What is the difference between financial accounting and forensic accounting?

@lynn.runolfsdottir 

Financial accounting and forensic accounting are two different branches of accounting that serve distinct purposes. Here are the key differences between them:

1. Purpose: Financial accounting: It focuses on providing accurate and reliable financial information to external stakeholders, such as investors, creditors, and regulators. The main purpose is to present a true and fair view of a company's financial performance and position. Forensic accounting: It involves the investigation and analysis of financial information for the purpose of legal proceedings, such as litigation, fraud investigation, or dispute resolution. The primary objective is to uncover financial discrepancies, fraud, or illegal activities.
2. Timing: Financial accounting: It follows the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and is performed on a regular basis, typically quarterly or annually, to prepare financial statements. Forensic accounting: It is conducted on an as-needed basis when there is suspicion or evidence of financial mismanagement, fraud, or other wrongdoing. Forensic accountants are brought in to investigate specific cases or incidents.
3. Scope: Financial accounting: It covers the entire financial operations of a company, including recording, classifying, and summarizing transactions, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with reporting standards. Forensic accounting: It focuses on specific areas of concern, such as identifying and quantifying fraud, embezzlement, hidden assets, money laundering, or other financial irregularities. Forensic accountants often work alongside other professionals, such as lawyers or law enforcement officials.
4. Approaches and Techniques: Financial accounting: It follows the traditional accounting principles, such as double-entry bookkeeping, financial statement analysis, and ratio analysis, to provide an accurate representation of a company's financial health. Forensic accounting: It utilizes investigative and analytical techniques, such as data analysis, interviews, document examination, forensic technology, and specialized knowledge of financial law and regulations, to establish facts and evidence related to financial fraud or misappropriation.
5. Reporting: Financial accounting: It focuses on generating financial statements, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, that are primarily used by external stakeholders to assess a company's financial performance and make investment decisions. Forensic accounting: It produces detailed reports or documentation that are used as evidence in legal proceedings. These reports are often prepared in a manner that can withstand scrutiny in a court of law and may include expert witness testimony if required.

In summary, financial accounting deals with the regular recording and reporting of financial information for external stakeholders, whereas forensic accounting involves investigating and analyzing financial data to detect and prove fraud or misconduct for legal purposes.