Annual Fraud Conference (FRAUD)

Neil Deininger has been representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service both as an Attorney and Certified Public Accountant for more than forty years. His law practice consists almost exclusively of tax controversies. Nationally known for his expertise in tax problem solving, he lectures tax professionals regularly at national seminars and has been a frequent speaker at the Arkansas Federal Tax Institute on areas of his expertise in tax controversies. Neil welcomes calls from tax preparers throughout the state whose clients have a tax problem, may have a problem, or have a unique situation they may need advice on.

Anne works in the Forensic Advisory Services practice for Grant Thornton, and is located in Phoenix, Arizona. She has extensive experience in forensic accounting, supporting complex civil and criminal investigations and litigation. She regularly utilizes sophisticated analysis techniques to investigate allegations of financial misconduct, alleged Ponzi schemes, complex investment fraud schemes and other fraud or corruption schemes. In addition to complex analytical work, Anne's support of litigated cases includes collaboration with attorneys and expert testimony. For civil cases, Anne has worked with both plaintiffs and defendants to resolve disputes. For criminal cases, Anne has worked with law enforcement and government attorneys to investigate allegations and present criminal charges. Anne has also worked with criminal defense counsel to assist in defense of criminal charges. In addition to litigation work, Anne works with clients to asses fraud, corruption, and other risks and develop strong, comprehensive governance programs. Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Anne was a partner at a boutique forensic accounting firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Anne is a Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Public Accountant, Certified in Financial Forensics, and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist.

Melissa Simpson serves as Communications Manager for Arkansas Legislative Audit, where she has worked since 2011. Her primary duties involve collaborating with staff and management to edit, write, and format findings, reports, correspondence, meeting minutes, and presentations. She also maintains a House Style Guide; produces legislator guides for the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee; and has made presentations to local and national groups on such topics as communication ethics, leadership, writing skills, and personality in the workplace.