Michael Grayson BA Hons ACC , ACCA is a qualified forensic accountant and expert witness. Michael qualified with Pricewaterhousecoopers and trained in forensics services at this firm.
Michael has a wide range of experience of working on forensic investigations. These have been varied in nature and include, clients in both the public and private sectors. Working mainly in the financial services and aviation sectors.
Michael leads and co-ordinates Fraud and non-fraud investigations across all industries. This includes the collection of and presentation of evidence compliant with PACE and the codes. Michael is trained in Investigative interviewing and has experience of preparing investigations to support litigation. Michael is also an expert in commercial disputes, he has worked in Asia, America and across Europe representing large multinational companies resolve their respective disputes. Michael has also worked in a regional capacity resolving individual partnership disputes for clients.
Experience:
Michael has recently been involved in an investigation into the finance and operations of an unnamed airline. Michael led the team that investigated various aspects of the organisations financial position. This involved suggesting key improvements to the financial systems enabling the client to improve their own financial reconciliations. This involved reporting to the CAA on the future viability of the airline.
Michael spent a large period of time working at a major National Bank. The investigation involved examining a number of key account reconciliations that supported the underlying Ledgers. This was a high profile investigation to ensure that the bank was Sarbanes-Oxley compliant. Michael had accountability for a specific group of impersonal accounts and work closely with bank staff to ensure the accuracy and completeness of key control account and suspense account reconciliations. Michael also helped the organisation devise new procedures going forward to improve the central reconciliation processes.
Michael acted for a major public sector organisation to defend a claim made by a subcontractor at the dissolution of a major IT outsourcing contract. This involved reviewing the costs claimed in comparison with the Terms and Conditions of the contract, and to challenge the rates used by subcontractor in bringing the claim. This enabled our client to exit the contract in a very favourable position, and saved the company significant amounts in potential claims.
Michael acted as expert in a professional negligence claim relating to the insolvency of a regional car dealership. He was appointed to review the advice given to the Directors of the company, including reviewing a valuation placed on the company. Michael was able to draft evidence that highlighted an inaccurate or negligent approach being made by the former advisors, that led to a positive financial settlement for the client.
Michael acted for the Purchaser of a multi million pound Bathroom and Kitchen business. This involved the construction of the completion accounts for the purchaser. We helped to advise upon adjustments to the stated accounts, which led to savings for our client in excess of $25million. This was a high profile transaction that involved accounts reviews across international locations, and had significant foreign translation implications.
Michael acted for a major public sector organisation to defend a claim made by a subcontractor at the dissolution of a major IT outsourcing contract. This involved reviewing the costs claimed in comparison with the Terms and Conditions of the contract, and to challenge the rates used by subcontractor in bringing the claim. This enabled our client to exit the contract in a very favourable position, and saved the company significant amounts in potential claims.