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Forensic Accountant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Junior Forensic Accountant

Arlington, 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 24, 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/ Auditor

Fort Belvoir, VA

Firebird AST
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Firebird AST is seeking a Secret cleared Forensic Accountant/ Auditor to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Forensic Accountant/Auditor will provide analysis of complex financial records to support DHS OIG fraud and corruption investigations to include analyzing bank records, financial statements, and other financial information, conducting discussions about the results with Federal Agents, U.S. Attorneys, and other Federal Stakeholders. Must have Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Certification to be considered.

*** Anticipated contract award: October 2026

Detailed Responsibilities:

  • Provide forensic auditing, accounting, or other professional services to include, analytic reports, summaries, graphs, and charts for use in investigations, Congressional requests, and testimony in support of DHS OIG investigations.
  • Participate in strategic planning sessions with case agents, fraud investigative groups and task forces to identify fraud schemes affecting DHS.
  • Provide expertise in financial crimes investigations by providing input to affidavits and subpoenas and recommending possible investigative steps.
  • Compile and analyze data material, including but not limited to financial and tax records, invoices, complaint data, digital media, contract, and grant related information to help identify fraud and related criminal offenses and associated parties.
  • Compile, analyze, and/or audit complex financial business records to support investigations and prosecutions.
  • Support requests for on-site forensic financial analysis.
  • Help analyze and build financial profiles to identify criminal offenses, trends, and patterns to identify the infrastructure that makes up fraud and money laundering scheme(s).
  • Review and analyze various law enforcement, financial, and procurement databases and conduct open source searches to obtain necessary business records to support investigations and prosecutions.
  • Input researched and analyzed data into various professional products such as statistical analysis summaries, forensic accounting reports, graphs, or charts, and power point presentations for law enforcement use.

Required Qualifications:

  • Active DoW Secret clearance
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Certification.
  • 7 years of subject matter experience in financial analysis, accounting, or auditing supporting Federal law enforcement investigations.
  • Fully proficient in the use of i2 Analyst’s Notebook, Bank Scan, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point, and other software as needed to support forensic financial analysis.
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Certification.

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field.

Clearance:

  • Active DoW Secret.

About Firebird AST:

Firebird AST is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) based in Northern Virginia and a market-recognized leader within the IC, Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and Law Enforcement. We maintain a corporate culture deeply rooted in the US Military core values that gave us our start - honor, integrity, commitment, and selfless service. For this reason, our customers' needs and missions always comes first. We seek hard working, experienced, motivated, professionally proven subject matter experts, trainers, leaders, innovators, and technical experts to serve on our team. Firebird AST has a firm understanding that our employees are our greatest asset and that, accordingly, they are to be provided the greatest level of respect and care possible. As a small company, this is far easier to achieve.

Firebird AST is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.