Sarah Purifoy has always had a profound passion for seeking truth.
Now, as managing director of Lux Analysis, LLC, an East Valley forensic accounting and fraud investigation firm, Purifoy’s career in investigative work allows her to pursue this interest daily.
“Personal experiences have fueled my drive to uncover facts with integrity, driving me to excel in my field and make a meaningful impact through my work,” Purifoy says, adding that she founded Lux Analysis in March 2019.
Her company’s name is also personally significant to Purifoy; as she explains, she named her firm after her grandparents, Bob and Gloria Lux, who owned a chicken hatchery in Iowa.
“When I visited my grandfather at the nursing home when I was trying to come up with a name for my business, I looked over and saw a feed bag from the chicken hatchery. It had the words Lux and Analysis on it, the domain was available, and that was it,” Purifoy says. “I knew I had the right name. I was very close to my grandparents and am so happy they were able to see the beginnings of Lux Analysis before they passed away.”
As Purifoy notes, forensic accounting, or financial forensics, is defined by Darrell Dorrell and Gregory Gadawski in the Financial Forensics Body of Knowledge as “the art and science of investigating people and money.”
Forensic accounting also encompasses a broad spectrum of financial analysis and investigative techniques, including work in civil, criminal, and family matters.
“The work could include forensic accounting analysis related to fraud investigations, alleged embezzlements, elder financial abuse, divorce cases, shareholder disputes, criminal defense, or other related matters,” Purifoy says. “My work in this field requires a blend of analytical prowess, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of investigations to unravel intricate financial puzzles and present findings with clarity and integrity.”
As a Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Valuation Analyst, Master Analyst in Financial Forensics, and licensed private investigator in Arizona, Purifoy says she brings a unique skill set to the table that enables her to delve deep into complex financial situations and, if required, provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
As the founder of her company, Purifoy also oversees and manages every aspect of the firm’s operations.
“This includes strategic decision-making, client relations, project management, and more. While I handle the core responsibilities, I also collaborate with a team of contractors who support me in various capacities, particularly on cases requiring additional manpower. Their contributions are invaluable in ensuring the smooth functioning and success of our projects,” she says.
While Purifoy knows firsthand how much time and dedication being self-employed entails, she makes a concerted effort to carve out moments for leisure and personal pursuits to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
“Outside of my professional endeavors, I prioritize spending quality time with loved ones. Additionally, I find relaxation in practicing hot yoga, which serves as a form of self-care amidst the demands of entrepreneurship and investigative work. I also volunteer as the editor of the Arizona Association of Licensed Private Investigator’s newsletter, The Chronicle,” she says.
Looking back, Purifoy is pleased with her decision to open Lux Analysis and is proud that her firm recently celebrated its fifth anniversary.
“The last five years have been a journey of growth, learning, and dedication to our mission of delivering high-quality services to our clients,” she says.
Purifoy says she finds the inherent challenges to her work to be immensely satisfying.
“Each case brings its own set of complexities and intricacies, requiring me to employ problem-solving skills and analytical thinking to unravel the truth,” she says. “Contributing to the resolution of legal disputes and bringing clarity to complex matters gives me a sense of fulfillment and purpose in my profession while honoring my grandparents.”