stereotype Ordinal regression technique suitable for qualitative data was used for the analysis.
The results from the regression revealed that litigation skills (LTS) have a positive and significant effect on fraud detection. Accounting and auditing skills (AAS) have a positive and significant effect on fraud detection. Investigative skills (IVS) have a positive effect on fraud detection though not significant. Analytical and technical skills (ATS) have a positive and significant effect on fraud detection. Finally, communication skills (CMS) have a positive and significant effect on fraud detection. The odd ratios for ϕ4 and ϕ5 also reveals the extent to which a unit increase in IVS and ATS will impact on the odds of forensic accounting and will be effective in detecting fraud if there is a unit increase in IVS and ATS respectively. In line with the findings, the study recommended that accountants and auditors in the public sector be trained in forensic accounting competences, regular and periodic trainings is also recommended for accountants and auditors in the public sector to improve their accounting and auditing skills and this will improve fraud detection. Furthermore, the study recommended that there is still the need to improve investigative skills of public sector accountants in relation to forensic accounting and massive investments in forensic analytical skills training for accountants and auditors in the public sector.