Forensic Accountant

Job Description

My client is looking for a Forensic Accountant who will play a central role in the investigation, development, and prosecution of securities fraud and related complex litigation matters. In this role you will work closely with attorneys, experts, and investigators and you will analyze financial disclosures, identify accounting irregularities, and support all phases of litigation—including pre-filing investigation and drafting amended pleadings, fact and expert discovery, and ultimately to resolution.

This role is ideal for a highly analytical accounting professional who is interested in applying financial expertise towards the achievement of meaningful public impact in a fast-paced litigation environment.

Key Responsibilities

Case Development and Investigation

• Analyze SEC filings, earnings releases, financial statements, analyst reports, media coverage, and other public disclosures.
• Identify and assess disclosures for potential indicia of disclosure deficiencies, accounting irregularities, issues in internal controls over financial reporting, and/or shortcomings in any applicable audit reports.
• Evaluate financial trends, operational metrics, and stock-price movements to help develop case theories, including as based on applicable GAAP, IFRS, or other accounting requirements, requirements around internal controls, and applicable auditing standards (including as to required disclosures around critical audit matters).
• Assist attorneys in drafting complaints and amended pleadings.

Discovery and Fact Development

• Assist as appropriate in discovery requests to both parties and third-parties (including audit firms) relating to accounting or other applicable issues, as well as in assessing the sufficiency and adequacy of responses to such discovery requests.
• Review large-scale document productions to identify key evidence relating to claims, including critical documents and accounting issues, as well as to identify any gaps or materials missing from productions or whether further requests and/or follow-up are necessary.
• Support in preparing for and conducting fact depositions, including witness identification, document analysis, identifying and outlining specific questions and subjects of inquiry, and, when appropriate, attending key depositions to provide real-time analytical support as needed.

Expert Coordination and Discovery

• Work closely with testifying and consulting experts to develop analyses and prepare expert reports as appropriate, including as to accounting, auditing, or financial issues.
• Review and analyze reports and testimony by opposing experts, including assisting in developing and supporting fact and expert responses in opposition to such reports and testimony.
• Support in preparing for depositions of experts, including identifying and outlining expected questions and subjects of inquiry and, when appropriate, attending depositions to provide real-time analytical support.

Other Preparation and Support

• Support attorneys in drafting briefs and preparing for oral arguments as appropriate, including as to:

o Oppositions to motions to dismiss
o Discovery motions
o Motions for summary judgment
o Motions for class certification
o Motions involving expert testimony

• Assist with trial preparation, including exhibit and witness selection, coordination with experts and other witnesses to assist in preparing and testifying, and generally supporting the preparation of demonstratives, stipulated facts, witness outlines, and other material as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• CPA or similar professional certification (or progress toward certification).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in forensic accounting, auditing, or related roles.
• Working knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and auditing practices, including an understanding of audit processes and internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) under applicable securities law standards.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial statements and identify irregularities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously.