Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Top 5 Facts You Didn't Know About Forensic Accounting

By J.J. Yong

Forensic Accounting is not new to the job world. It is what helped Elliot Ness put Al Capone behind bars for tax fraud. (Al Capone is America's best known gangster and the single greatest symbol of the collapse of law and order in the United States during the 1920s Prohibition era. Capone had a leading role in the illegal activities that lent Chicago its reputation as a lawless city. Ness was the Head of Operations under Volstead Act, targeting the illegal breweries and supply routes of Capone).

What are the CPA requirements?

A Bachelors Degree in accounting and are generally expected to have CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification. It is also beneficial to become a CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) or a CrFA (Certified Forensic Accountant). It is always better to study at the forensic accounting accredited schools.

How much is the pay for a forensic accountant?

Most forensic accountants begin their career making between $30,000 and $60,000 annually and at the highest levels, particularly in the private sector, forensic accountants can command $125,000 and $150,000 annually after a few years of experience in the field.

What are the required skills?

In addition to strong financial accounting analytical abilities and legal knowledge forensic accountants need to be able to identify 'potential' financial and accounting fraud and any misbehaves fast and accurate when the data is analyzed. They should also possess strong written and verbal communication skills to convince to the relevant parties. Forensic accountants must have remarkable curiosity, scepticism, attention to detail, persistence, and the ability to think creatively with sound business judgment.

They must also have the skills of both a private investigator and an accountant whom has the analytical abilities and research skills from your financial experience, including knowledge of accounting procedures and practices (proper and improper).

Places of work

Anywhere investigative accounting is needed. This ranges from private corporations or firms that help specific companies deal with suspected (or known) fraud and misappropriation to government organizations like police departments, the FBI or the CIA. Forensic accountants also frequently work for public accounting firms, banks, the IRS, insurance companies and law firms. If you do an Internet search, you'll find article after article worrying that the demand for Forensic Accountants far surpasses the current supply.

For more information about forensic accounting career and benefits of forensic accounting, visit ForensicAccountingDemystified.com.

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