How to Find a Forensic Accountant

Forensic accountants investigate disputed financial matters.

Accountancy is the practice of recording, analyzing and interpreting financial transactions, usually related to businesses. Forensic accountancy is a special discipline which applies accountancy techniques to financial issues at stake in litigation. In simple terms, forensic accountants investigate accounts and transactions which are, or may become, topics of legal dispute. Forensic accountants can be located initially through internet searches, but further work is required to gather and evaluate information about their qualifications and achievements.

Things You'll Need

• Access to a computer

Instructions

Qualifications and Accreditation

1. There is no specific, professional qualification for this role, although a forensic accountant is usually a certified public accountant (CPA). Look elsewhere for evidence of proficiency. Many forensic accountants work for firms. Search the internet for information about the firm, the kind of work it does and its reputation. If a forensic accountant is a sole practitioner, search the internet using his name to find out about achievements and client satisfaction. You can also request credentials and references directly from the individual.

2. 

   There is no specific qualification in forensic accountancy.

   Consider accreditation. Some organizations offer accreditation to forensic accountants. In the United States, the National Association of Forensic Accountants, established in 1991, awards accreditation based on verification of professional license and completion of training. Accreditation is also offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American College of Forensic Examiners International, the Forensic CPA Society and many other bodies. It is important to understand there is no single, nationally recognized accreditation system and certification is not a substitute for demonstrated success.

3. Decide if you need a specialist. Depending on the type of dispute requiring a forensic accountant's services, you may think of hiring a specialist in insurance claims, personal injury claims or fraud. In the latter case, one thing to look for is a specific qualification like the certified fraud examiner (CFE) awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

4. Look for firms and individuals online. The simplest way to find candidates is to search for forensic accountants in your region. Most firms and individual practitioners are likely to have a presence on the Internet. You may be able to find most of the information you need about educational qualifications, accreditation and track record on their websites, but be sure to look for independent sources on reputation and reliability. Forensic accountant associations do not publish searchable lists of members on their websites.

Tips & Warnings

• Word of mouth is valuable. If you know any attorneys, ask them if they have worked with forensic accountants as litigation experts.

References

• "Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation for Non-Experts"; Howard Silverstone and Michael Sheetz; 2007