#48 - How Forensic Accountants Find The Real Business Value

Send us Fan MailForensic accounting is often seen as a last-resort service, something you turn to when things have already gone wrong. But as this conversation reveals, that mindset can come at a cost.In this episode, I sit down with Kirrilly Waring from Hall Chadwick, a forensic accountant with over 30 years of experience, to unpack what the work really looks like in practice. From business valuations and shareholder disputes through to family law matters, economic loss, fraud investigations, and tracing funds when trust breaks down.At the centre of it all is clarity. Clarity when decisions matter, and fairness when outcomes are contested.We explore why business owners often misread the value of their own business, and how factors like emotion, one strong year, personal expenses, or informal arrangements can distort the true picture. Kirrilly explains how market value is assessed, why experts often work within a range rather than a single number, and what makes a valuation credible and defensible.We also discuss independence, the role of an expert witness, and why objectivity is critical when outcomes are under scrutiny.From there, the conversation shifts to prevention. The governance habits, agreements, and internal controls that can reduce risk and avoid disputes before they arise.Finally, we look at modern complexity, including cryptocurrency, the speed of digital transactions, and the role and limitations of AI in professional work.A practical and insightful conversation for business owners, directors, and anyone responsible for making decisions where clarity matters.Support the showThank you for listening!