Educational: Most forensic accountants have a bachelor’s
degree in accounting, and many have additional academic preparation in
fields like criminal justice or law enforcement. After bachelors degree
in accounting one can go for diploma or certificate course in Forensic
accounting. As part of Law in some institutes forensic accounting is also
taught as a separate paper. To work as a forensic accountant abroad, you'll
need to earn a bachelors degree in accounting and CPA certification to
begin a forensic accounting career.
It is also advantageous to become a CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) or
a CrFA (Certified Forensic Accountant).
Course in forensic accounting covers areas like Financial Accounting
and Financial Frauds, Criminology & Ethics, Forensic Accounting and
Fraud Investigation, Legal Framework for Forensic Accounting etc.
Personnel Attributes:
The job of a forensic accountant is quiet challenging. It requires commitment,
loyalty, and devotion. Understanding of psychological theories, analytical/investigative
skills is a must for the person. Forensic accounting requires the most
important quality a person has to possess: the ability to think. His/her
conclusion should not be based on any assumption or opinion. Proper research
work and detailed study of accounts is required to draw a fair and unbiased
conclusion. Forensic accountants need to possess sound knowledge in financial
procedures and have investigative skills. They must have the skills of
both a private investigator and an accountant. Hence he/she requires an
exquisite eye for detail, a solid background in both accounting basics
and legal concepts, and a love of the excitement that comes with law as
well as order. Forensic accountants must have remarkable curiosity, attention
to detail, persistence, and the ability to think creatively and communicate
effectively. Many accountants may have to work with a team who have different
backgrounds, so they must be able to communicate clearly and concisely.
