2

Entry Level Forensic Accounting Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Forensic Accounting information

See Illinois salary details

$55.2K

$82.5K

$148.3K

How much do entry level forensic accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level forensic accounting in Illinois is $82,538.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is entry level forensic accounting?

Entry level forensic accounting refers to positions for individuals who are new to the field of forensic accounting, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. These roles involve assisting with investigations of financial fraud, analyzing financial records, and preparing reports for legal proceedings. Entry-level forensic accountants often work under the supervision of senior accountants or investigators, gaining practical experience in both accounting principles and investigative techniques. This position is a common starting point for those interested in a career that combines accounting skills with detective work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level forensic accountant?

To thrive as an Entry Level Forensic Accountant, you need a solid foundation in accounting principles, analytical thinking, and a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Familiarity with accounting software, data analysis tools like Excel, and knowledge of fraud detection techniques or certifications such as CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) are often beneficial. Strong attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication skills help you analyze complex data and present findings clearly. These competencies are crucial for detecting financial discrepancies, supporting investigations, and ensuring accurate and ethical reporting.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level forensic accountants, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Entry-level forensic accountants often encounter challenges such as analyzing large volumes of complex financial data, learning to use specialized forensic software, and understanding the legal standards required for evidence. To overcome these hurdles, new professionals benefit from strong mentorship, ongoing training, and active collaboration with experienced colleagues. Developing effective communication skills is also crucial, as forensic accountants frequently work with legal teams and may need to present findings clearly to non-accountants.

What is the difference between Entry Level Forensic Accounting vs Entry Level Auditing?

AspectEntry Level Forensic AccountingEntry Level Auditing
CertificationsOften requires CPA or CFETypically CPA or equivalent
Work EnvironmentInvestigative, legal, and financial settingsCorporate, public accounting firms, or internal audit teams
Industry UsageLegal cases, fraud investigations, litigation supportFinancial statement verification, compliance, internal controls

Entry Level Forensic Accounting and Entry Level Auditing share common certifications like CPA and work in financial environments. However, forensic accounting focuses on investigations and legal cases, while auditing emphasizes verifying financial statements and compliance. Both roles are essential in the finance industry but serve different purposes and require specialized skills.

How easy is it to get a job in entry level forensic accounting?

Entry level forensic accounting positions are competitive but accessible with a relevant bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Gaining skills in data analysis, auditing, and certifications like the CPA or CFE can improve job prospects, and internships or related experience can also help entry-level candidates secure positions.

How much does an entry level forensic accountant make?

Entry-level forensic accountants typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, education, and certifications such as CPA or CFE. Starting salaries may be lower in some regions but tend to increase with experience and specialized skills in financial analysis and investigation tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Accounting jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Forensic Accounting jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Forensic Accounting jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Forensic Accounting job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Forensic Accounting job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,538 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Consultative Offerings - Analyst - Forensic Investigations

Chicago, IL


Deloitte
Finance and Insurance • 10K+ employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 152 rated financial services

Good employer

Recommended by students

Paid breaks


Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Are you ready to go beyond your potential and reach something greater? At Deloitte, we believe in more than just growth-we believe in exponential possibilities. Here, your unique talents and ambitions are amplified by the power of our collaborative teams, innovative thinking, and mentorship. When you join Deloitte, you don't just build a career-you unlock unlimited opportunities, shaping your future and the world around you. Take the power of you and put it to the power of Deloitte. Reach your exponential! 

Recruiting for this role ends on 11/01/2026. 

Work You'll Do 


As a Forensic Investigations Analyst, you will: 

  • Combine investigative skills with cutting-edge technology to offer innovative solutions to our clients' complex problems.  
  • Leverage data, statistical and quantitative analysis, rules-based methods, and predictive modeling to deliver insights into forensic and transactional challenges, supporting investigations such as fraud, anti-corruption compliance, restructuring, safety, quality, and enterprise fraud management. 
  • Help clients predict, detect, and respond to global crises, corporate fraud, corruption, whistleblower allegations, and other complex risks by advising on strategies to mitigate disruption, risk, and expense.  
  • Perform quality control processes and establish additional quality control procedures in an effort to maintain quality deliverables on engagements. 
  • Support investigations and disputes by reviewing business records, compiling and analyzing facts, and uncovering key insights for matters under investigation or litigation.  
  • Assist in preparing and executing detailed work plans for diverse engagements, demonstrating strong organizational and project management skills.  
  • Review documents to identify relevant information and contribute to the formulation and critique of damages theories, claims, or conclusions.  
  • Help prepare client presentations, reports, and deliverables on projects including accounting and fraud investigations, false claims act cases, and complex business litigation.  
  • Demonstrate adaptability, attention to detail, and effective communication while working on both proactive and reactive client matters. 

Regardless of type of work, your work may require: 

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective client and team interactions  
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment  
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to drive innovation and operational improvements  
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to communicate across Deloitte teams and client stakeholders  
  • Quick to learn and apply new concepts, frameworks, and emerging technologies  
  • Proactive in managing personal and professional growth and expanding consulting skills  
  • Solid understanding of Windows-based systems and proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 

The Team 

Our Deloitte team plays a major role in directly embedding technology insights into our clients' organizational goals. At Deloitte, our consultants create sharply-focused solutions within an organization's operating model, accounting for its people, intellectual capital, technology, and processes. Engagement teams at Deloitte drive value for our clients but also understand the importance of developing resources and contributing to the communities in which we work. We make it our business to take issue to impact, both within and beyond a client setting.  

