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In the aftermath of accounting scandals, financial crimes, and business collapses, the rapidly growing specialty of Forensic Accountants with either a CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) designation or a CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics) designation continues to grow in importance (Credo carries both of these designations). Although the need for forensic accountants (FAs) is growing across multiple industries, there is an incredible need within law firms for the specialized skills of FAs. Litigation often involves multiple, complex accounting and legal issues that overlap and intertwine. FAs with broad business backgrounds and forensic experience are a vital resource to the litigation team and provide valuable insight into financial issues.
Jim Medford, litigation practice area leader for Smith Moore Leatherwood, a regional law firm with offices across the Southeast was quoted, “By having a forensic accountant work with our firm, we are able to utilize their financial skills early on as we evaluate new matters. Time requirements for locating, interviewing, clearing conflicts, and scheduling meetings with outside experts are minimized. With a forensic accountant, we can offer our clients more sophisticated services and cost savings in one stroke, and ultimately, that’s what our clients are looking to us to do.”
The skill sets of traditional accountants do not always transition well into forensic services where strong analytical thinking, as well as oral and written communication skills are essential. By working with accountants possessing these skills, a law firm can offer an exceptionally wide variety of both interesting and challenging work. By analyzing, interpreting, summarizing and presenting financial issues in an understandable format, Credo assists attorneys in identifying a case’s key issues.
As an agent of the law firm, FAs are not required to testify or to issue expert reports to the opposing side about their findings. They may communicate freely with attorneys as these communications are not discoverable by the opponents. When very specific financial experts are needed for in-court testimony, FAs can assist in finding experts with the requisite skills and experience. The FA may also assist in preparing these experts for trial. In investigating the financial facts of a case, much of the information needed by the outside expert will already have been obtained, organized and summarized by the engaged FA.
The law firm-accountant relationship will continue to grow and can be mutually beneficial as firms realize the benefits of having an internal FA and accountants seek creative ways to use their skills and experience. Working with a law firm as a consulting or testifying expert provides opportunity for Credo to develop strategic, trusted relationships with a firm, to understand that firm’s culture and to find ways that he or she could benefit the firm and/or its attorneys. A good forensic accountant can be a powerful resource for law firms of all sizes, but the FA must persistently demonstrate this exceptional value.
The Forensic and Valuation Services section of the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) introduced the CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics) in May 2008. This certification requires that members be licensed as CPAs, pass an examination, have forensic services experience and maintain continuing education requirements. Credo holds this credential.
He has accrued broad financial experience working with companies ranging in revenues from $50,000 to $60 billion.Dan has worked with technology services, software, real estate, retail, manufacturing companies, professional services firms, marketing/advertising agencies, dental practices, medical practices, and various other industries, providing each with the specific financial guidance needed to establish sustained business growth and financial health.