Expert financial investigation, fraud detection, and due diligence for businesses and law firms — delivered with the precision of a CPA and the instincts of a licensed investigator.
As a licensed Certified Public Accountant and Private Investigator, Karen Joyce brings a rare dual expertise to financial investigations. Where accountants see numbers and investigators see patterns, Karen sees both — and what lies beneath them.
Joyce Investigations specializes in uncovering financial fraud, performing rigorous due diligence for small businesses, and tracing assets in contested matters. Every engagement is handled with strict confidentiality and delivered with court-ready precision.
Whether you are a business owner suspecting internal theft, an attorney preparing for litigation, or an investor evaluating an acquisition target, we deliver the financial intelligence you need to act decisively.
"Numbers don't lie — but they can be made to mislead. Our job is to find the truth behind the figures."
Karen Joyce, CPA · Licensed PIIdentification of embezzlement, financial statement manipulation, billing schemes, payroll fraud, and asset misappropriation. Full documentation suitable for law enforcement or civil litigation.
Pre-acquisition analysis of financial records, internal controls, and operational integrity. We surface the risks buyers don't see until it's too late — protecting your investment before you commit.
Systematic examination of accounting records to identify errors, irregularities, and discrepancies. Clear, documented findings for management or legal proceedings.
Expert witness services, damage quantification, and financial analysis prepared to withstand cross-examination. We work alongside your legal team to build an airtight financial narrative.
Financial tracing, hidden asset discovery, and income analysis for business dissolution and family law matters. Objective, defensible findings for mediation or trial.
Recovery and analysis of data from phones, computers, and digital devices. Services include data recovery, chain-of-custody documentation, expert testimony, and litigation support.
Thorough, impartial investigations into harassment, theft, wage disputes, wrongful termination, and discrimination. Witness interviews, evidence collection, and comprehensive written reports.
Comprehensive background research on individuals and businesses using database intelligence and on-the-ground fieldwork. Deep social media and OSINT investigations, including dark web and deep web sources.
Professional fixed and mobile surveillance conducted by licensed investigators. Admissible documentation for insurance, legal, and corporate matters.
Expert financial analysis, document review, and testimony preparation for attorneys. Findings presented in clear, court-ready format designed to withstand cross-examination.
Strategic intelligence gathering for business decisions — competitor analysis, vendor vetting, executive background investigations, and reputational risk assessments.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)Licensed CPA with expertise in forensic accounting, financial analysis, and fraud examination.
California Licensed Private InvestigatorActive PI license, authorized to conduct investigations throughout the State of California.
Former Intelligence OfficerOver 20 years developing advanced analytical and investigative tradecraft at the highest levels of US government service.
Wall Street ExecutiveExtensive financial industry experience providing deep fluency in corporate structures, transactions, and financial instruments.
Based in Newport Beach, CaliforniaServing individuals, businesses, and law firms throughout Southern California and nationally.
Joyce Investigations LLC was founded on a simple conviction: that the most consequential investigations — financial fraud, business misconduct, contested disputes — demand both the analytical rigor of a trained accountant and the strategic instincts of a seasoned investigator.
Karen Joyce is one of a rare few who holds both a CPA license and a California PI license, combined with a career spanning over 20 years in US intelligence and Wall Street finance. This intersection of disciplines allows Joyce Investigations to approach financial matters that others simply cannot.
Every engagement is handled personally, with an unwavering commitment to confidentiality, accuracy, and the integrity of findings.
We begin with a private, no-obligation conversation to understand your situation, goals, and timeline. All matters are handled with attorney-level confidentiality.
We define the investigation scope, methodology, and deliverables. You receive a clear engagement letter outlining fees, timeline, and expected findings.
Rigorous financial examination, fieldwork, and research — conducted with precision and discretion. You receive regular updates throughout the engagement.
A comprehensive written report with findings, conclusions, and recommended next steps — formatted for legal proceedings, management review, or both.
All inquiries are handled with strict confidentiality. Whether you have an urgent matter or need to plan ahead, we respond to every inquiry personally and promptly.