This is a reporting requirements and severance tax case involving a multinational energy company in Pennsylvania. Allegedly, the company had manipulated their royalty payments by overcharging on post-production expenses, reducing the amount of royalties they needed to pay. The company was also accused of failing to use the reasonable market value for their gas, affecting their royalty payments even further. Facing uncertainty over the company’s taxes and profits, an accountant experienced in oil and gas accounting was called in to look into severance tax records to comment on the case.

I have decades of experience in oil and gas accounting and severance tax issues. Throughout my career, I've developed an expertise in oil and gas accounting practices, specifically related to severance tax and royalty calculation. I also have experience testifying in court as an oil and gas accounting expert.

1. Please briefly describe your experience as it relates to oil and gas accounting practices.

2. Do you have specific experience with severance tax, and calculating an appropriate royalty amount after deductions are taken out?

Board Certified, Forensic Examiner, American Board of Forensic Examiners

Certified, Consultant and Expert, American Academy of Certified Consultants and Experts

Certified, Business Manager, Association of Professionals in Business Management

Certified, Environmental Auditor, Association of Professionals in Business Management

Certified, Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer, National Registry of Environmental Professionals

Certified, Fraud Examiner, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

Certified, Fraud Specialist, Association of Certified Fraud Specialists

Certified, Negotiation Expert, Negotiation Expertise, LLC

Certified, Professional Consultant to Management, National Bureau of Certified Consultants

Certified, Management Consultant, Institute of Management Consultants

Certified, Risk Management Assurance, Institute of Internal Auditors

Registered, Environmental Manager, National Registry of Environmental Professionals

Registered, Professional Consultant, American Association of Professional Consultants

Fellow, American College of Forensic Examiners

Member, Council of Petroleum Accountants Societies

Member, The Institute of Internal Auditors, Inc.

Member, Petroleum Accountants Society of Canada

Former O** a** G** A********* M****** O** C**********

Former C****** A****** O********* O** a** G** C******

Former A**** M****** H*** P******** C**********

Former S***** S**** A****** D***** O** C**********

Current O**** a** P******** p******** c********* f***

Northeast

Pennsylvania

This expert has been working in the petroleum industry for over 40 years. He has worked for numerous petroleum and energy firms in a variety of capacities, from production and drilling accountant and oil and gas accountant to senior internal auditor, control analyst, audit manager, and senior staff auditor. Awarded the honor of Fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners, he holds a number of certifications for auditing, fraud examination, and consulting, while he has held membership in the Council of Petroleum Accountants Societies for over 40 years. Currently, this expert runs his own petroleum consulting firm, where he provides services in the areas of auditing, negotiation, reviews, due diligence, fraud, litigation support, and joint interest and contract compliance. His clients have included Amoco, Chevron, Exxon, and Texaco, among many others, and his audits have returned exceptions of up to $60 million. This expert is the sole author of the first Council of Petroleum Accountants Societies index of all COPAS publications as well as the co-author of the first Canadian index of all Petroleum Accountants Society of Canada publications.

Energy Company Sued for Underpaid Royalties

Question(s) For Expert Witness

Expert Witness Response E-007464

Find an expert witness near you

Subscribe to our newsletter