How To Become A Forensic Accountant

With an increase in fraud cases, the demand to learn how to become a forensic accountant has increased. For those interested in the field, knowing how to become a forensic accountant becomes a major goal. The field of forensic accounting not only involves the aspects of accounting. Investigative skills are also needed to be successful. Forensic accountants are sought after in both the public sector and by the government.  

To become a forensic accountant, you will need:

• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Pass the CPA exam
• Become a Certified Fraud Examiner
• Join the American College of Forensic Examiners

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree. This degree can be obtained either by attending the university or taking online classes. The university does need to be accredited for the degree to have merit. The degree that is achieved can vary some, but it is required that at least 24 credit hours of accounting classes are taken.
2. Obtain a master's degree. This degree can also be obtained either at the university or online. Not all accountants will need to have a master's degree but anyone wishing to become a forensic accountant will need a master's degree in accounting to continue on with all of the certifications that are needed.
3. Sit for and pass the CPA Exam. Not all forensic accounts will have a CPA certification, but to be competitive, this certification will be needed. The field of forensic accounting is a small, but demanding field. Any additional training will only make you more competitive.
4. Become a certified fraud examiner. This is done by taking and successfully passing the CFE exam. To sit for this exam, a four-year degree is needed along with at least two years of professional experience in a fraud related field.  Fraud examiners are trained to understand all aspects of fraud. They need to understand how and why fraud occurs.
5. Join the American College of Forensic Examiners (ACFE). By being a part of this group, you will have access to the newest innovations in the field of forensics and be able to network with colleagues in the field.

Becoming a forensics accountant is a not an easy feat to achieve. The process takes many years and many certifications need to be obtained. Even after becoming a forensics accountant, keeping up-to-date with current happenings in the forensics field is always necessary. 

Resources:

How to become a forensic accountant