Forensic Accountant Expert Witness and Litigation Support
Independent expert reports, evidence and practical litigation support for solicitors and barristers across Australian courts and tribunals.
Expert Accounting Evidence That Withstands Scrutiny
Financial evidence is only persuasive if it is independent, well reasoned and clearly explained. An expert who strays into advocacy, relies on unstated assumptions or cannot explain their calculations under cross-examination can do more harm than good.
Steven P. Rider CA CPA has prepared expert witness statements, technical affidavits and single expert reports in matters before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Supreme, District and Local Courts of New South Wales, and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Every engagement is conducted under the evidentiary standards that govern expert evidence, including APES 215 and the applicable expert codes of conduct.
We work with law firms on commercial and family law matters, from early case assessment through to hearing.
Our Expert Witness and Litigation Support Services
Expert Witness Reports
Independent reports addressing the questions in your letter of instruction, prepared in accordance with APES 215 and the applicable expert code of conduct.
Single Expert Appointments
Acting as a court-appointed or jointly appointed single expert, particularly in family law property matters.
Technical Affidavits
Affidavits explaining complex accounting and financial evidence in clear, accessible terms.
Oral Evidence
Giving evidence in court and tribunal hearings, and explaining findings under cross-examination.
Joint Expert Conferences
Participating in expert conferences and joint reports to narrow the issues in dispute.
Critique of Opposing Reports
Identifying errors, unsupported assumptions and alternative conclusions in the other side’s expert evidence.
Early Case Assessment
Preliminary analysis of the financial issues to help you advise on merits, strategy and whether a formal report is needed.
Discovery and Subpoena Support
Helping to target discovery and subpoenas, and analysing the financial material produced.
How an Expert Engagement Works
Receive Instructions
We complete conflict checks and agree the questions, assumptions, documents and deadlines in a letter of instruction.
Review the Evidence
We examine the financial records and identify any further information needed to answer the questions properly.
Analyse and Form Opinions
We apply appropriate methods and reach independent opinions, stating the facts and assumptions relied on.
Report and Give Evidence
We deliver a clear expert report and, where required, give evidence and take part in expert conferences.
Courts and Tribunals
Steven has prepared expert witness statements, technical affidavits and single expert reports in matters before:
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA)
- Supreme Court of New South Wales
- District and Local Courts of New South Wales
- NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)
We work with law firms across Australia.
What Our Expert Reports Include
- The expert’s qualifications and relevant experience
- The instructions received and the questions addressed
- The documents and information relied upon
- The facts and assumptions on which each opinion is based
- The methodology, analysis and reasoning applied
- Any qualifications, limitations or matters outside our expertise
- A declaration of independence and acknowledgement of the applicable code of conduct
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a forensic accountant expert witness do?
A forensic accountant expert witness gives independent opinion evidence on financial and accounting matters, such as the value of a business, the amount of a loss, or where funds have gone, to help the court decide the issues in dispute.
What is an expert witness’s duty to the court?
An expert’s overriding duty is to assist the court impartially on matters within their expertise. The expert is not an advocate for the party that engages or pays them.
When should we brief a forensic accountant?
As early as possible. Early involvement helps you identify the key financial issues, target discovery and subpoenas, and assess the merits before significant costs are incurred.
What should a letter of instruction include?
The questions to be answered, the relevant background facts, any assumptions the expert should adopt, the documents provided, the applicable code of conduct and the key deadlines.
Can you review the other side’s expert report?
Yes. We review opposing expert reports for errors, unsupported assumptions and alternative conclusions, and can prepare a reply report or assist counsel with cross-examination.
Do you give evidence in person?
Yes. We can give oral evidence in court and tribunal hearings, including by video link where the court permits.
Brief a Forensic Accounting Expert
Send us a brief outline of the matter and the parties involved. We will complete conflict checks and confirm availability, scope and fees.