Attestation is defined as an engagement in which a practitioner is hired to issue written communication that expresses a conclusion about the reliability of an assertion prepared by a separate party. In the attest area, we provide the following services:

• Examination of financial forecasts and projections
• Examination of pro forma financial statements
• Evaluation of internal control
• Assessment of compliance with rules, regulations, and contractual obligations
• Evaluation of management’s discussion and analysis of financial results

Request information about Attestation Services below

These are independent professional services that improve the quality of information, or its context, for decision-makers. Unlike audit and attestation services that are often highly structured, assurance services tend to be customized and implemented when performed for a smaller group of decision makes within the organization. Often managers must make decisions on things for which they have incomplete or inaccurate date. Thus, decisions made on such data may be incorrect and increase the overall business risk. In this respect, assurance services can be very helpful in reducing risk and helping managers or decision makers make more confident decisions within a given organization. This is similar to an audit in that an investor will choose to invest in a company that is publishing financial statements that have been audited by an independent certified public accounting firm.

Assurance services can test financial and nonfinancial information. For this reason, assurance services can be classified as consulting services. However, assurance services are not considered consulting because in consulting services generally, an accountant uses his or her professional knowledge to make recommendations for a future event or a procedure, such as the design of an information system or accounting control system. In contrast, assurance services are designed to test the validity of past data of the business cycles. Although there is no boundary to what an accountant can test in assurance services, an accountant will not likely accept an assurance engagement in which his firm or previous experiences does not provide them with enough expertise to make a professional opinion on the given data.

Assurance services done by accountants differ from nonassurance services. Examples of assurance services include:

• Business risk assessment
• Audits, reviews and compilations
• Agreed-upon procedures
• Forecasts and projections
• Budgeting
• Information systems security review
• Customer satisfaction survey
• Internal audit outsourcing
• Accounts receivable review

Request information about Assurance Services below

Business theft is rampant. It is estimated that U.S. organizations lose 7% of their annual revenues to fraud with median losses totaling $175,000. Managing fraud risk in business is critical. We are equipped and experienced to reduce the risk of your business being vulnerable to such activity.

We utilize a variety of techniques, including data mining software, to identify areas of vulnerability and potential risk. Prevention is the goal. We provide recommendations on improving your internal controls, help with establishing personnel policies and training to detect suspicious behavior and activity. Our engagement includes a written report with findings and suggestions enabling you to implement changes designed to provide greater security over the assets of the business.

Unfortunately, theft does occur. Establishing and presenting the facts in plain language is a skill that we have acquired. We work with attorneys to provide the necessary evidence for prosecution, or recovery, as the case may be. Additionally, we are experienced in providing expert witness testimony, in or out of court, as needed.

Our complete fraud and forensic accounting services include:

• Fraud risk assessments
• Prevention controls and procedures
• Data mining and analysis
• Forensic accounting investigations
• Evidence assistance
• Expert witness testimony

Request information about Fraud and Forensic Accounting below

• Corporate and personal planning
• State and local analysis and strategic planning
• Cost segregation studies
• Merger and acquisition planning and analysis
• Estate and gift tax planning
• Retirement plan analysis, design and consulting
• Personal financial planning
• Life insurance needs and analysis
• Investment analysis
• Representation before taxing authorities
• Economic incentive programs
• Preparation of various tax returns

Request information about Tax Services below

There are many and varied reasons that individuals and companies need valuation services. We provide a full range of valuation services for estate and gift tax planning and administration, litigation support, succession planning, and mergers and acquisitions. Our valuation services are designed to be used for the following:

• Gift and estate tax
• Litigation support
• Shareholder agreements and disputes
• Income tax reporting
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Intangible valuation and goodwill impairment
• Financing

Request information about Valuation and Litigation Support Services below