By AI Advisor
In high-stakes legal and financial situations, clear answers are critical. That’s where a forensic accountant comes in. Whether you’re an attorney preparing for litigation or a business owner navigating financial uncertainty, understanding what a forensic accountant does can be the key to making smart, defensible decisions.
At McEntire Advisory, forensic accounting isn’t just about crunching numbers. It’s about uncovering the truth. Our team delivers expert insight and clarity when it matters most. So, what does a forensic accountant really do—and when should you call one in? Let’s break it down.
What Is Forensic Accounting?
Forensic accounting is a specialized field of accounting that focuses on investigating financial data for use in legal proceedings. Unlike general accounting, forensic accounting is investigative in nature and often tied to disputes, fraud allegations, or court cases.
Forensic accountants combine financial expertise with investigative skills to:
- Identify fraud or embezzlement
- Trace hidden or misappropriated assets
- Quantify economic damages
- Reconstruct financial records
- Prepare expert reports and testify in court
The findings of a forensic accountant must be clear, credible, and defensible under scrutiny. At McEntire Advisory, we support attorneys, business owners, and lenders with precisely this type of high-integrity analysis.
Key Responsibilities of a Forensic Accountant
A forensic accountant’s work can vary depending on the case, but their core responsibilities typically include:
- Fraud Investigations
Forensic accountants are often called in to investigate suspicions of fraud, embezzlement, or financial misconduct. We trace transactions, examine documentation, and follow the money to determine what really happened. - Litigation Support
Attorneys rely on forensic accountants to help build or defend a case. This includes calculating damages, analyzing opposing reports, and preparing exhibits for trial. - Business Valuations (Litigation-Related)
In shareholder disputes, divorces, or business dissolutions, a forensic accountant could provide valuations that can withstand legal scrutiny. However, more than likely, they’ll uncover necessary adjustments to financials that would impact a business valuation. - Asset Tracing and Recovery
When funds or assets have been hidden or transferred improperly, forensic accountants use investigative techniques to locate them and assess their value. - Financial Reconstructions
If records are missing, altered, or unreliable, forensic accountants reconstruct financials to provide a clearer picture of what occurred—and when. - Expert Witness Testimony
At McEntire Advisory, our forensic accountants regularly serve as expert witnesses in court. We present complex financial findings in a clear, understandable way that judges and juries can trust.
Common Situations That Require Forensic Accounting
Attorneys and business owners typically engage a forensic accountant when:
- There’s suspected financial fraud within a company
- Partners or shareholders are in dispute over equity or compensation
- Divorce proceedings require business valuation or asset tracing
- A breach of contract or personal injury case requires calculating lost profits or damages
- A business sale or transition needs fair valuation under contentious conditions
- Creditors need to verify claims in bankruptcy or receivership matters
What Sets a Forensic Accountant Apart?
Precision, discretion, and credibility. At McEntire Advisory, our forensic accounting experts are:
- Certified and court-tested with years of litigation support experience
- Deadline-driven and responsive—we understand that legal timelines are non-negotiable
- Detail-oriented, with an ability to uncover red flags others might miss
- Skilled communicators who can simplify complex data for non-financial audiences
We know that our findings may influence court decisions, settlements, or business strategies. That’s why every report we produce is built on accuracy, objectivity, and transparency.
How Forensic Accounting Supports Legal Strategy
For attorneys, partnering with a forensic accountant early in the case can:
- Strengthen legal arguments with clear, quantitative evidence
- Identify key financial data and red flags before discovery
- Improve preparation for depositions and trial testimony
- Reduce risk of errors that can weaken a case
How Business Owners Benefit from Forensic Accounting
For business owners, forensic accounting provides clarity and control in challenging moments:
- Gain confidence before entering negotiations
- Understand the full financial picture in disputes or transitions
- Protect your interests when internal concerns or fraud arise
- Navigate legal issues with expert insight
When Should You Call a Forensic Accountant?
If you’re unsure whether a situation calls for forensic accounting, here are signs it might be time:
- You suspect internal financial misconduct or fraud
- You’re preparing for litigation involving financial disputes
- You need a business valuation, but are concerned that there are irregularities in the financials that might impact a valuation
- Financial records are missing, inconsistent, or unclear
- You need expert support to testify or produce a defensible damages report
The earlier a forensic accountant is involved, the more strategic value they can bring to the process.
Why Choose McEntire Advisory
At McEntire Advisory, we specialize in high-stakes forensic accounting. Our team supports attorneys, business owners, and lenders with actionable insight that holds up in court, in negotiations, and in complex decision-making.
Clients turn to us because:
- We work quickly and accurately—often delivering expert reports in 4-5 weeks
- We speak the language of both law and business
- We prioritize timeliness, integrity, and clarity in every engagement
When the numbers matter, and mistakes can be costly, trust McEntire Advisory to uncover the truth.
Let’s Talk
If you need a forensic accountant who brings precision, professionalism, and courtroom-ready expertise, schedule a call with McEntire Advisory today.
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This article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). While reviewed for accuracy and clarity by McEntire Advisory, it should be considered general information and not personalized advice.
