Joseph Berardino
Full Name: Joseph Francis Berardino
Birthdate: December 4, 1949
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, USA
Occupation: Business Executive and Certified Public Accountant
Profile: Involved in the Enron scandal with Anderson. Currently at Alvarez and Marsal (2008–).
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Berardino
Number of Quotes: 13
Accounting issues did not cause Enron's stock price to fall - its failed business model did.
Andersen made errors in judgment in the Enron audit, particularly in our interpretation of the accounting treatment applied to the special purpose entities.
Testimony before the House Committee on Financial Services, December 12, 2001.
I ask that you keep in mind that the relevant auditing and accounting issues are extraordinarily complex and part of a much bigger picture.
I don't think we've done anything criminal... We've got nothing to hide.
Various news reports summarizing his stance during the investigation, e.g., The Washington Post, January 24, 2002.
I sleep like a baby. I wake up every two hours and cry.
I lost my job. I lost my firm. I’ve got less money today than I had as the newly elected CEO … I lost
my partner capital. I lost my retirement. I don’t have any stock options. I may never work again.
I've got nothing to hide.
Direct quote widely reported during his Congressional testimony on December 12, 2001, and subsequent media appearances. This is his most famous quote.
It is my understanding that Enron's management and board of directors were aware of
the transactions, approved them and were provided with regular reports on them.
Statement issued by Berardino,
widely reported on January 14, 2002, shifting focus to Enron management.
Over the last week I have watched our people [Arthur Andersen employees] have rallies, basically crying for their dignity and I just
wanted to help. I just felt the best signal I could give to our people was to sacrifice the only thing I have left to give: my job.
The shredding of documents is a routine part of our business.
Testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, January 24, 2002, explaining
document retention policies before the Enron-specific shredding occurred.
We feel very confident we can get through this.
What happened at Enron resulted from a failure of people, not a failure of accounting principles.
Testimony before the House Committee on Financial Services, December 12, 2001, defending the accounting profession's standards.
World-class accounting doesn't work if world-class professionals are not allowed to do their jobs.
Testimony before the House Committee on Financial Services, December 12, 2001, arguing that Enron management restricted Andersen auditors.
Last on Earth
