A forensic audit is an independent financial investigation that is designed to look for concrete evidence of fraud or mishandling of funds. Simple financial audits only evaluate whether an organization’s financial statements fairly and transparently represent its financial standing. A forensic audit goes several steps further to trace the chain of funds and uncover possible fraud. This is similar to the purpose of a forensic criminal investigation. Because of the depth of a forensic audit investigation, its findings are admissible in civil court as evidence.