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Forensic Audit Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Audit information

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$64.6K

$96.5K

$173.3K

How much do forensic audit jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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.

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, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,471 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Supervisory Chemist (Forensic Instruction)

Department of Justice

Quantico, VA โ€ข On-site

$143K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct visual, physical, chemical, photographic, and other scientific examinations of complex physical evidence.

  • Form an opinion on evidence by applying professional and scientific knowledge in forensic drug chemistry and trace evidence materials.

  • Serve as a technical authority in forensic chemistry laboratory operations.


Job description

This position is located in the DEA Office of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Laboratories in Quantico, VA
This position(s) primary purpose is to serve as a senior Forensic Chemist. As a senior chemist, conducts visual, physical, chemical, photographic, and other scientific examinations, as needed, of complex submissions of physical evidence to form an opinion by application of professional & scientific knowledge in the primary area of forensic drug chemistry & other trace evidence materials.Qualifications:For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility
Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of the announcement. If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts with your application.
Basic Qualification Requirements:
Applicants must meet ONE of the following qualification requirements: (A). Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR (B). Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Applicants applying for the GS-14 must meet the following requirements:
Have at least one full year of specialized experience that is at least equivalent to work performed at the GS-13 grade level. Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 Federal grade level that demonstrates the following: (1) serving as a technical authority in forensic chemistry laboratory operations; (2) developing and administering training programs for forensic chemists or other scientific personnel; (3) applying laboratory accreditation standards, quality assurance principles, and quality management system requirements; (4) interpreting and implementing Federal laws, regulations, policies, standard operating procedures, and forensic science guidelines; (5) conducting technical reviews, audits, or assessments of laboratory operations and analytical methods; and (6) evaluating and implementing new technologies, instrumentation, and scientific processes to improve forensic laboratory capabilities and operational effectiveness.
Additional information on the position qualification requirements is located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.?
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:See the qualification section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php.
If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.Employment Type: OTHER