AAFCPAs’ David McLaren Secures WBJ “Best of Business 2026” Honors in Valuation and Forensics

AAFCPAs’ David McLaren, Partner, Forensic and Business Valuation, has been recognized by the Worcester Business Journal’s Best of Business 2026 awards for excellence in both business valuation and forensic accounting—a rare dual honor that reflects not only the technical rigor of his work, but also the steady, investigative clarity he has brought to complex financial matters for more than two decades. While he earned these recognitions at McLaren & Associates, with the firm’s acquisition by AAFCPAs in January 2026, he brings that depth of forensic insight and valuation discipline to our team as we begin this next chapter together.

A Distinction Rooted in Real-World Impact

McLaren’s work has long stood at the intersection of financial precision and human consequence. Whether untangling the economics of a business transition, tracing assets in a dispute, or providing court‑ready findings in litigation, his reputation has been shaped by meticulous analysis and an unwavering commitment to truth‑seeking. The Best of Business awards—determined by the region’s business community—serve as an external affirmation of that standard.

Strengthening AAFCPAs’ Forensic and Valuation Depth

“David’s dual recognition reflects the discipline, professional skepticism, and nuanced understanding required to navigate today’s complex financial environment,” said Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, Managing Partner at AAFCPAs. “These honors reinforce what our clients will experience firsthand: a robust, comprehensive forensic and valuation capability—one that helps them make informed decisions when the stakes are highest.”

McLaren now co-leads AAFCPAs’ forensic accounting practice, advising on matters involving fraud investigations, financial disputes, business valuations for transactions or estate planning, and forensic‑informed analyses central to litigation strategy. His approach blends investigative accounting, tax fluency, and valuation expertise—an uncommon combination that positions clients to move forward with confidence.

How We Help

AAFCPAs supports attorneys and organizations facing complex financial disputes and suspected irregularities by providing objective analysis grounded in detailed financial review. Our team examines tax returns, bank activity, financial statements, property valuations, and transactional data to clarify what occurred, identify inconsistencies, and quantify exposure. For attorneys, this work supports litigation and expert witness requirements by helping uncover hidden assets, assess valuation issues, and present defensible financial evidence for negotiation or court proceedings. For organizations, matters involving suspected misconduct or control breakdowns may align with our fraud and forensics work, where engagements reveal control weaknesses, mismanagement, or fraud risk while providing clear recommendations to strengthen governance and internal processes. Work is tailored to the matter at hand, ranging from targeted reviews that inform discovery to comprehensive forensic examinations that reconstruct financial activity and trace transactions. Findings are delivered in clear, precise language designed to support informed decision-making, whether in court, the boardroom, or internal remediation efforts.

Questions? Reach out to David S. McLaren directly or your AAFCPAs partner.

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