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Business Details
48 Years
experience
Expert Forensic Accounting & Tax Services in Kelseyville
Established in 1978, Joan Sturges CPA has served Lake County, California, as a trusted provider of forensic accounting, tax, and auditing services. Our practice combines over four decades of experience with specialized certifications including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). We focus on delivering client-centered solutions for complex financial matters, from litigation support to tax planning. Our team maintains deep expertise in forensic investigations, IRS audits, and business valuations, serving clients from our Soda Bay office.

We prioritize personalized service, offering on-site consultations and tailored financial strategies. With a reputation for exceeding expectations, we act as both advisor and advocate for individuals and businesses. Our commitment to excellence extends to bookkeeping, payroll reporting, and QuickBooks training for small enterprises. We emphasize proactive communication, ensuring clients stay informed of evolving tax regulations. Our practice remains dedicated to ethical standards, transparency, and community-focused service in Northern California.
Services
Forensic Accounting Tax Services Auditing & Attestation Bookkeeping Business Valuation Embezzlement Investigation IRS Audits Payroll Tax Returns Fraud Examinations Private Investigation
Details
  • Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
  • We offer over 40 years of forensic accounting experience in Lake County
  • Our team holds multiple certifications including CPA, CFE, and CVA
  • We provide personalized financial strategy sessions for tax optimization
  • We specialize in complex IRS audit representation and resolution
  • Our local expertise serves businesses and individuals across Northern California
Associations and certifications
  • CPA
  • CFE
  • CVA
  • PI
Services
Forensic Accounting
Our forensic accounting services identify financial discrepancies through systematic analysis of records. We investigate fraud, embezzlement, and business valuation issues while maintaining court-admissible documentation standards. Clients receive detailed reports for litigation support and risk mitigation strategies.
Tax Services
We provide comprehensive tax preparation for individuals and businesses while optimizing deductions through proactive planning. Our services include IRS audit representation, quarterly tax filings, and strategic tax credit utilization for maximum savings.
Auditing & Attestation
We conduct independent audits and attestation engagements for nonprofits, government agencies, and small businesses. Our services verify financial statement accuracy, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide internal control assessments for organizations of all sizes.
Bookkeeping
Our bookkeeping solutions include QuickBooks setup, payroll processing, bank reconciliations, and monthly financial statements. We offer on-site training and customized systems for businesses requiring daily accounting support and financial reporting.
Private Investigation
As licensed private investigators, we conduct financial investigations for legal cases. Our services include asset tracing, fraud examinations, and evidence collection while maintaining strict confidentiality and adherence to legal protocols.
People
Joan Sturges
Certified Public Accountant
Joan Sturges established her practice in 1978 after graduating from the University of Washington with a Business Administration degree. She holds CPA, CFE, CVA, and PI certifications, specializing in forensic accounting and tax strategy for Northern California clients.
Toi Farrin
Bookkeeper
Toi Farrin has served as bookkeeper since 2005, managing QuickBooks training, payroll processing, and financial reporting. She provides on-site accounting support for small businesses across Lake County with over 15 years of practical experience.
Questions
What forensic accounting services do you offer?
We provide fraud investigations, embezzlement detection, business valuations, and expert court testimony for financial litigation cases.
Do you handle IRS audit representation?
Yes, we specialize in IRS audit defense, tax debt resolution, and preparation of complex tax filings for individuals and businesses.
What accounting certifications do you hold?
Joan Sturges maintains CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst), and PI (Private Investigator) licenses.
Do you serve small businesses?
Yes, we offer bookkeeping, payroll processing, QuickBooks training, and financial planning services tailored to small business needs.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Lake County, California, including Kelseyville, Lakeport, Clearlake, and surrounding communities.