Siobhan Ceairns

Senior Manager

I recently joined Ellacotts with over 20 years of experience within the accountancy sector.

Whilst completing my AAT and ACCA qualifications at a local accountancy practice, I gained experience in all areas of accountancy, and I can now utilise this knowledge and experience in my forensic accounting role.

My previous position as a Forensic Manager for over 4 years provided me with experience of numerous forensic cases and during this time, I successfully achieved the ACCA Practising Certificate enabling me to write and produce expert reports for the court.

The question I am often asked is what is it that you actually do?

My forensic role can differ extensively depending on the type of case. A brief overview being:

• matrimonial disputes when complex business valuations are required to include any taxation complications and liquidity in the business for a matrimonial settlement;
• Capital Gains Tax calculations regarding properties and assets as part of the financial remedy proceedings for matrimonial proceedings;
• shareholder disputes where there is a breakdown of the business relationship, and one or more shareholders require a value of their share on exit;
• complex fraud investigations which can often involve examining and analysing the financial data of companies or individuals to provide detailed analysis of transactions that have occurred in certain situations; and
• to assist and provide expert advice where a business needs to quantify and understand losses.

The investigation and analysis of financial information and data undoubtedly assist clients and/or their professional advisors in having a better understanding of the facts and circumstances of relevance to their particular case.

I enjoy the variety and the many challenges that arise from being a forensic accountant. Although the approach and methods can often be similar, each case will have its own individuality making my overall role, exciting and rewarding.