Required Qualifications 

  • Must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and expected to graduate by Spring/Summer 2027 or have completed a bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting, Data Analytics, Forensics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related/equivalent program 
  • Strong academic track record (3.0 cumulative GPA required)  
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future 
  • Ability to travel up to 25%, on average, based on the work you do and the clients and industries/sectors you serve 
  • Candidates must be at least 18 years of age at time of employment 
  • You must reside within a commutable distance of your assigned office with the ability to commute daily, if required 

Preferred Qualifications  

  • Strong academic track record (3.2 cumulative GPA preferred)  
  • Relevant work experience or work experience in a professional environment (e.g. internships, summer positions, school jobs)  
  • Programming ability in C#, SQL, Perl, Python, Visual Basic, Microsoft .NET framework, EnScript, Shell Scripting or similar 
  • An understanding of financial systems and/or database technology 
  • Experience with Tableau, Qlik View or similar tools 

This is an entry-level opportunity intended for candidates interested in beginning or building a career in this field. We welcome applicants from a range of educational and professional backgrounds who meet the qualifications for the role. For roles that require a year or more of work experience, please review the experienced jobs within our careers site. 

The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.  The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.  At Deloitte, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.  A reasonable estimate is $85,000.

Qualifications:

Are you ready to go beyond your potential and reach something greater? At Deloitte, we believe in more than just growth-we believe in exponential possibilities. Here, your unique talents and ambitions are amplified by the power of our collaborative teams, innovative thinking, and mentorship. When you join Deloitte, you don't just build a career-you unlock unlimited opportunities, shaping your future and the world around you. Take the power of you and put it to the power of Deloitte. Reach your exponential! 

Recruiting for this role ends on 11/01/2026. 

Work You'll Do 


As a Forensic Investigations Analyst, you will: 

  • Combine investigative skills with cutting-edge technology to offer innovative solutions to our clients' complex problems.  
  • Leverage data, statistical and quantitative analysis, rules-based methods, and predictive modeling to deliver insights into forensic and transactional challenges, supporting investigations such as fraud, anti-corruption compliance, restructuring, safety, quality, and enterprise fraud management. 
  • Help clients predict, detect, and respond to global crises, corporate fraud, corruption, whistleblower allegations, and other complex risks by advising on strategies to mitigate disruption, risk, and expense.  
  • Perform quality control processes and establish additional quality control procedures in an effort to maintain quality deliverables on engagements. 
  • Support investigations and disputes by reviewing business records, compiling and analyzing facts, and uncovering key insights for matters under investigation or litigation.  
  • Assist in preparing and executing detailed work plans for diverse engagements, demonstrating strong organizational and project management skills.  
  • Review documents to identify relevant information and contribute to the formulation and critique of damages theories, claims, or conclusions.  
  • Help prepare client presentations, reports, and deliverables on projects including accounting and fraud investigations, false claims act cases, and complex business litigation.  
  • Demonstrate adaptability, attention to detail, and effective communication while working on both proactive and reactive client matters. 

Regardless of type of work, your work may require: 

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective client and team interactions  
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment  
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to drive innovation and operational improvements  
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to communicate across Deloitte teams and client stakeholders  
  • Quick to learn and apply new concepts, frameworks, and emerging technologies  
  • Proactive in managing personal and professional growth and expanding consulting skills  
  • Solid understanding of Windows-based systems and proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 

The Team 

Our Deloitte team plays a major role in directly embedding technology insights into our clients' organizational goals. At Deloitte, our consultants create sharply-focused solutions within an organization's operating model, accounting for its people, intellectual capital, technology, and processes. Engagement teams at Deloitte drive value for our clients but also understand the importance of developing resources and contributing to the communities in which we work. We make it our business to take issue to impact, both within and beyond a client setting.  

Required Qualifications 

  • Must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and expected to graduate by Spring/Summer 2027 or have completed a bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting, Data Analytics, Forensics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related/equivalent program 
  • Strong academic track record (3.0 cumulative GPA required)  
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future 
  • Ability to travel up to 25%, on average, based on the work you do and the clients and industries/sectors you serve 
  • Candidates must be at least 18 years of age at time of employment 
  • You must reside within a commutable distance of your assigned office with the ability to commute daily, if required 

Preferred Qualifications  

  • Strong academic track record (3.2 cumulative GPA preferred)  
  • Relevant work experience or work experience in a professional environment (e.g. internships, summer positions, school jobs)  
  • Programming ability in C#, SQL, Perl, Python, Visual Basic, Microsoft .NET framework, EnScript, Shell Scripting or similar 
  • An understanding of financial systems and/or database technology 
  • Experience with Tableau, Qlik View or similar tools 

This is an entry-level opportunity intended for candidates interested in beginning or building a career in this field. We welcome applicants from a range of educational and professional backgrounds who meet the qualifications for the role. For roles that require a year or more of work experience, please review the experienced jobs within our careers site. 

The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.  The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.  At Deloitte, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.  A reasonable estimate is $85,000.

Education:Bachelor's DegreeEmployment Type:


What Deloitte employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom