5 Clear Signals You Need a Forensic Accountant Now
- Angelina Anderson
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
When financial issues arise, the signs aren't always obvious but the cost of ignoring them can be devastating. Whether you're a lawyer, business owner, or company director, recognising the early indicators of financial irregularities can mean the difference between quick resolution and long, expensive litigation.
At Dolman Bateman, we’ve worked with legal professionals and organisations across Australia to uncover the truth behind the numbers. Here are five unmistakable signs it’s time to engage a forensic accountant.
1. You Suspect Fraud, but Can’t Prove It
Trust your instincts, if something feels off, it often is. Whether it's unexplained losses, sudden cash flow problems, or staff behaving unusually, financial fraud can start small but snowball fast. Forensic accountants are trained to detect patterns, trace transactions, and identify inconsistencies in ways internal staff cannot.
We help:
Investigate employee or executive fraud
Uncover unauthorised transactions or theft
Preserve financial evidence for legal proceedings
🛑 Tip: Don’t delay. The longer the fraud runs, the harder it is to recover lost assets.
2. A Business Dispute Is Brewing
Partnerships can sour, shareholders can clash, and joint ventures can fall apart. If you’re involved in a business or shareholder dispute, a forensic accountant can act as an independent financial expert to uncover mismanagement, clarify contributions, or quantify damage.
We assist with:
Disputes over profit distributions or asset use
Uncovering related-party dealings
Reconstructing records in the absence of cooperation
Our expert reports often provide the financial clarity needed to settle or strengthen a legal case.
3. There’s a Divorce or Family Law Matter Involving Complex Finances
If a party in a separation owns a business, has multiple entities, or you suspect hidden income, it’s time to bring in forensic support. Property settlements require full and frank disclosure, but that doesn’t always happen voluntarily.
We support family law practitioners with:
Business valuations for property division
Tracing hidden assets or undeclared income
Lifestyle audits and cash flow analysis
We work within the Family Court’s expert guidelines and adhere to the NSW Local Court’s expectations for expert evidence.
4. You’re Preparing for Litigation and Need Financial Evidence
When you're building a legal case that hinges on financial facts, unverified figures and assumptions won’t cut it. You need court-compliant, defensible expert reports that clearly communicate complex issues to judges and mediators.
Dolman Bateman provides:
Expert witness reports that comply with Family Law Rules and Civil Procedure
Independent loss calculations and damage assessments
Shadow expert reviews to challenge opposing reports
We follow the Chartered Accountants ANZ forensic standards to ensure accuracy, ethics, and objectivity.
5. You Can’t Reconcile the Numbers and Need a Second Opinion
Sometimes, the issue isn’t clear fraud or conflict it’s simply that the numbers don’t make sense. Unreconciled accounts, unexplained write-offs, or inconsistent financial statements are often signs of deeper problems.
We can:
Conduct independent financial health reviews
Rebuild financial statements from original records
Identify misclassifications or hidden liabilities
A second opinion from an experienced forensic accountant provides peace of mind, or reveals risks before they escalate.
Where to find a forensic accountant in Sydney?
Why Choose Dolman Bateman?
With over 40 years of experience and thousands of forensic reports delivered, Dolman Bateman Chartered Accountants is one of Sydney’s most trusted names in forensic accounting.
✅ Court-ready reports
✅ Discreet, independent investigations
✅ Deep expertise across legal, business, and family matters
✅ Trusted by law firms nationwide
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
If you’ve noticed any of the above warning signs, it’s time to get clarity. The earlier you involve a forensic accountant, the more options you preserve and the stronger your legal or financial position becomes.
📞 Contact Dolman Bateman today for a confidential consultation.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial, legal or tax advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this content at the time of publication, tax laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances vary. Dolman Bateman accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of acting on or relying upon any of the information contained herein. You should seek professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any financial or tax decision.
