How to become a forensic accountant

Is becoming a forensic accountant right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do forensic accountants do?

Still unsure if becoming a forensic accountant is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a forensic accountant or another similar career!

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How to become a Forensic Accountant

Becoming a forensic accountant involves a combination of education, professional certification, and relevant work experience. Here is an overview of the pathway to the career:

High School Diploma
Complete your high school education or an equivalent qualification. Focus on subjects like mathematics and computer science, as they provide a foundation for understanding the principles of financial accounting. Classes in English and English composition are key to begin building communication skills, which are also important, as forensic accountants often present findings to non-accountants, including lawyers, judges, and juries.

Bachelor’s Degree
The foundational requirement to work in forensic accounting is a bachelor’s degree, usually in accounting, finance, or a related field.

While pursuing a bachelor's degree, students should take courses that are particularly relevant to forensic accounting, such as:

  • Auditing
  • Taxation
  • Fraud Examination
  • Forensic Accounting
  • Business Law
  • Ethics in Accounting
  • Financial Analysis and Reporting
  • Data Analytics

Financial Accounting Experience
Begin working in accounting, auditing, or a related field. Positions in public accounting firms, corporate accounting departments, or government agencies can provide experience crucial for developing practical skills and understanding financial systems.

Specialized Forensic Accounting Experience
Seek out roles specifically related to forensic accounting. This might include positions in forensic accounting firms, regulatory agencies, law enforcement, or legal firms. Working in these environments presents opportunities to develop strong analytical and investigative skills, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of legal processes. Experience in investigating financial fraud, conducting audits, or providing litigation support is particularly valuable.

Master’s Degree (Optional)
While not always required, obtaining a master’s degree can be beneficial. A Master of Accountancy (MAcc), Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on accounting, or a specialized master's in forensic accounting can provide advanced knowledge and skills. These programs often include more in-depth study of forensic techniques, fraud detection, and investigative skills.

Professional Certifications (Post-Education) / Professional Organizations
Although not strictly an educational requirement, professional certifications are highly recommended and often essential for a career in forensic accounting. Prerequisites to obtain these credentials typically include education with a certain number of accounting and business-related credits, experience, and passing specific exams. Key certifications include:

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – Often considered a baseline credential, the CPA license demonstrates expertise in accounting and auditing.
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) – Offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the CFE certification focuses on fraud prevention, detection, and investigation.
  • Certified Forensic Accountant (Cr.FA) – Provided by organizations like the American Board of Forensic Accounting (ABFA), this certification focuses on forensic accounting skills. The ABFA also offers these credentials: GFA Government Forensic Accountant, Registered Forensic Investigator, Certified Forensic Bookkeeper, Forensic Intelligence Specialist, Certified Forensic Auditor, Certified Cyber Security Accountant.
  • Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) – Offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the CFF certification is designed for CPAs who specialize in forensic accounting and financial forensics.
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) – The CIA credential is relevant to forensic accounting, especially in the context of internal audits and investigations. It is offered by a global organization, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
  • Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI) / Certified Cyber Crimes Investigator (CCCI) – These certifications are offered by the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI).
  • Chartered Accountant (CA) – While not specific to forensic accounting, the CA qualification is recognized globally and includes training in auditing and forensic accounting principles.

Continuing Education and Networking
Stay updated on the latest developments in accounting standards, techniques in forensic accounting and fraud detection, and regulatory changes by attending industry workshops, seminars, and conferences.

Forensic accountants are often required to complete continuing education (CPE) credits to maintain certifications.