The challenges for forensic accouting profession in Vietnam

Abstract

Around the world, forensic accounting (FA) has become a popular profession to help prevent and reduce financial fraud with functions primarily including fraud investigation, litigation support, complaints, and witness. However, in Vietnam, forensic accounting is still quite strange in both the field of research as well as professional practice. The reason is that the level of interest and understanding of forensic accounting is still limited. The research data includes (i) the current accounting-auditing training program framework of 45 universities in Vietnam (ii) studies on forensic accounting, and (iii) service activities provided by accounting firms in Vietnam. Research results indicate that (i) there are gaps in research on forensic accounting; (ii) there exist conditions indicating the need for forensic accounting development in Vietnam. Accordingly, the study provides two key policy suggestions to promote the development of forensic accounting in Vietnam, starting from (i) overcoming the challenges facing the forensic accounting profession by promulgating regulations and guidelines guide forensic accounting based on the benefits that this profession contributes to society, and (ii) an initial approach is needed to integrate forensic accounting modules in the accounting and auditing training programs of universities in Vietnam.