Our People

Adam
Wolken

Associate Managing Director

Americas | New York office

+1 929 761 1232

awolken@nardelloandco.com

Headshot of Adam Wolken

Adam Wolken is a forensic accountant with extensive experience directing investigative teams in the identification of fraud, corruption, accounting irregularities, and significant regulatory and compliance problems.

With years of experience collecting data, coordinating reviews of financial information, and conducting interviews to develop information in support of counsel, Adam has established a record of developing investigative insight in high-stakes matters, particularly those involving regulatory enforcement or litigation. His knowledge of technical accounting and auditing standards, including US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or GAAP, and International Financial Reporting Standards, has served him well in investigations into alleged sanctions, export control, or Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations. Coordinating efforts on behalf of US counsel, Adam has led teams in the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia and developed information produced in matters before the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

He also regularly works with clients to conduct pre-acquisition due diligence, reviewing financial information for indicia of fraud or corruption. In such matters, Adam works with investigators conducting open-source research to bring relevant information to the client’s attention prior to deal execution.

Prior to joining Nardello & Co., Adam worked in the forensics practice of a Big Four accounting firm and spent over seven years working on audits of US public companies. During this time, he regularly worked on compliance advisory projects – supporting companies in the development of effective regulatory compliance programs. He holds a Masters in Accountancy from the George Washington University and is a licensed CPA in New York and Washington DC.

Representative matters

  • At the direction of counsel, Adam has performed numerous embezzlement investigations, including schemes involving fraudulent expense reports and unauthorized bank transfers. Typically, he directs teams in the review of extracts from a client’s accounting and expense systems, analyzes client email communications, and works with counsel to develop interview strategies. His detailed reports of findings have been used in employment actions, litigation, criminal referrals, and insurance submissions.
  • On behalf of a special committee of directors, Adam managed a team that investigated the inappropriate recognition of revenue at a beverage company. Adam’s team reviewed thousands of electronic communications, tested sales transactions from the general ledger, and developed leads for counsel’s witness interviews. When his team identified communications and sales activity indicative of a channel stuffing scheme, he presented to counsel the findings used to take legal action against the implicated executives.
  • For a public company, Adam supported the investigation of an alleged FCPA violation in Southeast Asia. He tested sales entries and payments to third-party intermediaries and reviewed supporting documentation and forensically collected communications. His findings, which were presented to the Department of Justice, led to a declination of prosecution. His team also calculated profit disgorgement related to the implicated sales activity, which affected the analysis that led to a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
  • Adam led a team in a pre-acquisition due diligence exercise for a public company contemplating investment in a Middle East joint venture. After reviewing the subject’s regulatory compliance program, he directed his team in analyzing financial information for potential corruption indicators. In coordination with counsel, his team undertook on-site due diligence and interviews at the subject’s headquarters in the Middle East. The findings of Adam’s team were provided for the client’s consideration prior to the deal close.

Education

  • Masters of Accountancy (mACCY), George Washington University
  • BBA, Finance, George Washington University

Certifications

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Licensed in New York and Washington, DC

Languages spoken

  • English (Fluent)
  • French (Intermediate)