- Hi, I am Arpinder Singh, a Partner with EY, heading the firm’s Forensic & Integrity Service for Global Markets and India.
- After working as an Auditor for a few years, I decided to do an MBA from Syracuse University, New York.
- Fast forward to 2005, I returned to India and was tasked to grow the nascent forensics practice in Mumbai at a Big 4 firm.
- Today, our forensics team at EY India is 1000+, up from a 30-member practice in 2010. Here is my journey.
From working in KPMG to pursuing an MBA in the US
My interest in finance developed while pursuing economics at Shri Ram College of Commerce, New Delhi.
Since I was inclined toward accounting and economics from an early age, I decided to pursue the coveted Chartered Accountancy qualification.
( The career avenues in those years were quite limited compared to today.)
After completing my CA in 1996, I worked with companies such as AF Ferguson and KPMG.
In a few years, I gathered immeasurable experience working as an auditor and was now looking for a more business-intensive role.
My exposure to an international work environment and my strong interest in business motivated me to pursue an MBA.
I was fortunate to receive a fellowship from Syracuse University, New York in the US, allowing me to pursue my dream.
A bold step to return to India
MBA proved to be a game-changer.
After completing the same in 2001, I took up the role of a Financial Controller with Cisco in the US.
At Cisco, I was exposed to the intricacies of various departments and functions and had some great learnings.
My career was taking great shape however in 2005 I decided to return to India.
On the personal front, I wanted to take care of my parents and wished to stay close to them after spending several years studying and working in the US.
Professionally, there couldn’t have been a better time to make the move, as India’s economy was growing rapidly.
There were great opportunities in the market for professionals like me.
What next?
Taking up a role in forensic auditing…a nascent field
In 2005, I returned to India.
I was transferred to the field of forensics at KPMG, where I was tasked to grow the practice in Mumbai.
Forensic accounting was still at a nascent stage.
(Back then there were a handful of forensic professionals in the country helping corporates address the growing concern of fraud, bribery, and corruption risks and non-compliance-related challenges.)
However, with India’s significant economic growth, evolving regulations, and improved governance, the field presented abundant opportunities.
I firmly believed it would be pivotal in shaping the future of business by encouraging ethics, compliance, integrity, and governance among stakeholders.
It turned out to be an exciting area, with each case being unique and complicated.
During engagements, we would see more details unravel, as we followed the fraudster as well as the money trail.
Problem-solving is the key to forensic accounting. Every case was different, a new day meant dealing with a new challenge.
All in all, I was fortunate to get an opportunity and be a part of the initial days in the field of forensic accounting in India.
Also read: EY Forensics and Integrity Services introduces Learning-as-a-service for working professionals
Building the forensic team from 30 to 1000+
Fast forward to 2010, I moved to EY, where I have been leading the practice for over a decade now.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work extensively with corporates and counsel the C-suite, board, and independent directors on business challenges and solutions.
I have also worked closely with regulators and law enforcement officials on high-profile and global investigations across diverse sectors, both in India and globally.
Today, our forensics team in India has grown to over 1,000 members, experiencing exponential growth since its establishment as a 30-member practice in 2010.
We have individuals with varied experiences, backgrounds, and capabilities which range from accountants, technologists, lawyers, former law enforcement officials, MBAs, and others.
There is no recipe for becoming a pro forensic accountant, however, I think,
- My strong auditing background
- Knowledge acquired with experience
- Foresight
- A healthy dose of skepticism
- Working on challenging cases with an accomplished team propelled my career journey.
Typical day as a Partner in Forensic & Integrity Services at EY
As a Partner with EY Forensic & Integrity Services, I lead the practice’s business in India and other emerging markets.
A typical day involves,
- Overlooking ongoing projects around investigations
- Proactive fraud risk management
- Cybercrime or ransomware cases
- Or dispute and arbitration-related work
I spend a lot of time studying the case to understand the key issues, using tools to analyze data, uncover discrepancies or suspicious trends, and source more information, wherever required.
As a team, we evaluate the findings and analyze the evidence so it’s conclusive, forensically sound, and not circumstantial, and provide impartial, fact-based reports.
I work closely with the wider team, brainstorming ideas to come up with the best course of action and if needed, going back to the drawing board to help with our client’s concerns.
One of the best parts about my job is brainstorming with the young team and arriving at solutions.
Keeping up with changing times
My tryst with forensics initially was through investigation-related engagements, which were reactive, and case-based. However, over the years, the focus on forensics has evolved into a more proactive approach.
Today, rather than responding to a situation retrospectively, I focus on using modern forensics technologies and solutions. This approach moves beyond conducting a post-incident investigation and analysis and setting up an early warning system.
This helps identify and detect anomalies or unexpected alterations to prevent instances of fraud or unethical conduct in an organization.
As a leader, I also have to continuously acquire new skills, raise the benchmark, and motivate my team to scale new heights.
Also read: Exact strategies I used for my Forensic Accounting Interview at a Big 4 Firm
Challenges I faced
As professionals, we all have our ups and downs.
There were numerous instances where I lost engagements or didn’t get promoted.
That is a part and parcel of life. However, each experience, whether good or bad, had some learning and has shaped me into what I am today.
Challenges or hurdles may seem insurmountable in the beginning. It’s important to just pause, take a step back, and give everything a real think-through to see how far you’ve come in life.
Is forensic accounting in demand?
There is a demand for forensic professionals due to,
- An increase in complex Indian and global regulations
- Fraud or violations in businesses
- Rise in cross-border business transactions
- A sharp spike in cybercrime and ransomware attacks
Which degree is best for forensic accounting?
- A strong educational background in accounting, finance, law, or technology, investigative skills
- A relevant qualification (Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, Certified Information Systems Auditor, etc.)
- Constantly reinvent yourself to keep up with a changing business and regulatory environment
I would highly recommend having a credential such as the Certified Fraud Examiner from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).
It offers a comprehensive approach by addressing both theoretical and practical aspects, proving invaluable for forensic professionals.
While a lot will come with experience, my advice would be to live by the mantra – Learn, Unlearn, and Relearn.
It’s essential to think creatively, innovate, foster an analytical mindset, and nurture a healthy curiosity to question everything. Furthermore, seeking some level of international exposure can be highly beneficial.
Also read: South African CA eventually starts her own Forensic Accounting Practice
Wrapping Up…
As a forensic accountant with a strong understanding of the law, I have served as an internal auditor, statutory auditor, and financial controller, and have also led forensic investigations.
I truly believe that CA was the best foundation that I could have received in my career.
It has the potential to open up a host of opportunities in areas such as accounting, finance, internal audit, tax auditing, forensics, taxation, treasury, compliance, and many others.
If I could go back in time, I would advise my younger self to explore interests beyond work from early on and to do better at creating a work-life balance.
Dare to dream big, push yourself toward the extreme, but also seek guidance from mentors or peers, and most importantly, be positive. Success will follow soon enough.
Arpinder Singh is a Chartered Accountant (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India), Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Public Accountant, and an ISO 37001 Certified Lead Auditor.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce (Delhi University), and law (LLB) (Mumbai University), and has earned an MBA from Syracuse University, New York.
Arpinder is also the Founder of the Western Region Chapter of the ACFE and a special invitee to the ICAI’s Digital Accounting and Assurance Board (2020-21). He is also the author of “Checkmate corruption!” published by Bloomsbury Plc.
