Forensic Accounting
When money is missing or numbers don't add up, you need answers you can rely on. Our forensic accountants trace funds, reconstruct records and document findings for owners, boards, attorneys and courts.
How Nelson & Associates handles Forensic Accounting
Forensic accounting applies accounting, auditing and investigative skills to legal questions. We investigate suspected employee theft and embezzlement, vendor and payroll fraud, misappropriation by partners, financial statement manipulation and hidden income or assets.
Our founding CPA holds a Master of Accounting with a specialization in taxation and a minor in fraud forensics, and our firm has served as a consultant and expert witness for federal courts in cases involving fraud, corruption, money laundering and tax evasion. Our work follows professional standards for forensic services and is documented so it can support legal proceedings.
Who this is for
- Business owners who suspect employee theft
- Partners and shareholders in a dispute
- Attorneys needing financial investigation
- Boards and audit committees
- Individuals in divorce with hidden-asset concerns
- Organizations responding to regulatory inquiries
Everything covered in our Forensic Accounting service
- Fraud and embezzlement investigations
- Tracing of funds through bank and business records
- Reconstruction of incomplete or destroyed records
- Lifestyle and net worth analysis
- Interview support and document review
- Quantification of losses for insurance or litigation
- Written reports suitable for legal proceedings
- Recommendations to prevent recurrence
The paperwork behind Forensic Accounting
| Forensic report | Findings, methodology and supporting schedules |
|---|---|
| Fund tracing schedule | Movement of money between accounts and parties |
| Net worth analysis | Indirect method of identifying unreported income |
| Loss calculation | Quantified loss for claims or restitution |
| Fidelity bond / insurance claim | Support for employee dishonesty claims |
What we’ll need from you
Have these ready and your first meeting goes faster. Missing something? We’ll help you find it.
- Bank and credit card statements
- General ledger and accounting system access
- Vendor, payroll and expense records
- Emails or documents related to the concern
- Organizational chart and authority limits
- Any prior audit or investigation reports
How it works, step by step
Confidential consult
We discuss the concern and how to preserve evidence.
Scope and plan
We define questions, data sources and timeline with you or your counsel.
Investigate
We analyze records, trace funds and document findings.
Report and testify
We deliver a clear report and, if needed, testify.
Why clients choose us for Forensic Accounting
Fraud & forensic training
Our founder holds a Master of Accounting with a minor in fraud forensics.
Courtroom experience
Expert witness and consultant in federal cases involving fraud and tax evasion.
Independent and objective
Findings grounded in evidence and professional standards.
Clear communication
Complex financial findings explained in plain language for owners, boards and juries.
Forensic Accounting across the United States
From our Doral office we provide Forensic Accounting to clients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Hover over a state to see its tax profile and the cities we serve; tap it to open the state page.
Services clients often pair with this
Litigation Support & Expert Witness
Financial analysis, damage calculations and expert testimony for attorneys in commercial, tax, fraud and family law matters.
Learn more Audit, Forensic & LitigationInternal Controls
Design and review of internal controls that protect assets, prevent fraud and make financial reporting reliable.
Learn more IRS Tax Problems & ResolutionIRS Audit Representation
CPA representation before the IRS and state agencies for correspondence, office and field audits, through appeals.
Learn more Audit, Forensic & LitigationAudits, Reviews & Compilations
Independent financial statement audits, reviews and compilations for lenders, investors, boards, grantors and government agencies.
Learn moreMore in Audit, Forensic & Litigation
Forensic Accounting FAQs
5 answers to the questions clients ask most. Don’t see yours? Ask us directly.
What should I do if I suspect fraud?
Preserve records, limit the suspected person's access if possible and avoid confronting them before you have evidence. Call us, and your attorney, early.
Should my attorney hire you?
Often, yes. Engaging a forensic accountant through counsel can help protect the confidentiality of the work. We work with many attorneys this way.
How long does an investigation take?
It depends on the scope and records available. We agree a plan and budget up front and report progress regularly.
Can you recover the money?
We quantify the loss and document it for insurance claims, restitution or civil recovery. Recovery itself is pursued through insurers, attorneys or the courts.
Do you offer Forensic Accounting outside Florida?
Yes. Our office is in Doral, Florida, and we work with clients across the United States and abroad through secure uploads, phone and video meetings and e-signatures. South Florida clients are welcome to meet with us in person.
Talk to a CPA about Forensic Accounting.
Your initial consultation is free. Call us, email us or visit our Doral office, and we’ll tell you exactly what you need and what it will cost.