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Forensic Audit Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Digital Forensic Examiner

Lorton, VA · On-site

$56K - $77K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performing audits / review of forensic work * Assisting with discovery requests * Assisting with consolidation of electronic records of forensic analysis for filing (Case Closure) * Organizing ...

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Forensic Audit information

See Washington salary details

$64.6K

$96.5K

$173.3K

How much do forensic audit jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic audit in Washington is $96,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,400.00 and $96,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic audit?

A forensic audit is a specialized examination of a company's financial records and transactions to detect fraud, embezzlement, or other financial misconduct. Unlike a regular audit, which focuses on verifying the accuracy of financial statements, a forensic audit is conducted with the intention of gathering evidence that can be used in court or legal proceedings. Forensic auditors use investigative techniques to uncover hidden assets, identify irregularities, and support litigation or dispute resolution. These audits are often requested by organizations, law enforcement agencies, or courts when financial wrongdoing is suspected.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Auditor, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of accounting principles, and typically a degree in accounting or finance, often complemented by certifications such as CPA or CFE. Expertise in data analysis software, forensic accounting tools, and audit management systems is crucial for identifying irregularities and compiling evidence. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills help you present findings clearly and work effectively with legal and investigative teams. These competencies are essential for uncovering fraud, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting legal proceedings with credible evidence.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic auditors when investigating financial discrepancies?

Forensic auditors often encounter challenges such as incomplete or intentionally altered records, uncooperative stakeholders, and complex organizational structures that obscure financial trails. Navigating these obstacles requires strong analytical skills, persistence, and attention to detail. Additionally, forensic auditors frequently collaborate with legal teams and law enforcement, so clear communication and thorough documentation are crucial for presenting findings that may be used in legal proceedings.

What is the difference between Forensic Audit vs Internal Auditor?

AspectForensic AuditInternal Auditor
CertificationsCPA, CFE, CIACIA, CPA, CISA
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, legal settings, law enforcementCorporate offices, internal controls, risk management
Employer & IndustryLaw firms, government agencies, forensic firmsCorporations, government agencies, consulting firms

While both forensic auditors and internal auditors work within the financial and compliance fields, forensic auditors focus on investigating fraud and legal disputes, often working in investigative or legal environments. Internal auditors primarily assess internal controls and risk management within organizations. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations.

How do you become a forensic auditor?

To become a forensic auditor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, along with experience in auditing or accounting. Professional certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) enhance credibility and job prospects. Developing skills in forensic accounting, investigation techniques, and familiarity with legal procedures is also important.

Is forensic auditing in demand?

Forensic auditing is in increasing demand due to rising financial fraud and corporate misconduct, with auditors often working in legal and regulatory environments. The role requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of accounting standards, and job growth is expected to be steady as organizations prioritize fraud prevention and detection.

What degree do you need to be a forensic audit?

To become a forensic auditor, a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, criminal justice, or a related field is typically required. Many forensic auditors also pursue certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to enhance their qualifications and credibility in the field.

What does a forensic audit do?

A forensic audit involves examining financial records to detect and investigate fraud, embezzlement, or other financial crimes. Forensic auditors analyze data, often using specialized software, to gather evidence that can be used in legal proceedings or investigations.

What job categories do people searching Forensic Audit jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Audit jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Audit job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,471 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

$97K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

544th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is to serve as an expert in forensic accounting; particularly, its use and application to provide the greatest benefit to OIG. These responsibilities include providing support to regional offices, and Office of Investigations headquarters unit(s). The incumbent is responsible for assisting with OIG investigations by conducting forensic analysis of financial data and working with investigators to unravel various techniques for moving funds and shielding illegal or improper activity

Qualifications:

GS-12: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience:

  • Conducting forensic accounting or financial analyses to identify fraud, waste, abuse, or financial irregularities.
  • Examining accounting records, bank records, contracts, invoices, tax records, grants, or other financial documents to identify questionable transactions or noncompliance with laws and regulations.
  • Preparing financial analyses, investigative reports, or audit support documentation for management, investigators, auditors, or legal proceedings.
  • Applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), government accounting standards, auditing principles, and applicable federal laws and regulations.
  • Collaborating with investigators, auditors, attorneys, or law enforcement personnel to support criminal, civil, or administrative investigations.

GS-13: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience:

  • Independently planning, coordinating, and conducting complex forensic accounting investigations involving fraud, financial crimes, or misuse of government funds.
  • Reconstructing complex financial transactions; tracing the movement of funds; identifying concealed assets; and analyzing financial evidence to support criminal, civil, or administrative investigations.
  • Providing technical expertise to investigators, prosecutors, auditors, and management officials on forensic accounting matters and developing investigative strategies.
  • Preparing comprehensive forensic accounting reports and presenting findings through briefings, written reports, or expert testimony before judicial or administrative proceedings.
  • Applying advanced knowledge of GAAP, government accounting, appropriations law, federal grants and contracts, OMB guidance, Treasury regulations, and GAO standards to evaluate compliance and support enforcement actions.
  • Developing innovative forensic accounting methodologies, mentoring junior staff, or leading significant portions of complex financial investigations.

All documents must be received and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.  Your resume must be well documented with the specialized experience, otherwise you may be deemed ineligible.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE qualifications for the grade(s) at which you are requesting consideration. Applicants must meet qualifications and time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Your resume will be evaluated based on the following competencies:

  • Technical Credibility
    • Applies professional knowledge of forensic accounting, GAAP, government accounting principles, auditing standards, financial systems, and federal laws and regulations to analyze financial data, identify fraud, and support criminal, civil, and administrative investigations.
  • Analytical Thinking
    • Examines complex financial records, identifies trends and irregularities, reconstructs financial transactions, evaluates evidence, and develops logical, evidence-based conclusions to support investigations and enforcement actions.
  • Problem Solving
    • Identifies financial issues, develops innovative approaches to uncover concealed assets and fraudulent transactions, recommends investigative strategies, and resolves complex accounting and financial challenges.
  • Oral Communication
    • Effectively communicates complex financial information to investigators, attorneys, auditors, judges, juries, and management through interviews, briefings, expert testimony, and presentations.
  • Written Communication
    • Prepares accurate, well-organized forensic accounting reports, investigative summaries, financial analyses, and supporting documentation that clearly present findings, conclusions, and recommendations for legal and administrative proceedings.
Education:Individual Occupational RequirementsBasic Requirements
  1. Degree: accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law. (The term "accounting" means "accounting and/or auditing" in this standard. Similarly, "accountant" should be interpreted, generally, as "accountant and/or auditor.")

    OR

  2. Combination of education and experience: at least 4 years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. The applicant's background must also include one of the following:
    1. Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law;
    2. A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or
    3. Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial course work in accounting or auditing, e.g., 15 semester hours, but that does not fully satisfy the 24-semester-hour requirement of paragraph A, provided that (a) the applicant has successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field, e.g., valuation engineering or financial institution examining; (b) a panel of at least two higher level professional accountants or auditors has determined that the applicant has demonstrated a good knowledge of accounting and of related and underlying fields that equals in breadth, depth, currency, and level of advancement that which is normally associated with successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in paragraph A; and (c) except for literal nonconformance to the requirement of 24 semester hours in accounting, the applicant's education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements.
Employment Type: OTHER

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