Potential for Bailout Money Fraud Prompts Expansion of Forensic Accounting Firm
A prominent forensic accounting firm has opened a new office in Los Angeles and added one of the nation's leading forensic investigators to its team of experts in anticipation of an expected increase in fraud, waste and abuse as billions in Federal bailout money are about to be injected into the economy.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 14, 2009
A prominent forensic accounting firm has opened a new office in Los Angeles and added one of the nation's leading forensic investigators to its team of experts in anticipation of an expected increase in fraud, waste and abuse as billions in Federal bailout money are about to be injected into the economy. Forensic/Strategic Solutions, PC announced that Don Mullinax will lead its expanded government practice team from the firm's new Los Angeles office. Mullinax is a 29-year veteran of conducting complex forensic investigations involving allegations of fraud, waste and abuse and providing anti-fraud consulting services in the public and private sectors.
Ralph Q. Summerford, president of Forensic/Strategic Solutions states, "As the perception and likelihood of fraud continues to grow in the public and private sectors we want to remain at the forefront of the country's most prominent forensic accounting firms. Due to our past work experience with Mullinax in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) matters, his extensive knowledge and nearly three decades of experience in the field, Don Mullinax is the ideal choice to lead our firm's government practice group."
According to Mullinax, "Our current economic crisis unfortunately creates an environment that fuels bad decisions in both the public and private sectors. In addition to investigating and resolving fraud and improper activity, our team will also consult with organizations to analyze their systems to reduce the opportunities for fraud to occur and to put safeguards in place to prevent fraud before it happens."
Mullinax also sees the growing government "economic stimulus" and "bailout" programs as a breeding ground for fraud, waste and abuse. "In California alone, more than $11 billion dollars in school bond measures were passed in the November election," he said. "Billions more are expected from president-elect Obama's public works programs to create new jobs. In many cases, there is very little accountability in place for the management of those funds.
Forensic/Strategic Solutions is in a unique position to help government organizations, non-profits, businesses, and associations create safeguards to prevent potential fraud before it occurs and to find and stop fraud, waste and abuse when it does occur."
About Don Mullinax
Before joining Forensic/Strategic Solutions, Mullinax was a principal with the Forensic & Dispute Services practice group of a national accounting firm. Prior to that, Mullinax was Inspector General for the LAUSD, where he served as chief audit executive and chief investigator for the nation's second largest public school system. He also served as Chief Investigator on the U. S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Director of Contract Investigations at the District of Columbia Office of Inspector General, Investigator on the U. S. Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, and served 15 years in a variety of audit positions with the U. S. Army before working on Capitol Hill.
Mullinax is a leader and an active member in many professional associations including the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (Former Chairman, Board of Regents), Association of Government Accountants (Board of Advisors & Former President, Los Angeles Civic Center Chapter), Association of Inspectors General, Institute of Internal Auditors (Board of Governors & Former President, Los Angeles Chapter) and National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association to name a few.
He is a graduate of the Inspectors General Institute and holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Georgia College and State University and a master's degree in Business Management from Central Michigan University.
He has received several professional designations including Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), to name a few.
Furthermore, Mullinax has obtained the U. S. government's top level of security clearance as Top Secret Security Clearance (1989-1999) and Secret Security Clearance (2007-present).
About Forensic/Strategic Solutions, PC
Forensic/Strategic Solutions, PC, with offices in Los Angeles, CA, Birmingham, AL and Dallas, TX employs financial forensic experts who are trained to look beyond the numbers, calling on many years of experience in investigations, accounting and auditing to see the realities of a company's financial situation. They provide an accounting analysis that becomes the basis for discussion, debate and ultimately dispute resolution, whether in a court of law or other forum.
The experts at Forensic/Strategic Solutions are trained to analyze, interpret, summarize and present complex financial and business related issues in a manner that is both understandable and properly supported. The firm's team is familiar with legal concepts and procedures and understands the implications of multiple issues, including that of substance over form. The experts at Forensic/Strategic Solutions are equipped with the latest in computer equipment, data mining software and forensic computer analysis tools. Additionally, they are qualified to undertake complex assignments, serving as expert witnesses and investigative accountants in areas including fraud, economic damages, financial reporting, business valuation, and financial distress.
For more information on Forensic/Strategic Solutions, PC, visit www. forensicstrategic. com. To speak with any of these financial forensic experts, please contact Ruwena Healy at 205.655.0783.
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