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Advice on career as a forensic accountant
Posted on 8/1/15 at 11:27 am
Posted on 8/1/15 at 11:27 am
I'm an accountant at a CPA firm, and I'll have my CPA license in January. After that, I plan on getting my CFE.
I like where I work but I'm really drawn to a career path as a forensic accountant. I think doing it for the FBI/CIA would be very interesting but I'm open to anywhere.
For those with experience or relevant knowledge- what kind of things do they look for in terms of experience/certifications? Like I said I plan to get my CPA and CFE, but beyond that do any others help? I'm sure more can't hurt but at the same time I don't want to spend too much time for something I don't need. As far as experience, I'll have 2+ years in public (not big 4), with both auditing and tax experience, before I obtain the certificates and start looking to make a move.
I'd appreciate all legitimate input on the matter
I like where I work but I'm really drawn to a career path as a forensic accountant. I think doing it for the FBI/CIA would be very interesting but I'm open to anywhere.
For those with experience or relevant knowledge- what kind of things do they look for in terms of experience/certifications? Like I said I plan to get my CPA and CFE, but beyond that do any others help? I'm sure more can't hurt but at the same time I don't want to spend too much time for something I don't need. As far as experience, I'll have 2+ years in public (not big 4), with both auditing and tax experience, before I obtain the certificates and start looking to make a move.
I'd appreciate all legitimate input on the matter
8
Posted on 8/1/15 at 11:30 am to Tigerfan56
Good luck.
Posted on 8/1/15 at 11:31 am to Tigerfan56
In that case, I'm definitely not hiring you to do my taxes.
Posted on 8/1/15 at 11:32 am to Tigerfan56
The most lucrative career path in forensic accounting is in litigation support quantifying economic damages. It may not be as exciting as doing forensic accounting for criminal investigations, but it pays better. The key is to establish good working relationships with attorneys.
Posted on 8/1/15 at 11:32 am to Tigerfan56
Think of it as being like the Jason Bourne of Excel.
Posted on 8/1/15 at 11:35 am to Poodlebrain
Money isn't the driving motive for this kind of move for me. I'm not ruling that type of work out, but I'd really like to work as a fraud examiner for the CIA/FBI. I'm not sure how tough those jobs are to get (I'm sure they are), but that's my goal. And even if it doesn't work out, additional professional certificates can't hurt my resume or career path.
Posted on 8/1/15 at 11:46 am to Tigerfan56
I've heard the CFE is a joke. I'd do the CFF, certified by the AICPA. As poodle said, litigation support is the most lucrative offer.
Also, don't make the move until you have the certifications, it will absolutely translate into more money. If you make the move before becoming a CPA you are costing yourself thousands.
Also, don't make the move until you have the certifications, it will absolutely translate into more money. If you make the move before becoming a CPA you are costing yourself thousands.
Posted on 8/1/15 at 12:09 pm to Tigerfan56
(no message)
This post was edited on 11/6/15 at 3:25 pm
Posted on 8/1/15 at 12:16 pm to LSUwag
The FBI likes to hire accountants. They hire a good bit.
Posted on 8/1/15 at 1:04 pm to Jabstep
quote:
I've heard the CFE is a joke. I'd do the CFF, certified by the AICPA. As poodle said, litigation support is the most lucrative offer. Also, don't make the move until you have the certifications, it will absolutely translate into more money. If you make the move before becoming a CPA you are costing yourself thousands.
I'll probably do both. CFE doesn't look hard to obtain, so you're probably right. I'm struggling to find a solid template of requirements for CFE but if I understand it the way I believe it to be written, I'd need more experience before I considered it anyway (5 years professional experience and 75 relevant CPE hours before I can even apply).
Posted on 8/1/15 at 1:07 pm to Tigerfan56
From what I understand, get to know attorneys. I have a couple I'm friendly with that have said when I get my CPA they may have some contract work to get experience.
Posted on 8/1/15 at 1:39 pm to Tigerfan56
First off, the fbi loves accountants. It's one of their general recruiting grounds. With that said, youd still be just an agent with that background and starting off anywhere from 40-50 k. I don't think you'd be guaranteed to be a forensic accountant at all. The extra certifications might make you more competitive.
Also, you better have an exquisitely clean background for the fbi. They will background search you and everyone you've ever spent a significant time around and interview them.
Also, you better have an exquisitely clean background for the fbi. They will background search you and everyone you've ever spent a significant time around and interview them.
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