Forensic accounting is a specialty practice area of accounting that describes engagements that result from actual or anticipated disputes or litigation. It's a field that requires a combination of accounting, auditing and investigative skills.

We have extensive experience in this area and have acted as independent expert witnesses in matters involving:

• Family Law;
• Compulsory Acquisition;
• Shareholder Disputes;
• Economic Damages (Loss Of Profits);
• Early Termination Of Commercial Contracts;
• Business Valuations; and
• Fraud.

While not all cases lead to formal litigation, we are able to produce information to a standard that would be suitable for use in a court of law.

These days as more infrastructure is required with limited space, it's not uncommon for businesses to be compulsory acquired by the government. Whether it's for new highways or airports or some other reason, being compulsory acquired can be a daunting prospect. Unfortunately though the result is rarely like The Castle where the acquisition is denied to the government. Worse still, it's not the gravy train that you might expect, particularly where the process can mean your business being compensated in two ways by having to relocate (through lost profits) or on the basis of 'extinguishment' meaning that it cannot be moved to another location so it's as if the government is 'buying' the business.

We have acted for businesses that have been in this situation and having to ensure that the business owner is fairly compensated. This will involve going through the business valuation process.