📄 Abstract
The growing prevalence of financial fraud has underscored the importance of forensic accounting in detecting and preventing fraud. However, limited evidence exists regarding forensic accounting awareness among practising Chartered Accountants (CAs) in India. This study examines forensic accounting awareness, perceptions of fraud detection, and implementation challenges among 150 practising CAs in Punjab, India, using the Fraud Triangle framework. Data were collected through a pre-tested questionnaire (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.83) and analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression. The findings indicate that 92% of respondents are aware of forensic accounting (M = 3.94, SD = 0.72), but a significant awareness–competency gap exists. Limited practical exposure (74.7%) and inadequate technological competency (65.3%) emerged as major challenges. ANOVA revealed significant differences in awareness across experience groups and specialisation areas, while regression analysis identified practical exposure, professional experience, and ICAI program participation as significant predictors of awareness (R² = 0.487). The study provides empirical evidence from the Indian CA profession and recommends stronger forensic accounting education, certification programs, and technology-based training to enhance fraud-detection capabilities.
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📚 How to Cite:
Vivek Kumar Sindhi, Dr. Neeraj Goyal , FORENSIC ACCOUNTING AWARENESS AND ITS ROLE IN FRAUD DETECTION: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS IN PUNJAB, INDIA , Volume 13 , Issue 7, July 2026, EPRA International Journal of Economics, Business and Management Studies (EBMS) , Pages: 245 - 254 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra28788