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Forensic Accounting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Accounting Senior Consulting

Houston, TX · On-site

$70K - $88K/yr

A Senior Consultant in Crowe's Forensic Consulting Group will understand accounting fundamentals and will have the ability to apply those accounting skills with judgment to analyze financial ...

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Forensic Accounting information

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$57K

$85.2K

$153K

How much do forensic accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic accounting in the United States is $85,177.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $85,000.00 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.
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What states have the most Forensic Accounting jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Accounting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forensic Accounting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,177 per year, or $41 per hour.
Forensic Accounting & Litigation Manager | Family Law

Forensic Accounting & Litigation Manager | Family Law

Myers and Stauffer

San Diego, CA

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

#LI-MC2 #LI-Onsite #CBIZAdvisory

CBIZ, Inc. (NYSE: CBZ) is a leading professional services advisor to middle-market businesses nationwide. With industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance, and technology, CBIZ delivers actionable insights to help clients anticipate what is next and discover new ways to accelerate growth. CBIZ has more than 9,500 team members across 23 major markets coast to coast.

CBIZ strives to be our team members' employer of choice by creating an environment where team members are appreciated, recognized for their contributions, and provided with opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally, throughout their careers.

Together, CBIZ and CBIZ CPAs are ranked as one of the top providers of accounting services in the United States. CBIZ CPAs is an independent CPA firm that provides audit, review and attest services, while CBIZ provides business consulting, tax and financial services. In certain jurisdictions, CBIZ CPAs operates under its previous name, Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree 

  • 5 years of experience in public accounting or related field

  • 3 years supervisory experience

  • Must have active CPA or equivalent certification

  • Ability to manage all aspects of client engagements

  • Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing throughout all levels of organization, both internally and externally

  • Must be able to travel based on client and business needs

  • Proficient use of applicable technology

Essential Functions and Primary Duties

  • Performance of preliminary valuation, forensic, and appraisal analyses, including development of comparative adjusted financial statements and data input for expert witness exhibits.

  • Knowledgeable of the relevant statutory and family codes and their applicability to accounting principles in performance of forensic accounting.

  • Participate in client assignments from beginning to end.

  • Create forensic and economics models for presentation of forensic standard accounting system.

  • Identify and communicate case issues, finding, and improvement opportunities with managers and partners to resolve client issues discovered during engagements.

  • Work with discovery team to inventory and reconcile documents and data produced in preparation for submission to courts, attorneys and clients

  • Assist in preparation of exhibits and background information for expert witness testimony

  • Maintain and comply with highest degree of professional standards, client confidentiality and personal conduct.

  • They will participate in training and developing staff and building a team-centered client service team; monitor client issues related to compliance services and monitor engagement status and profitability as well as attending to client's expectation 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree 

  • 3 years supervisory experience

  • Family Law forensic accounting experience