Definitions of Forensic Reports Vs. Audit Reports
Audit and forensic reports tend to be formal reports. In 2010, there was no single, universal form for these types of reports, but some industries have sets of standards recommended for use when writing them.
Other People Are Reading
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Does it Match?
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An audit report is a study or review to determine how closely something complies with a standard, requirement or a policy for verification. Many industries conduct audits on their company to see if it is functioning according to the standards or laws set for the company.
Audit Report Use
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Audit reports are done in many industries, including banking and government. Many people fear an audit of their taxes by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in which an IRS official conducts an investigation of a taxpayer’s tax return to see if it complies with the standards in the U.S. tax code.
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Gather the Facts
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A forensics report is the scientific process of collecting, preserving and examining evidence to a standard written with awareness of its potential use in court. You find many forensic reports used in court proceedings.
Forensic Report Use
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Forensic reports are commonly found in science fields like anthropology, biology, medicine and engineering. You also find forensic reports in the computer industry for use in trials against computer abuse, theft and pornography.
Forensic Accounting
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Forensic auditors are often used after an audit finds financial transaction abuse in a company. The auditor conducts a deeper investigation into the allegations of abuse, gathers evidence, submits a report of her findings and often testifies as an expert witness in the trial.
Call for Standards
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In early 2009, a report from the National Research Council found many problems with the current forensic system and called for mandatory certification programs as well as standards for evidence reporting. In response, hearings began in May 2009 to create a National Institute of Forensic Sciences (NIFS).
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References
- "Audit: West's Encyclopedia of American Law;” Ed. Shirelle Phelps and Jeffrey Lehman. Vol.1, Gale, 2005
- “West's Encyclopedia of American Law;” Ed. Shirelle Phelps and Jeffrey Lehman. Vol. 4, Gale, 2005
- "Forensic Accounting: West's Encyclopedia of American Law;” Ed. Shirelle Phelps and Jeffrey Lehman; Gale, 2005
