Mediation and Moderation of Forensic Techniques by Audit Assurance Services to Enhance Fraud Inspection

Abstract

Despite existing controls, financial fraud persists in Nigeria, necessitating more robust investigative measures. This study evaluates how audit assurance services mediate and moderate the relationship between modern forensic accounting tools and effective fraud management. Using a survey design, the researchers collected data from 125 professionals across 25 Nigerian auditing firms, analyzing the results via SPSS 27and Smart-PLS 4. The findings reveal a significant statistical connection. With R2 values of 0.6650 (mediating) and 0.6840 (moderating), the results demonstrated that the synergy between forensic techniques
and audit assurance substantially influences fraud detection and prevention. While this interaction impacts the economy both positively and negatively, it ultimately proves that integrated scrutiny is superior to traditional methods alone. Hence, organizations should hire specialized forensic accountants and auditors to strengthen fraud deterrence. The entire Nigerian economic system must be encourage to apply advanced forensic tools to identify vulnerabilities within financial statements. By replacing traditional auditing methods with forensic rigor, Nigeria can better uncover obscured fraud and improve overall financial
integrity.