What Steps Do You Need to Take to Become a Forensic Accountant?
For anyone looking for the the excitement and challenge of a career in law without the danger and risk of becoming a police officer or the stress of becoming an attorney, a career as a forensic accountant may be the answer. A forensic accountant is trained to investigate and analyze financial and business records on behalf of law enforcement agencies for cases ranging from fraud to organized crime. The services of a forensic accountant may also be needed for civil lawsuits or divorce proceedings. A forensic accountant may be required to prepare reports and testify at a trial regarding her findings.
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Education
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The first step toward becoming a forensic account is to obtain a bachelor's degree in accounting. A forensic accountant is an accountant first and foremost. An undergraduate degree in accounting, therefore, is the place to start.
Certified Public Accountant
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Certification as a certified public accountant should be the next step toward becoming a forensic accountant. While your undergraduate education provides you with the skills you will use as a forensic accountant, your CPA certification will give you the credentials to actually use those skills. All states require you to pass an examination to gain your CPA certification but your state may also have additional requirements such as practicing under the supervision of a licensed accountant for a designated period of time before taking the test.
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Additional Certification
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While additional certification may not be required to obtain a job as a forensic accountant, you may still wish to consider taking additional certification examinations. Most states offer specialized certification in accounting such as a certified fraud examiner or a certified forensic accountant. Organizations such as the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners can provide additional information regarding certification.
Experience
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Once you have completed your education and passed all the necessary examinations to become certified, experience is your last step. If you were not required to complete an apprenticeship or internship before your exams, you should seek employment with an accounting firm that specializes in forensic accounting. Forensic accounting is a highly specialized and important area of accounting and the more time you can spend working for an experienced forensic accountant the more refined your skills will become.
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