What Do Crime Scene Witnesses and Business Owners Have in Common?

The Role of Skepticism and Quantitative Analysis in Financial Investigations

Co-Sponsored by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts®  (NACVA®) 

	Program Description		Who Should Attend
	How You Will Benefit		Schedule

Program Description
In this thought-provoking course, Miranda Kishel explores the surprising parallels between crime scene witnesses and business owners, and why both require professionals to exercise skepticism and rely on hard evidence.

Much like eyewitnesses to a crime, business owners often provide accounts of their company’s performance that are shaped by emotion, memory, bias, and perspective. While their narratives offer context, they are not always reliable sources of truth. As forensic accountants, valuation professionals, and financial analysts, we must learn to differentiate between perception and reality; between the story told and the facts that can be proven.

This presentation draws on psychological research, professional standards, and real-world examples to demonstrate how subjective statements can skew an analysis if not properly scrutinized. Attendees will explore how techniques like cross-verification, forensic inquiry, benchmarking, and quantitative modeling can help uncover inconsistencies, reveal red flags, and lead to more accurate, defensible conclusions.

Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies for separating story from substance and enhancing the credibility of their conclusions. Whether you are analyzing financials for a valuation, testifying as an expert, or conducting a forensic engagement, this course will remind you why the numbers—not the narrative—are your most trustworthy source of evidence.

How You Will Benefit
After completing this course, attendees will be able to:

• Explain the psychological factors that make witness and business owner accounts unreliable
• Apply professional skepticism when conducting NACVA-related analysis and engagements
• Identify tools and strategies for validating subjective claims with objective financial data
• Recognize common pitfalls in relying too heavily on business owner narratives
• Utilize quantitative analysis techniques such as trend analysis, ratio analysis, and benchmarking
• Integrate real-world examples to strengthen conclusions in valuation, damages, and forensic accounting cases

Take Aways
After completing this course, attendees will be able to critically assess business owner narratives with a heightened sense of professional skepticism. They will know how to validate subjective claims using objective financial data, industry benchmarks, and forensic analysis techniques. Participants will be equipped to recognize common biases and errors in client-provided information, and apply quantitative tools to uncover the true financial health of a business. These skills will enhance the accuracy, defensibility, and credibility of their valuation, forensic, and economic damages engagements.

Delivery Method Group Internet-Based Program Level Basic Advanced Preparation None Prerequisites Previous training or experience with the fundamentals of accounting, finance, economics, and business writing. These individuals are often at the staff or entry level in organizations, although such programs may also benefit a seasoned professional with limited exposure to the area.    Accounting 1 Total CPE Hours   1

For NASBA sponsorship information, including refund, complaint, and/or program cancelation policies, click here.