Richard Heasman BA (Hons) ACA MAE
- Forensic Accountant
Reeves+Neylan Chartered Accountants
CV and areas of expertise
(Available as a PDF - Click here)
Career history
I have provided Expert Reports on Forensic Accounting matters in approximately 350 cases and given evidence in Court in civil and criminal trials on numerous occasions. Since 1995, I have specialised in forensic accounting and Expert Witness services which are provided to solicitors, insurers, companies and others throughout the UK acting in respect of approximately 35 new instructions each year.
I am a Partner in Reeves+Neylan Chartered Accountants, a top forty firm, which has approximately 25 partners, 200 staff and 4 offices.
My experience includes over twenty years general practice accountancy work, preparation of financial and management accounts, financial, business, taxation and business advice for limited companies, partnerships and sole traders, covering a wide variety of trades and professions.
I have advised companies and individuals in relation to the valuation of majority and minority holdings, the tax consequences of personal sales, company buy backs and clauses within Shareholder Agreements.
I have advised in relation to the merits of a demerger of a group as compared with a liquidation including the implications for the directors and shareholders.
I have prepared share valuations for agreement with the Inland Revenue shares division including for the purposes of employee share incentive schemes, probate and capital gains base cost.
I have undertaken investigations of the accounting records in respect of companies where there have been allegations of fraud or false accounting.
In addition, I have undertaken many ad hoc assignments ranging from the review of the accounting system of a nationwide charity, the comparison of corporate guarantees given by international quoted groups, the quantification of the multimillion pound claim for a case heard by The Competition Appeal Tribunal and reported on a complaint heard by the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman.
Professional qualifications and membership of professional bodies
Honours Degree in accountancy from the University of Kent (1984)
Associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (1991)
Full practising member of the Academy of Experts (1998)
Expert witness experience
Share valuations, shareholder, oppressed minority and matrimonial disputes
Share and business valuations on marriage breakdown including investigations of false accounting.
Party and joint instructions for matrimonial valuations of companies, partnerships and sole traders with trades including property investment, cleaning, ducting, food importation and manufacture, transport, building, personnel, convenience food manufacture, nursing and children’s homes, engineering ,agricultural consultants, scaffolding, electrical contractor, ladies fashion wear, aquatic lighting, mineral water, mortgage broking, prestige vehicles, caravan parks, solicitors, construction, pet food, financial services, insurance broker.
Consideration of remuneration, benefits, liquidity, capital raising and tax implications of disposal of shares between spouses and third parties.
Calculation of capital gains tax in relation to freehold property.
Joint appointments via ICAEW to value S459 exit shareholders stakes.
Partnership disputes
Quantifying partner shares and assisting in disputes including accountants, cricket ball manufacture, pubs, builders, doctors, takeaway restaurants, nursing home, home furnishings, music royalties.
Assessing the value of goodwill in partnerships.
Wrongful dismissal
Quantifying loss of earnings and pension rights.
Quantification of losses/loss of profits
Personal injury, Fatality and Clinical Negligence
Compilation of quantum in catastrophic injury, clinical negligence, fatality and lost dependency, pension loss, full special damage schedules including care and housing.
Calculating loss of earnings for a wide range of occupations including the armed forces, emergency services, builders, accountants, pop music manager, property developer, haulier and car dealer.
Calculating loss of pension rights for final salary schemes and personal pensions for the self employed.
Contract, Tort, Product Liability
Quantifying losses including:- breach of royalty agreement for US supplier, damage to hot air balloon, breach of royalty agreement for musicians, supply of under-performing equipment, mortgage disputes, breach of funding agreement by a Council.
Fraud/theft/false accounting/review of Defendant’s means
I have acted for Defendants in the following:-
Theft and false accounting by Defendants employed in:-
Military Officers mess, pubs, banks, shops, bars, childrens nursery, haulage business, petrol station, motor industry and childrens club.
Investigation of fraudulent insurance and DSS benefit claims.
Investigation of the legitimate earnings in respect of drug cases.
Acting for Defendants in income tax, VAT and excise duty frauds including the importation of alcohol, cigarettes and a taxi hire business.
Confiscation Orders
Reporting on Prosecutors statement and preparing Counter Schedules to assist in negotiations with both the Police and HMRC.
Numerous investigations into Defendants’ legitimate earnings and assets including disproving alleged benefit of £450,000 for Internet café owner and £6 million to £1.5 million for school owner.
Reeves+Neylan LLP October 2009
Chartered Accountants
37 St Margaret’s Street
Canterbury
Kent CT1 2TU
DX 5311 Canterbury
Telephone: 01227 768231
Fax: 01227 458383
Email: Click here
Website: www.reeves-neylan.com/forensic