1

Forensic Accounting Jobs in Rochester, WA (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Accounting information

See Rochester, WA salary details

$59.5K

$89K

$159.8K

How much do forensic accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic accounting in Rochester, WA is $88,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,100.00 and $88,800.00 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 cities near Rochester, WA are hiring for Forensic Accounting jobs? Cities near Rochester, WA with the most Forensic Accounting job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Accounting job openings in Rochester, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,954 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

$93K - $124K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


State Of Washington rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 50 rated states


Job description

Description Public funding has the greatest impact when every dollar supports the people it was intended to serve. The Department of Social and Health Services' Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA) is seeking a Budget Manager to oversee the financial management of the Office of Forensic Mental Health Services and Trueblood Settlement funding. BHHA provides around-the-clock behavioral health care and treatment services in state-operated facilities across Washington while supporting critical forensic mental health programs.

This position will play an important role in ensuring the financial stewardship that allows those services to meet legal obligations and continue serving some of the state's most vulnerable individuals. This is more than a traditional budgeting role. You'll help ensure spending within the program and settlement funds are tracked, managed properly, and reported accurately.

You'll research and organize historical financial information dating back to 2015, maintain accurate budget records going forward, and provide the financial analysis needed to ensure funding is used as intended and in compliance with legislative intent, accounting standards and settlement requirements. Your work directly supports BHHA's commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources and its strategic goal of ensuring timely, person-centered behavioral health services. You'll likely thrive in this role if you enjoy solving complex financial questions, researching historical information, and bringing structure to large amounts of data.

You're proactive, collaborative, and comfortable working with program staff to understand how budgets translate into services. Experience with state or government budgeting is especially valuable, but just as important is the ability to navigate complex financial systems, learn quickly, and build strong working relationships. Your first 90 days will be about building a strong understanding of the program, its funding structure, and the financial history behind the Trueblood settlement.

You'll work closely with program staff and leadership to organize historical budget information, establish reliable tracking processes, and develop a clear understanding of monthly budget monitoring and reporting expectations. Still reading. Here's what you'll do.

Some of What You'll Do Manage and monitor the budget supporting the Office of Forensic Mental Health Services. Develop allotments with funding provided by legislature. Track monthly expenditures and compare spending against approved allotments.

Partner with program staff to ensure expenditures align with available funding and settlement requirements. Monitor multiple funding sources and help ensure public funds are spent accurately and appropriately. Prepare budget analyses and provide financial recommendations to leadership.

Maintain documentation that supports transparency, accountability, and audit readiness. Identify budget risks early and recommend solutions to keep the program financially on track. Who Should Apply Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, economics, health administration, or a related field and five years of professional experience working with a large, complex financial system.

OR Nine years of professional experience working with a large, complex financial system, including at least four years leading and managing budgets in a financial or accounting environment. Preferred Experience working within Washington State government or another public-sector organization. Experience managing complex budgets with legal, regulatory, or compliance requirements.

How to Apply If this sounds like the role you've been working towards - submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Questions. Email kris.george@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 05811

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Supplemental Information Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384. Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command.

DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewedhere. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S

Department of Homeland Security


What State Of Washington employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


State of Washington logo

About State of Washington

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Washington is not a traditional company, but a governmental organization that is tasked with managing the various state-run services and enterprises in Washington. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA, the organization is responsible for the overall administration of the state's agencies and public services. Since the admission of Washington into the Union on November 11, 1890, the state government has aimed to provide a high quality of life for its residents through effective and efficient public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1889