So, if a client of yours overcharged you $1,800, would you be an idiot for calling the client and detailing the issue, or for filing a lawsuit against the client?
From the article. Perhaps that is where he messed up - the average guy probably never heard of this board - and he may very well have name-dropped the name of the company for whom he worked.
It doesn't say he returned the surplus equipment.
Lots of holes in the story.
CPA firms have a unique relationship with their clients based on mutual respect and trust. If an employee of the accounting firm had a problem with a client, it would be proper for the employee to bring the matter to his bosses attention before going postal on a client. Most CPA firms will have detailed policies about doing business with clients.