CONSULTING & ADVICE

Investigations & Due Diligence

Globalisation provides access to new territories and opportunities to work with new business partners. With these opportunities there will inevitably be risks. In the broadest sense there will be a need to assess the political and economic stability in these new areas, and at the other end of the scale it will be essential to have confidence in new partners, vendors and relatively untried institutions. While off-the-shelf assessments abound, SSI prefers to tailor surveys and investigations more precisely to client needs, very often using the experience and knowledge of consultants and contacts resident in the target area. As a result, SSI can identify and diminish the risks associated with:

• Entry into a new territory
• Acquisitions, joint ventures or strategic alliances
• An important supplier contract
• Investment in a major project

Unauthorized Product Investigations

An enormous range of consumer items are subject to counterfeit. The spectrum is wide ranging from CDs to cigarettes, from whisky to watches and from trainers to toothpaste - and the loss of revenue, and the degradation of brand image are significant. The enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights is a major issue. But counterfeit goods do not appear by magic. Resources need to be assembled, production lines created and operated, the goods marketed and eventually distributed. A significant footprint remains, and this leaves SSI the option to investigate.

Forensic Accounting Investigations

SSI forensic accounting consultants are Certified Public or Chartered Accountants, with additional qualifications in forensic accounting and their professionalism is enhanced by business acumen and in-depth sector experience. When an organization is required to investigate a suspected fraud or corrupt deal, or is simply looking to strengthen internal controls, a forensic accounting investigation is a cost and time effective way to achieve the objective.

Vetting and Background Investigations

As organizations strive to reduce management overheads, and reporting lines subsequently flatten, more responsibility and authority is inevitably devolved to a few key executives. In our competitive world the loyalty, performance and integrity of these people is vital to the success of any organization. Most clients have in place effective selection processes tasked to ensure that the best candidate is chosen. Regrettably deceptions are attempted in respect of qualifications, experience and in some cases hiding criminal records. Most business fraud is committed by serving employees. SSI can conduct routine recruitment vetting and employee background investigations that are considered by many employers to be a prudent and worthwhile investment.