Forensic accountants are employed by accounting firms and government agencies to provide critical evidence and testimony in tax or economic crime investigations, corporate audits, corporate merger/acquisition cases, and in homeland security. Forensic accounting has been called one of the nation's "ten hottest jobs," with earning potential in the six figures.

Investigating Forensic Accounting

The passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002 has boosted employment of forensic accountants as companies face new, stringent requirements for financial reporting and compliance.


Most recruiters in the field will require job candidates to hold at least a bachelor's degree in accounting. Public accountants can pursue additional education to qualify as white-collar-crime investigators. Forensic accounting training may include coursework in investigative techniques and legal terminology.