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If you want to learn how to become a forensic accountant you will need to begin with an analysis of yourself and your skills to determine whether this job is right for you. Getting education and career information from a local college that offers accounting programs is also a good idea. A forensic accountant can be involved in anything from a simple police investigation into criminal activity to a government investigation on terrorist attacks, with a blended role involving both accounting and investigating.

If you are going to become a forensic accountant you will need skills such as confidence, curiosity, organization and the ability to look beyond what is on the surface. You will also need good communication skills so you can easily get up in front of audiences to present evidence with an air of credibility. If you think you have these skills, then you’ll need to start working on your education. In order to be certified as a CPA (certified public accountant) or CFE (certified fraud examiner) you will need to get a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s degree with an accounting specialization focused on the forensic side of things. This will prepare you to pass the certification exams. Membership in the American College of Forensic Examiners will also help with your career goals.

There are many places to look for forensic accounting programs, just make sure you choose an accredited institution of higher learning that offers all the tools you’ll need to succeed in your career. If you’re serious about this profession, you can also talk to federal and state government agencies, insurance companies, police departments and lawyers to see what kind of forensic accountants they hire and what the job entails. This will help you decide what specific path you want to take in the forensic accounting field.

Once you have your degree and have passed the certification exams, you can enter the forensic accounting field as an entry level accountant earning anywhere from ,000 to ,000 a year depending on your location and job description. In a few short years, though, your experience will prepare you to earn a six figure salary, especially if you work in the private sector.

Institutions offering quality Accounting Programs include University of Phoenix, Strayer University, DeVry University, Brown Mackie College and Everest College.

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