To celebrate StoneTurn’s 20th Anniversary, we’re spotlighting our people. Meet Kimberly Ratto, Managing Director in San Francisco.
In this Q&A, Kimberly shares how collaboration creates stronger outcomes for StoneTurn’s clients, and why the firm’s investment in its people is a clear differentiator in the market. Kimberly also discusses the current landscape for disputes, and what intentional growth may look like in the future.
Culture
What drew you to StoneTurn?
I loved that StoneTurn was a small firm that valued and invested in its people. The culture seemed very unique and unlike any other place I had worked or interviewed with prior. The interesting case work and clients were the cherry on top, but the people were the main driver of my deciding to join. What drew me to StoneTurn continues to hold true for me all these years later.
What does collaboration mean to you?
Collaboration means working with others to put our best foot forward. It means being open to new thoughts and perspectives. It means recognizing where other skillsets can be brought in to supplement the team and make the end goal significantly better. To me, collaboration is not just an internal sentiment, but we also value collaboration with our clients and vendors.
An example of collaboration is on a recent bankruptcy case. We worked across many different service lines and skillsets within StoneTurn (economics, statisticians, forensics, data analytics, restructuring) as well as managing contracted subject matter experts all while working with the claims administration team to develop processes, forecasts and review individual claims. Bringing together our expertise allowed for a more meaningful outcome for all stakeholders.
Business
What types of trends do you see persisting or impacting forensic accounting for the long-term?
I think the use of data analytics in identifying and investigating accounting related issues is only going to increase. Data analytics practices are becoming more prominent in law firms and even in the regulatory space which is beneficial in some respects because it may lead to better identification of issues that StoneTurn can be leveraged to investigate, etc., but it also means internal practices are being built that may fill a gap where StoneTurn previously stepped in with regard to data analytics.
In addition, there continues to be a focus on disclosures in various areas and more scrutiny on investment advisors and companies and self-regulating organizations such as the security exchanges. While there has been an increase in regulatory enforcement actions the past year or so, the regulatory landscape could potentially shift in the next year or two based on politics and upcoming elections.
What do you think would surprise people about your work in disputes?
It would surprise people how closely we work with our clients and attorneys to understand the different legal issues at hand and help navigate the whole litigation process. In our matters, it is important that we have a grip on the bigger picture and not solely contribute to the expert work we are typically retained for but assist our clients in the most robust way possible. Each dispute has a different set of facts and circumstances that require legal insight and an understanding of local laws and regulations, and it is important we as experts are aware of those details throughout to make our work product stronger and more meaningful.
Predictions for the Future
Where do you hope to see StoneTurn in 5 years?
I see StoneTurn continuing to have intentional growth. I believe StoneTurn will be successful at maintaining its people first approach to business while making a larger mark on the industry overall. I think StoneTurn will focus on growing practices and markets that currently make up the complexion of the firm, while seeking opportunities to enhance that trajectory.
Reach out to Kimberly Ratto if you would like to discuss any of the topics above.
