Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Forensic Accounting Services in River Edge, NJ
Chakonis & Pettit is a forensic accounting and consulting firm specializing in insurance claims, litigation support, and investigative accounting. Since our founding in 1995, we have leveraged decades of combined experience to deliver expert financial analysis and testimony for clients ranging from major corporations to legal entities. Our team possesses specialized expertise in reconstructing financial data, uncovering concealed assets, and quantifying losses through methodologies validated in judicial and insurance contexts. We maintain active involvement in high-stakes cases involving business valuations, fraud investigations, and complex damage assessments across diverse industries including healthcare, finance, and professional sports.Our partners hold certifications as Certified Public Accountants and maintain affiliations with professional organizations such as the American Institute of CPAs and the Institute of Business Appraisers. We emphasize direct partner-level engagement for every assignment, ensuring meticulous attention to detail regardless of case size. Our work extends to international jurisdictions, with experience in cross-border claims and expert testimony requirements. Through continuous professional development and seminar instruction, we maintain cutting-edge proficiency in forensic accounting techniques and industry-specific financial challenges.
Services
Business Interruption
Business Valuation
Litigation Support
Insurance Claims
Fraud Investigations
Expert Testimony
Damage Analysis
Asset Valuation
Financial Reconstruction
Arson Investigations
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of forensic accounting experience since 1995
- Our team includes certified CPAs with judicial testimony expertise
- Specialized in reconstructing complex financial data for litigation
- Direct partner-level attention for every client assignment
- Proven track record with claims exceeding $450 million
Associations and certifications
- Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
- Institute of Business Appraisers, Inc.
Services
Business Valuation
We determine business worth for legal and financial purposes using certified methodologies. Our CPAs analyze financial records, market conditions, and ownership structures to produce defensible valuations. Services support divorce proceedings, partnership disputes, and corporate transactions with precise quantification of tangible and intangible assets.
Insurance Claims
Our firm quantifies property damage and business interruption losses for insurance carriers. We examine financial records to identify concealed income, verify inventory losses, and assess damage claims ranging from $10,000 to $450 million. Expertise includes post-disaster claims from events like Hurricane Katrina and 9/11.
Litigation Support
We provide expert witness testimony and financial analysis for legal cases. Services include damage calculations, fraud investigations, and deposition preparation. Our CPAs assist counsel with expert witness cross-examination strategies and produce court-ready financial documentation.
Forensic Accounting
Our team reconstructs financial data to uncover fraud and concealed assets. We analyze accounting systems for irregularities, trace illicit financial flows, and document financial motives in arson and fidelity loss cases. Services support both civil and criminal investigations.
Expert Testimony
Certified CPAs provide expert witness services in financial litigation matters. We present complex accounting analyses in accessible formats for courts, including visual aids and demonstrative evidence. Testimony experience spans business valuations, damage claims, and fraud investigations.
People
Michael S. Chakonis
Managing Partner
Certified Public Accountant with 35+ years forensic accounting experience. Former partner at Campos & Stratis, founder of Chakonis & Pettit. Expert in damage measurement, business valuations, and expert testimony.
Edward A. Pettit, Jr.
Partner
CPA and MBA holder with 30+ years financial industry experience. Joined Chakonis & Co. in 2001, became partner in 2008. Specializes in business valuations, fraud investigations, and litigation support.
Questions
What areas do you specialize in as forensic accountants?
We specialize in insurance claims analysis, litigation support, business valuations, fraud investigations, and expert testimony services.
How do you handle large-scale financial investigations?
Our team uses systematic forensic techniques to analyze records, conduct interviews, and produce detailed reports that withstand judicial scrutiny.
Can you assist with international accounting cases?
Yes, we have experience with cross-border claims and international financial systems through our global case work.
What industries do you typically work with?
We serve manufacturing, healthcare, financial institutions, professional sports, and commercial enterprises among others.
How are your business valuation services different?
Our valuations combine CPA expertise with litigation experience to produce court-defensible analyses tailored to specific case requirements.
Do you provide expert testimony services?
Yes, our partners regularly serve as expert witnesses in financial litigation matters across multiple jurisdictions.
