Accountant sues client

work

Hi,
I have had some poor service from my accountant and am in conflict over fees. I am not happy to go over this here. My problem is getting an accountant to look at my case and act as a special witness. Though three seperate accountants aggree they are, for numerous reasons, in the wrong they will not represent me professionally as they are either afraid or do not feel qualified.
Could anyone suggest accountants that will represent clients as special witnesses. As this is going to court I have legal fees so costs are an issue but I am willing to pay reasonable fees.

smcgiff

Hello Work,

I don't know the circumstances obviously, and I understand how angry it can make someone to pay for something they don't think is fair, but what are the chances you are going to pay more in the long run by not paying off your accountant?

Even if the courts are sympathetic they will expect you to pay the accountant something, but you may also have legal fees and have to pay the witness accountant.

On the other hand - have you thought about contacting your accountant's professional body re his fees?

work

I have paid a substantial amount to the accountant already. Sometimes you have to say enough is enough. I looked up the professional bodies in relation to this and I feel as a client the process seemed stacked against me as I would have to pay for an investigative process by accountants ( for accountants!) and how are these bodies regulated-- I could not find this out?

smcgiff

Unfortunately the judge will also be relying on accountants - your special witness. And your special witness will have to be impartial.

Unless it is too late, going through the professional body may be your best course of action - it has to be cheaper.

GAAP

Think systymatically, list the areas that you have real concerns with and back them up with evidence. I would be looking at more of a legal route through his professional indemnity insurance.

If you have a case his insurance co will appoint there own independent accountant to verify your claim.

I have my own practice and would be willing to meet with you and discuss your case, independent and free of charge, PM me if you want my details

djk1000

Q: Two guys go to court to fight over a field, who gets the field????

A: The lawyers

The professional body is the best route to go, send a stinking letter by registered post to a high level person in the body and also make it obvious that you have CC'd these guys on your letter http://www.iaasa.ie/about/index.htm

censuspro

Do you have a letter of engagement? This sets out what the responsibilities of both the accountant and the client including fees and if it goes to court it will be almost certainly presented as evidence.

There's a legal forum on boards.ie where you might get some better advice but dont refer to yourself specifically when posting, present it as a hypothetical situation otherwise you'll get banned.

Btw the title of the thread is confusing, are you suing the client or vice versa?

The CCAinsider

You make a formal complaint to the accountant making it clear that you will go to court to settle this if necessary. This triggers the accountant to tell his/her professional indemnity insurers who will take over dealing with the complaint. You should also make a formal complaint to the accountants professional body, there should be no cost to making this complaint. If you are dissatisfied with what how the professional body deals with the complaint, the regulator is www.iaasa.ie and you can make a complaint to them at that stage. PM me if you want the name of an accountant who does expert witness type work and could assist you in going to court.