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Forensic Accounting Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Special Agent- Job ID 95161

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$44.46 - $60.85/hr

Degree or certification in accounting or other closely related field. * Degree or certification in ... Demonstrated advanced computer skill, including, but not limited to a degree in computer forensics ...

... public accounting and consulting firm. We hope that you find, in Wipfli LLP, the firm where you ... Forensics Services (RAFS) group including technical security assessments. The Senior IT Auditor ...

... public accounting and consulting firm. We hope that you find, in Wipfli LLP, the firm where you ... Forensics Services (RAFS) group including technical security assessments. The Senior IT Auditor ...

Forensic Accounting information

See Minnesota salary details

$55.8K

$83.4K

$149.8K

How much do forensic accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic accounting in Minnesota is $83,423.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $83,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do you do as a forensic accountant?

A forensic accountant investigates financial records to detect fraud, embezzlement, or other financial crimes. They analyze data, prepare reports, and may testify in court, often using accounting skills, auditing tools, and certifications like CPA or CFE. Their work supports legal proceedings and helps organizations prevent financial misconduct.

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 accounting firms, law enforcement, or corporate environments, and certifications like CPA or CFE can enhance job prospects. The field is expected to grow as financial investigations become more complex and critical.

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

Forensic accountants often encounter challenges such as deciphering complex financial records, detecting well-concealed fraud, and working under tight deadlines, especially when litigation is involved. They must also remain objective and meticulous, as their findings could be scrutinized in court. Additionally, collaborating with legal teams, law enforcement, and sometimes reluctant witnesses requires strong communication and interpersonal skills. These challenges make adaptability and attention to detail essential traits for success in this role.

Do I need to be a CPA to be a forensic accountant?

A forensic accountant does not need to be a CPA, but many professionals in the field hold CPA certification or other accounting credentials. Relevant skills include strong analytical abilities, knowledge of accounting standards, and experience with financial investigations; certifications like CFE or CPA can enhance job prospects. Employers may require or prefer these credentials, but they are not universally mandatory for entry into forensic accounting roles.

What is the difference between Forensic Accounting vs Auditing?

AspectForensic AccountingAuditing
Required CredentialsCPA, CFE often preferredCPA, sometimes CIA or other certifications
Work EnvironmentLegal settings, courts, investigationsCorporate, external or internal audit departments
Industry UsageLegal cases, fraud investigationsFinancial statement verification

Forensic accounting and auditing both require CPA credentials and involve financial analysis. However, forensic accounting focuses on legal investigations and fraud detection, often working in legal or court settings. Auditing primarily involves examining financial statements for accuracy within corporate or external environments. While they share skills, their roles differ in purpose and work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Accountant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Accountant, you need a strong background in accounting, auditing, and investigative analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and often a CPA or CFE certification. Familiarity with forensic accounting software, data analytics tools, and advanced spreadsheet applications is essential for conducting thorough investigations. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting complex financial data and presenting findings to stakeholders. These skills are vital for accurately identifying financial discrepancies, supporting legal proceedings, and maintaining the integrity of financial systems.

What is forensic accounting?

Forensic accounting is a specialized field of accounting that involves investigating financial records to detect fraud, embezzlement, or other financial crimes. Forensic accountants use their expertise in accounting and auditing to analyze financial data and present their findings in legal proceedings if necessary. They often work with law enforcement agencies, lawyers, and courts to help resolve disputes or prosecute criminal cases. Their work may also include tracing assets, calculating damages, and providing expert testimony in court.

How much do forensic accountants earn per month?

Forensic accountants typically earn between $4,000 and $8,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of cases they handle. Senior professionals with specialized certifications like CPA or CFE may earn higher salaries, especially in larger firms or consulting roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Accounting jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Forensic Accounting jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Accounting jobs in Minnesota? For Forensic Accounting jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Accounting job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,423 per year, or $40.1 per hour.
Forensic Structural Engineer, Minnesota III

Forensic Structural Engineer, Minnesota III

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Minneota, MN • On-site, Remote

$125K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 1 hour ago


Salas O'Brien rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

235th of 442 rated engineering


Job description

Forensic Structural Engineer, Minnesota III

At Haag, a Salas O’Brien company, we’ve been a trusted leader in forensic engineering and consulting since 1924, helping clients solve complex, high-stakes problems when it matters most. We’re known for technical excellence, integrity, and clear, defensible conclusions. We’re equally committed to building a career environment where talented engineers can do their best work, grow their expertise, and make a real impact.

In June 2024, Haag merged with Salas O’Brien, expanding what’s possible for our team. Haag remains focused on forensic engineering, and we now offer the added strength of a broader, employee-owned organization. This brings deeper technical resources, expanded collaboration, and more opportunities to build your career across a wide range of disciplines and industries.

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We are engineered for impact, and we bring that same commitment to our people as we do to our projects. We live our values every day: Inspire, Achieve, and Connect, as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for energy, manufacturing and industrial process, data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more. Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to deliver outstanding client outcomes and build long-term careers.

Job Summary: We’re seeking a Forensic Structural Engineer ideally in the Minneapolis, MN area. In this remote/home office role, you will investigate and evaluate the cause and extent of structural damage resulting from storms, natural disasters, fires/explosions, construction/design defects, accidents, foundation movement, and more.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Forensic Investigations: Conduct site inspections to determine the cause, origin, and extent of structural damage; evaluate failure modes and contributing factors.
  • Analysis & Reporting: Develop clear, well-supported conclusions and produce high-quality technical reports, documentation, and deliverables.
  • Client Communication: Provide timely, professional updates to clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders; proactively close communication gaps and manage expectations.
  • Collaboration & Independence: Work independently from a home office while leveraging internal experts and resources; build long-term relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners.
  • Project Ownership: Drive issues to resolution with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring deliverables meet or exceed customer expectations and applicable standards.
  • Continuous Improvement: Contribute ideas that strengthen processes, tools, and customer outcomes; help others navigate change and adopt improvements.

Qualifications and Experience

Experience:

  • 2+ years of forensic engineering experience required.
  • Must be able to work independently and with a cross-functional team of experts.
  • Strong technical writing skills are required; the ability to write effective reports is critical. Strong verbal communication skills are necessary; you should be an effective communicator in face-to-face interactions.
  • The ability to provide the utmost in customer service to our clients is a must.
  • Technical proficiency with computers, phones, cameras, etc.
  • Expert Witness experience is preferred.
  • You must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship or any restrictions.

Licensure:

  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in MN is required, or eligible by reciprocity.

Physical & Travel Requirements:

  • Ability to perform fieldwork, including confined spaces and roof inspections.
  • Must be able to carry ladders and operate required equipment.
  • Willingness to travel locally, regionally, and nationally by vehicle or plane as needed.
  • Some overnight travel will be required. However, most investigations can be done without overnight travel.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or a closely related degree from an ABET-accredited university required.
  • Master of Science Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering preferred.

Location:

  • Remote (home office) – ideally in the Minneapolis, MN area.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Base salary range: $125,000 – $185,000 per year.
  • In addition to the base salary, the compensation plan includes additional, nondiscretionary compensation based on billable productivity above a minimum threshold. Employees may elect at any time to transition to a model based primarily on a higher percentage of their billable rate applied to all billable hours worked. In practice, most employees choose to transition between approximately one and three years, once their billable hours support consistently higher earnings under this model.

This role is also eligible for a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.


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