Managing Client Emotions in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation

Manage client emotions in forensic accounting and fraud investigations While many resources exist that outline the primary functional aspects of conducting a forensic accounting or fraud investigation, this book is the first of its kind in addressing the significance of client emotions during investigations and how important the management of those emotions is to the investigation as a whole. Forensic accounting expert Stephen Pedneault has nearly 30 years of experience conducting such fraud investigations, and has become an expert in this form of holistic engagement management. In this comprehensive resource, Pedneault shares his real-world experiences to help the reader understand exactly what role client emotions can play in a fraud investigation, and how to acknowledge and address the emotions of all parties right from the start. Included in the book are pragmatic strategies for managing emotions throughout an engagement, starting with the initial client meeting. Readers will also learn how to develop their own personal approach to managing individuals emotions throughout an investigation, which has proven to be much more effective than ignoring or underestimating the role that emotions can play. The book: Is the first resource specifically addressing client emotions in fraud investigations Includes tips for dealing with emotions and managing expectations from the initial meeting Prepares practitioners for future engagements with a new, unique perspective on managing emotions Helps fraud investigators and forensic accountants develop their own personal approaches to dealing with individuals and their emotions For accountants, auditors, fraud investigators, and others in the field, this complete, groundbreaking resource is the quintessential guide to managing client emotions in forensic accounting and fraud investigations.

Manage client emotions in forensic accounting and fraud investigationsWhile many resources exist that outline the primary functional aspects of conducting a forensic accounting or fraud investigation, this book is the first of its kind in addressing the significance of client emotions during investigations and how important the management of those emotions is to the investigation as a whole. Forensic accounting expert Stephen Pedneault has nearly 30 years of experience conducting such fraud investigations, and has become an expert in this form of holistic engagement management. In this comprehensive resource, Pedneault shares his real-world experiences to help the reader understand exactly what role client emotions can play in a fraud investigation, and how to acknowledge and address the emotions of all parties right from the start.Included in the book are pragmatic strategies for managing emotions throughout an engagement, starting with the initial client meeting. Readers will also learn how to develop their own personal approach to managing individuals' emotions throughout an investigation, which has proven to be much more effective than ignoring or underestimating the role that emotions can play. The book:* Is the first resource specifically addressing client emotions in fraud investigations* Includes tips for dealing with emotions and managing expectations from the initial meeting* Prepares practitioners for future engagements with a new, unique perspective on managing emotions* Helps fraud investigators and forensic accountants develop their own personal approaches to dealing with individuals and their emotionsFor accountants, auditors, fraud investigators, and others in the field, this complete, groundbreaking resource is the quintessential guide to managing client emotions in forensic accounting and fraud investigations.

Preface ixAcknowledgements xiAbout the Author xiiiIntroduction 1PART I: WHY ADDRESS CLIENT EMOTIONS? 3Chapter 1: Encountering Client Emotions 5Chapter 2: Choose to Address Client Emotions 17Chapter 3: Complicating Factors 29PART II: WHAT EMOTIONS WILL BE ENCOUNTERED? 49Chapter 4: Identifying Client Emotions 51Chapter 5: Identifying Client Emotions 71Chapter 6: Identifying Client Emotions 87Chapter 7: Suicide 109Chapter 8: Stages of Grief and Magical Thinking 123PART III: CLIENT EMOTIONS: STRATEGIES TOWARD SUCCESS 137Chapter 9: Preparing for Client Emotions 139Chapter 10: Managing Client Emotions 157Chapter 11: Reacting to Client Emotions 169Chapter 12: Final Thoughts 185