Sometimes referred to as investigative accounting, earning a forensic accounting degree, will help you develop the skills necessary for sifting through and analyzing financial data and information with a view to pinpointing suspected financial irregularity and misconduct.
Although limited, specialized education or certification to practice as a forensic accountant can be attained via the following ways:
- With a Bachelor’s degree in tow, passing either one of the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Financial Forensic Accountant (CFFA) exams.
- Becoming a member of a related professional association such as the American College of Forensic Examiners
- A master’s degree in accounting will be enough to practice as a forensic accountant in some states.
Typical roles, one can assume with a degree in forensic accounting include:
- Bankruptcy specialist
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Internal Auditor
- Bank Examiner
- SEC Accountant
- Consultant