accounting careers information , forensic accounting directory

What could be more exciting than having a career that is valued by society and that pays well? If you’re looking for a career that is both exciting and financially rewarding, consider becoming a forensic accounting professional.

Far from the humdrum stereotypic accountant your mind might have initially conjured, the forensic accounting professional is more of a private investigator with a financial sixth sense than the bookkeeper with a green eyeshade.

Did you know that the first actor to play the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, was an accountant? It was only a matter of time, then, before detective work and accounting came together to form the super sleuth career now known as forensic accounting. So what is this profession that U.S. News & World Report recently designated as one of the eight most secure career tracks in America (February 8, 2002) and SmartMoney Magazine counted as one of its “ten hottest jobs” for the next decade with a salary potential of over $100,000 (AccountingWeb US, May 16, 2002)?

Forensic accounting is the practice of utilizing accounting, auditing, and investigative skills to assist in legal matters. It encompasses 2 main areas – litigation support, investigation, and dispute resolution. Litigation support represents the factual presentation of economic issues related to existing or pending litigation. In this capacity, the forensic accounting professional quantifies damages sustained by parties involved in legal disputes and can assist in resolving disputes, even before they reach the courtroom. If a dispute reaches the courtroom, the forensic accountant may testify as an expert witness.

Investigation is the act of determining whether criminal matters such as employee theft, securities fraud (including falsification of financial statements), identity theft, and insurance fraud have occurred. As part of the forensic accountant’s work, he or she may recommend actions that can be taken to minimize future risk of loss. Investigation may also occur in civil matters. For example, the forensic accountant may search for hidden assets in divorce cases.

Forensic accounting involves looking beyond the numbers and grasping the substance of situations. It’s more than accounting…more than detective work…it’s a combination that will be in demand for as long as human nature exists. Who wouldn’t want a career that offers such stability, excitement, and financial rewards?

In short, forensic accounting requires the most important quality a person can possess: the ability to think. Far from being an ability that is specific to success in any particular field, developing the ability to think enhances a person’s chances of success in life, thus increasing a person’s worth in today’s society. Why not consider becoming a forensic accountant? It’s an investment in you. Florida Atlantic University can assist you in preparing for your future. At FAU, we’ll help you acquire the tools you need to begin or enhance your career as a forensic accountant. We’re excited about being able to help you enter this exciting new field! Call 954-762-5151, or click on the Forensic Accounting Masters Degree link on the left-hand navigation bar.

Who needs Forensic Accountants? Forensic Accountants work in most major accounting firms and are needed for investigating mergers and acquisitions, and in tax investigations, economic crime investigations, all kinds of civil litigation support, specialized audits, and even in terrorist investigations. Forensic Accountants work throughout the business world, in public accounting, corporations, and in all branches of government (from the FBI and CIA to the offices of the local authorities). Forensic Accounting firms are everywhere.