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Forensic Accountant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Junior Forensic Accountant

Crystal City, VA · Hybrid

$54K - $68K/yr

Firebird AST is seeking a Junior Forensic Accountant to support the Homeland Security Investigations' (HSI) Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) in Crystal City, VA. This is a hybrid role and some local ...

Tax Accountant

Arlington, VA · On-site

$60K - $150K/yr

Its staff of highly trained forensic accountants and investigators have conducted fraud investigations on a national level for such clients as the United States Bankruptcy Court and United States ...

Tax Accountant

Arlington, VA · On-site

$60K - $150K/yr

Its staff of highly trained forensic accountants and investigators have conducted fraud investigations on a national level for such clients as the United States Bankruptcy Court and United States ...

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Forensic Accountant information

See Virginia salary details

$56.5K

$84.4K

$151.7K

How much do forensic accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic accountant in Virginia is $84,446.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $84,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic accountant?

A forensic accountant is an accountant who investigates potential financial crime or fraud cases, typically those that involve litigation or legal and criminal disputes. Usually, they are the main investigator analyzing the books and financial holdings that may become evidence in a court case. Their analyses, documentation, and findings are presented to lawyers, judges, and juries, and often, the forensic accountant will testify as a subject matter expert on the evidence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic accountant?

To thrive as a Forensic Accountant, you need strong analytical skills, detailed knowledge of accounting principles, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor’s in accounting or finance, often supplemented by certifications like CPA or CFE. Familiarity with forensic accounting software, data analysis tools, and advanced Excel functions is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for investigating and explaining complex financial issues. These competencies enable forensic accountants to detect fraud, support legal proceedings, and deliver reliable financial analysis.

What are some common challenges forensic accountants face when working on fraud investigations?

Forensic accountants often encounter challenges such as incomplete financial records, uncooperative witnesses, and attempts by perpetrators to conceal evidence. Navigating complex financial transactions and translating findings into clear, actionable reports for non-accounting audiences can also be demanding. These professionals must remain detail-oriented and persistent while collaborating closely with legal teams, law enforcement, and clients to build a strong case.

What is the difference between Forensic Accountant vs Auditing Accountant?

AspectForensic AccountantAuditing Accountant
CertificationsCPA, CFECPA, CIA
Work EnvironmentLegal cases, investigations, litigation supportFinancial statement audits, compliance reviews
Industry UsageLegal, insurance, fraud detectionPublic accounting firms, corporations

While both forensic accountants and auditing accountants hold CPA credentials and work within the accounting industry, forensic accountants focus on investigations related to fraud and legal cases, often working with law enforcement or legal teams. Auditing accountants primarily perform financial audits to ensure accuracy and compliance in financial statements. Their work environments and objectives differ, with forensic accountants specializing in uncovering financial crimes and auditing accountants ensuring financial integrity.

Is there a demand for forensic accountants?

Forensic accountants are in high demand due to increasing financial fraud, white-collar crime, and regulatory compliance needs. They often work in law enforcement, legal firms, and corporations, with strong skills in auditing, investigation, and certification, making their expertise valuable across various industries.

What does a forensic accountant actually do?

A forensic accountant investigates financial records to detect fraud, embezzlement, or other financial crimes. They analyze data, prepare reports, and may testify as expert witnesses in legal proceedings, often using accounting software and adhering to legal standards. Their work supports criminal investigations, litigation, and dispute resolution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Accountant jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Forensic Accountant jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Accountant jobs in Virginia?

For Forensic Accountant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Accountant jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Accountant jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Forensic Accountant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Forensic Accountant job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Accountant jobs in VA?

For Forensic Accountant jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Accountant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,446 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Forensic Accountant Supporting DCIS

Ruchman and Associates Inc

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Ruchman and Associates, Inc. is currently seeking a Forensic Accountant to support forfeiture related tasks at the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS). The DCIS is a federal law enforcement organization whose mission is to protect America's warfighters by conducting investigations in support of crucial National Defense priorities involving fraud, waste, and abuse.
As a Forensic Accountant, you will work independently to investigate and analyze all components of the financial infrastructure, their methods of criminal money movements, and the professional money laundering infrastructure facilitating these movements. You will support Federal investigations and prosecutions by using criminal investigative tools.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Participate in strategic planning sessions with financial investigative groups and task forces.
  • Conduct analysis during investigation support on financial transactions to accurately identify all parties involved in the criminal activity.
  • Conduct analysis and audit complex financial and business records to support Federal investigations and prosecutions.
  • Obtain raw criminal intelligence from various database resources and correlate the data, culminating in a full analysis of the information.
  • Provide factual witness testimony during federal prosecutions.
  • Traveling to support asset forfeiture-related work.

Requirements
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree- Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field is required.
  • Minimum of 2 years law enforcement experience with planning, conducting, and participating in financial investigations. Experience as a government forensic accountant (white collar criminal fraud).
  • Knowledge of current and anticipated banking anti-money laundering regulations and practices.
  • Skilled and capable in oral and written communications.
  • Experience providing witness testimony.
  • Have strong analytical and investigative experience.
  • Must be able to work on client site (some telework is allowed). Travel to other locations is required.
  • Must have an active DOD clearance.
  • Licensed CPA, preferred.
  • Experience working independently with minimal supervision and guidance.

RAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and will not discriminate against any application for employment based on age, race, color, gender, national origin, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, disability, or sex including pregnancy and childbirth or related medical condition or on any other basis prohibited by law. RAI participates in the E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all persons hired. This means that we will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. RAI. will not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants.