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How to become a Forensic Accountant

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Talent.com talent.com
Answered September 27 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
Entry-level jobs for aspiring Forensic Accountants are open to applicants with a wide variety of degrees. The most common degree that employers look for in this field is Accounting, followed by Economics, Business, and Mathematics. Previous work experience in Finance or Retail can also increase the chances for possible applicants.  
  
Advancements in this career path may require a special certification, such as becoming a certified personal accountant (CPA) or a certified forensic examiner (CFE). Both options offer a license which opens the doors to new and better-paying opportunities.  
  
Many employers still provide training for their new hires. Still, some Forensic Accounting Firms and other companies prefer to hire candidates working towards becoming a CPA or who have already gone through the process. Obtaining a CPA certification can take up to 3 years of specialized courses and practice in accounting.  
  
As for the CFE, this is one of the highly demanded certifications in the market. This specific credential provides Forensic Accountants with the technical knowledge necessary to perform effective investigations

What can help you become a Forensic Accountant
  • Superior communication skills:  
Forensic Accountants must have the ability to communicate, both in writing and verbally, to advise and interact with clients, employers, and court members effectively. It also comes in handy when presenting findings of forensic investigations and when using legal terminology. Written reports can reach anyone from clients and employers to court members, so a strong capacity for using technical and non-technical language accordingly is paramount. Communication is likewise a crucial part of working as part of a team, so professionals in this sector will benefit from this accelerated skillset. 
 
  • Staying extremely detail-oriented:  
Professionals in the field of Forensic Accounting regularly prove their excellence when analyzing financial receipts and detailed information, including long and complex financial books. This level of meticulousness is necessary for carefully and accurately entering data into their forensic reports and is also something they can rely on for Performing complex and straightforward calculations. 
 
  • Organizational and time management skills: 
Forensic Accounts can work on several cases simultaneously, handling different reports while also meeting deadlines. Analyzing incomes and expenses to find possible discrepancies requires a steady and systematic approach, but it won't help someone who can't get their facts organized! Without this skill, honed over several years of experience in the field, analyses of budgets and highly sensitive and confidential information can be subject to critical and costly errors.
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