1

Forensic Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Accountant Job Summary:We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Accountant to ... Conduct regular financial audits and ensure adherence to internal controls. * Assist in budget ...

Staff Accountant-Forensic

Sherman Oaks, CA · On-site

$57K - $76K/yr

... * Assist in legal proceedings: Collaborate with legal teams, attorneys, and clients to provide ... Knowledge of industry-specific forensic accounting practices, methodologies, and tools is an asset.

Staff Accountant-Forensic

Sherman Oaks, CA · On-site

$57K - $76K/yr

... * Assist in legal proceedings: Collaborate with legal teams, attorneys, and clients to provide ... Knowledge of industry-specific forensic accounting practices, methodologies, and tools is an asset.

Showing results 21-40

Forensic Assistant information

See California salary details

$10

$23

$59

How much do forensic assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic assistant in California is $23.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $25.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a forensic assistant?

To become a forensic assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring postsecondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and familiarity with forensic tools and software; certifications are not always required but can enhance job prospects. On-the-job training is common, and positions often require working in a laboratory or crime scene environment with standard working hours.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Assistant, you need a background in biology or forensic science, attention to detail, and knowledge of evidence handling, often supported by an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, chain-of-custody software, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to work well under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate evidence processing, maintain the integrity of legal investigations, and support the credibility of forensic findings.

What are some typical challenges a forensic assistant may encounter when handling evidence?

Forensic Assistants often face challenges related to maintaining the integrity and chain of custody for physical evidence. Ensuring that evidence is properly documented, labeled, and stored is critical, as any lapse can compromise legal proceedings. The role also requires strict adherence to protocols and the ability to work efficiently under pressure, especially when dealing with time-sensitive investigations. Attention to detail and effective communication with forensic scientists, law enforcement, and laboratory staff are essential for successfully overcoming these challenges.

What is a forensic assistant?

Forensic assistants are professionals who support forensic scientists and investigators by collecting, preserving, and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes. Their tasks may include documenting evidence, preparing samples for laboratory analysis, managing records, and sometimes assisting in autopsies. They play a crucial role in ensuring that evidence is handled properly to maintain its integrity for legal proceedings. Forensic assistants typically work in crime labs, medical examiner’s offices, or law enforcement agencies, and their work helps solve crimes and support the justice system.

What is the difference between Forensic Assistant vs Forensic Technician?

AspectForensic AssistantForensic Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a degree in criminal justice or forensic scienceAssociate's or bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, or chemistry
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, crime scenesLaboratories, crime scenes, fieldwork
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsForensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Forensic Assistants typically support forensic teams with administrative and basic technical tasks, often requiring less formal education. Forensic Technicians perform more technical laboratory work, often needing specialized degrees. Both roles work in crime labs and law enforcement settings, but Forensic Technicians usually have more advanced training and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic jobs in California? The most popular types of Forensic jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Assistant jobs in California? For Forensic Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Forensic Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Forensic Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, and 52% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,909 per year, or $24 per hour.

Manager - Forensic Accounting & Litigation Support

GHJ

San Jose, CA

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

GHJ is looking for a Manager - Forensic Accounting & Litigation Support

WHY we get up in the morning:

At GHJ we help our people and clients pursue their passions, build thriving businesses, and create a better future.

WHAT we believe:

We believe that collaboration is the foundation for success. We work as a business advocate for our clients – providing personalized service and building long-term relationships to help position our clients for the future.

HOW we succeed:

We are deeply committed to our core values of Bright Minds, Brave Hearts and Bold Actions and incorporate them into every aspect of our business. By living these values, we are able to meet our strategic objectives of Remaining Fiercely Independent (financial success), Meeting client demands/needs (client success), Reinforcing and expanding cultural distinction (people success).

Summary of Role:

GHJ is seeking a Manager to join its Forensic Accounting and Litigation Support practice. This individual will lead forensic investigations and litigation-support engagements, manage day-to-day client relationships, oversee project teams and prepare complex financial analyses and investigative findings. The Manager will work closely with attorneys, business leaders and other stakeholders on commercial disputes, fraud investigations and related advisory matters.

What you’ll be doing:
  • Managing forensic accounting, litigation support and investigative engagements from planning through completion.
  • Serving as the primary day-to-day contact for clients, attorneys and other stakeholders.
  • Managing engagement scope, staffing, timelines, budgets and deliverables.
  • Preparing and reviewing complex financial models, damages analyses, investigative findings, reports and exhibits.
  • Analyzing financial records, accounting data and other documentation to identify relevant trends, discrepancies and findings.
  • Supervising, mentoring and reviewing the work of seniors and staff to ensure quality and support professional development.
  • Maintaining complete, accurate and well-supported engagement documentation and work product.
  • Communicating key findings, risks and engagement developments clearly to partners and clients.
What skills & experience you’ll bring to us:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA required.
  • Minimum of five years of relevant experience in forensic accounting, litigation support, disputes, investigations or a related professional services environment.
  • Expertise and knowledge in any of the following service areas:
    • Family law & litigation
    • Commercial litigation support
    • Fraud investigations
  • Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
  • Ability to draft written reports using Word and PowerPoint.
  • Excellent verbal and communication skills.

GHJ’s Forensic Services Practice:

Assists attorneys including outside/inside counsel, business leaders and individuals with a wide range of forensic accounting, litigation support and expert witness services. GHJ also provides a host of services to assist with internal investigations involving alleged fraud or employee misconduct.

GHJ expert witnesses provide testimony in state and federal courts as well as arbitrations and mediations. Our experts have extensive experience assisting counsel and their clients in evaluating all aspects of a dispute. We are often called upon to calculate and provide testimony regarding data analytics, economic damages or loss in business value. We provide clear and persuasive communication of findings through reports, exhibits and expert witness testimony.

Seven decades, overriding focus: our people and our clients:

GHJ was founded in 1953, making us one of the oldest independent firms in the Los Angeles area. Ranked as a top 20 largest accounting firm on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Book of Lists, the firm has 22 partners and approximately 200 staff members that serve over 3,000 clients. Our firm is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), Public Company Accounting Oversite Board (PCAOB), the California Society of CPAs and the California Association of Nonprofits (CAN). Collaboration and maintaining strong relationships are the cornerstones of our success.

We are also an independent member of HLB International, a worldwide organization of over 250 member professional accounting firms and business advisors. This affiliation gives us access to the subject matter experts of other member firms and provides consulting and professional services in over 158 countries through its nearly 800 offices worldwide.

GHJ complies with all local/state regulations in regards to displaying salary ranges. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, ranges, applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications (e.g. JD, technology), for example. At GHJ, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is: $137,000 - $185,000.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

GHJ is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, we prohibit discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legally-recognized basis, including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including Department Heads and co-workers.

#LI-JN1

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.