| Forensic Accounting is not new to the job world. | | | | abilities and legal knowledge forensic accountants |
| It is what helped Elliot Ness put Al Capone behind | | | | need to be able to identify 'potential' financial and |
| bars for tax fraud. (Al Capone is America's best | | | | accounting fraud and any misbehaves fast and |
| known gangster and the single greatest symbol | | | | accurate when the data is analyzed. They should |
| of the collapse of law and order in the United | | | | also possess strong written and verbal |
| States during the 1920s Prohibition era. Capone | | | | communication skills to convince to the relevant |
| had a leading role in the illegal activities that lent | | | | parties. Forensic accountants must have |
| Chicago its reputation as a lawless city. Ness was | | | | remarkable curiosity, scepticism, attention to |
| the Head of Operations under Volstead Act, | | | | detail, persistence, and the ability to think |
| targeting the illegal breweries and supply routes of | | | | creatively with sound business judgment. |
| Capone). | | | | They must also have the skills of both a private |
| What are the CPA requirements? | | | | investigator and an accountant whom has the |
| A Bachelors Degree in accounting and are | | | | analytical abilities and research skills from your |
| generally expected to have CPA (Certified Public | | | | financial experience, including knowledge of |
| Accountant) certification. It is also beneficial to | | | | accounting procedures and practices (proper and |
| become a CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) or a | | | | improper). |
| CrFA (Certified Forensic Accountant). It is always | | | | Places of work |
| better to study at the forensic accounting | | | | Anywhere investigative accounting is needed. This |
| accredited schools. | | | | ranges from private corporations or firms that |
| How much is the pay for a forensic accountant? | | | | help specific companies deal with suspected (or |
| Most forensic accountants begin their career | | | | known) fraud and misappropriation to government |
| making between $30,000 and $60,000 annually | | | | organizations like police departments, the FBI or |
| and at the highest levels, particularly in the private | | | | the CIA. Forensic accountants also frequently |
| sector, forensic accountants can command | | | | work for public accounting firms, banks, the IRS, |
| $125,000 and $150,000 annually after a few years | | | | insurance companies and law firms. If you do an |
| of experience in the field. | | | | Internet search, you'll find article after article |
| What are the required skills? | | | | worrying that the demand for Forensic |
| In addition to strong financial accounting analytical | | | | Accountants far surpasses the current supply. |