One of the most fascinating parts of my work as a forensic accountant is writing rebuttal reports. These are the reports I prepare after the opposing side has already submitted their own expert analysis, often detailing claims of fraud, damages, or economic loss.

By the time their report lands on my desk, it usually looks polished and authoritative, but my role is to peel back the layers and see if it truly holds up under scrutiny. Spoiler alert: It often doesn’t.

When I dig into these reports, my job is to test every assumption, calculation, and conclusion. I’m looking for weaknesses, inconsistencies, or outright errors that may undermine the credibility of the other expert’s work. Some of the issues I might identify include:

• Calculation errors: Maybe they skipped transactions, pulled numbers from the wrong documents, or simply made math mistakes. Even small errors can completely change the bottom line.
• Improper methods: In accounting, just like in law, there are widely accepted ways of doing things. When an opposing expert strays from those accepted standards, it raises questions about the reliability of their conclusions.
• Unreasonable assumptions: If their analysis rests on assumptions that are unrealistic or biased, I point it out. An entire report can crumble if the foundation is faulty.
• Questionable data quality: Sometimes the underlying records are incomplete, inaccurate, or cherry-picked. If the data is unreliable, the results can’t be trusted.
• Procedural missteps: The process matters. If they failed to validate their numbers properly or relied on documents that weren’t credible, I call that out.
• Omissions: Every now and then, I see that important information was conveniently ignored, often because it would weaken the other side’s case. Highlighting those omissions is critical.
• Unknown facts: And sometimes I have access to information the other expert doesn’t. When those facts materially change the analysis, it can flip the case upside down.

Depending on the scope of my assignment, I may also provide an alternative calculation to show how the numbers should look. In other cases, my role is simply to critique what the other side has done without offering a new calculation. That decision is usually made by the attorney who retains me.

Rebuttal reports are essential in litigation because once one side has presented their damages analysis or allegations of fraud, the judge or jury needs to hear the other side of the story. A well-done rebuttal doesn’t just dispute the numbers; it shows the court why those numbers can’t be trusted. In short, my job is to level the playing field by exposing flaws and ensuring the case is built on solid, defensible financial evidence.