For many students, law enforcement is an expensive career. With all the high-profile corporate scandals, forensic accountants are a hot commodity. Becoming a forensic accountant is not as difficult as you might think. There are many different certifications that can help you set up a forensic account. I would like to focus on three certifications that will make you marketable as a forensic accountant.
Forensic Accounting Certification #1: CPA
Whenever you have careers in accounting, always at least consider getting a CPA license. Court clerks are not exempt from this rule. Although accountants with a CPA license can do much more than forensic accounting, you can undertake forensic assignments in the form of accounting services. Often large businesses that suspect fraud hire professionals from their CPA firms to do legal battles where the CPAs will then recreate the accounts and figures, if there were pecuniary damages.
If you want a forensic accounting course and are interested in becoming a CPA, you need 150 hours of college credit, meet your state’s educational requirements (have some business and accounting courses), pass part four exams and be eligible. your state’s experience requirements
Forensic Accounting Certification #2: CPA – CFF
The AICPA recognizes that forensic accounting is hot. They also recognize that not all CPAs are created equal. The AICPA has a certification, CFF (Certificate in Financial Forensics), which indicates that a CPA is well-trained in forensic accounting.
To become a CPA-CFF, you must first be a CPA. If you are not a CPA, you cannot obtain this forensic certification. Once you become a CPA, you must pass the qualifying exam, meet the experience requirements, and pay your dues.
Forensic Accounting Certification #3: CFE
CFE stands for Certified Fraud Examiners. Certified Fraud Examiners can do more than just accounting. Indeed, many members of law-enforcement”>law have obtained CFE documents and do not deal with legal matters on a day-to-day basis. CFEs It deals with the prevention and detection of fraud.Since fraud has many aspects, CFEs are not limited to just forensics.
This certification that allows you to become marketable as a legal accountant has been around for a long time for CFA CFF believers. To become a CFE, you must have a college degree in any subject, pass a four-part exam, and have two years of fraud related job experience.
If you are a CPA, a CPA with additional CFF credentials, or a CFE would be ideal for a career in forensic accounting. With all the major frauds being committed on a daily basis, forensic accountants have been needed for many years. Forensic accounting is definitely a career-paths that many students should at least consider. Forensic accountants are in demand many years into the future.
Resources:
www.aicpa.org
www.acfe.com
http://fvs.aicpa.org/Memberships/Overview+of+Certified+in+Financial+Forensics+Credential.htm
