You don’t need a badge and a gun to take down bad guys. You can be on the front lines fighting crime as a forensic accountant. All you need to do is learn how to become a forensic accountant. Then, you can go through the steps so you can start taking down bad guys while you sit behind a desk.
Job Description
Forensic accountants have several job responsibilities. Basically, they are auditors, investigators and accountants, all rolled into one. Forensic accountants are expected combine these roles in order to investigate financial crimes, including fraud and money laundering.
In most cases, they begin with investigating financial data in order to find irregularities. Once irregularities are found, they need reconstruct the financial events in order to have a clear idea of what took place. Finally, they compile the information so it can be used in court and use it to recover the money, if applicable.
As forensic accountants complete these tasks, it is essential that they operate within the scope of the law. That way, the information can be used to get a conviction.
Education Required
According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), forensic accountants must get a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a financial field. They can hold a degree in forensic accounting, accounting, or finance. Along with getting a degree in one of these accounting majors, it is beneficial to have an educational background in law enforcement or criminal justice. Some choose to minor in law enforcement or criminal justice, or take some classes so they are comfortable with the subjects.
Internship
It is a good idea to go through an accounting internship while you are working toward your degree. You can speak with your advisor at college to find internships in your area. If your advisor does not know of any, check with the ACFE. The ACFE keeps a list of companies looking for interns on its website. You can contact different companies on the list to find an internship that will work for you.
An internship will do more than give you experience. It will help you get your name out there to others in the field. That can help you get a job once you are done with school.
Certifications Needed
Along with the degree, many employers want forensic accountants to become Certified Fraud Examiners, Certified Public Accountants or Chartered Accountants. You will need to prepare and take a test to get your certification.
It’s important to note that you don’t have to stop with one certification. You get can two or three so you will look more attractive to prospective employers.
Experience Needed
In most cases, applicants need to have a minimum of one year of accounting experience before taking on a job as a forensic accountant. You can get the experience in the public or private sector. Many employers prefer candidates that have three years of experience in accounting, so you may want to spend some time in the accounting field before you try to get a job as a forensic accountant. That way, you will look better to prospective employers, so you will likely find a job quickly.
Employment Opportunities
Forensic accountants can work in the private and public sectors. If you want to work in the private sector, you can find a job in the forensic accounting division of a public accounting firm. You can also work in a consulting firm or in a law office.
If you prefer to work in the public sector, you can find employment with a law enforcement agency at the local, state or federal level. Most notably, the FBI has a large forensic accounting division.
Salary Information
According to PayScale.com, the national median salary for forensic accountants is $66,099. This amount can vary greatly by location. For example, you will likely make more as a forensic accountant in New York, New York than you would in Canton, Mississippi. Your experience and training will also impact the amount of money that you make.
If you like the idea of taking down criminals but you don’t want to knock down doors, forensic accounting might be perfect for you. You can be on the front lines, fighting crime. However, you will be able to take down criminals from behind a desk instead of underneath a bullet proof vest. That means you won’t have to worry about your safety as you work at putting people away for their crimes.
