This case takes place in New York and involves a breach in fiduciary duty by an accountant. The plaintiff is the owner of a large farm equipment dealership. The defendants were, at the time of the incident, employees at this dealership. The plaintiff entered into a vehicles flooring and security agreement with a bank to finance new and used farm vehicles and equipment. Initially, the floor plan required the plaintiff to provide specific documentation for all vehicles acquired by means of the floor plan line of credit. This documentation included the VIN and the manufacturers invoice for every new vehicle that was sold. The defendants controlled every aspect of the business, including the day to day accounting, using Quickbooks software to organize and facilitate creation of all financial statements. Once financial statements were finalized, they were uploaded into the manufacturer’s database for reporting purposes. Each month, the defendants generated funds from the sale of illusory vehicles and equipment. It is claimed that the defendants distorted financial reports, took the plaintiff’s funds for their own purposes, and as a result caused the dealership to suffer severe financial losses. Expert witnesses with specialization in crisis management and forensic accounting were retained for this case.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Do you have extensive experience in accounting? Please explain.
2. Do you have knowledge of the proper reporting techniques by accounting managers and controllers?
3. Do you have any expert witness experience? Have you ever reviewed a case similar to this?
Expert Witness Response E-009516
I have more than 20 years of experience in this industry and have extensive experience conducting financial reviews. I have served as an expert witness before in a criminal litigation case involving accounting dealership personnel. I am familiar with the proper reporting techniques by accounting managers and controllers at these kind of dealerships. I would be happy to review this case on the plaintiff's behalf.
About the author
Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.