James O’Brien, CPA, CFF

REDEFINING WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR ACCOUNTANT

After more than 40 years of business growth and industry change, Grassi has redefined what it means to be an advisor and accountant to today’s businesses and individuals. We thrive on helping you solve problems, plan for growth and prepare for the future – all while remaining fully committed to reducing your tax liabilities, easing the financial audit process and preserving your wealth.

Grassi was founded in 1980 by Louis C. Grassi, with only an empty filing cabinet and a desk. Since then, Grassi has grown to become one of the nation’s largest accounting firms with more than 360 employees and nine office locations in the U.S. and Italy. Our team of experienced CPAs, CFOs, business consultants, forensic accountants, valuation experts, trust and estate specialists and tax advisors offer strategic advice and customized solutions to overcome all obstacles standing in the way of your greatest success. We do this through our commitment to add Strength in Certainty to every business decision and financial move you make.

Look to Grassi for the industry expertise, independent advice, and certainty that you deserve. The continuing consolidation in the accounting industry has affected firms of all sizes. While this trend is not in and of itself a bad thing, the disruption that accompanies mergers and private equity-based deals is potentially an issue that can impact servicing, staffing, quality control and firm priorities.

Grassi remains fully committed to remaining independent and we are well positioned to offer a safe harbor for our clients in a time of uncertainty. You can count on us for the industry expertise, independent advice and service that your business deserves today and tomorrow.

We’re here for you.

–– James O'Brien

James O’Brien is a Partner in Forensics, Litigation and Valuation Services at Grassi. He provides a variety of forensic and financial consulting and accounting related services to attorneys, insurance companies, governmental agencies, and public and private corporations. The matters he routinely addresses involve disputes within construction, insurance, healthcare, technology, commercial and real estate companies.

Prior to joining Grassi, Jim spent approximately 28 years with international and regional public accounting firms and two years with a specialty-consulting firm. He concentrates his practice in providing expert witness services, litigation consulting and forensic investigations.  Jim focuses his practice on helping clients reconstruct financial activity to document— and determine whether fraudulent and/or inappropriate financial transactions have occurred.

Jim routinely testifies in court supporting the trier of fact by determining the quantum of damages.  His forensic investigations encompass analysis of financial statements, tax returns, general ledgers, and other original books of entry.  Jim also routinely analyzes contracts and agreements in dispute, which requires the estimation of damages and lost profits related to the dispute.  The matters generally involve a breach of contract claim, intellectual property and/or other contractual issues.