Online Forensic Accounting Programs

Online forensic accounting programs teach student how to examine financial and accounting practices to ensure they adhere to law, rules, and regulations.

In general forensics is the application of science and technology to investigate and determine the facts in civil and criminal courts. Computer Forensics is a branch of forensic science. It is also known as digital forensics, and is an investigative technique used to gather evidence for court cases. Those working in computer forensics are also known as computer forensics investigators, digital media analysts, or digital detectives. In turn, forensic accounting uses various technology and investigative techniques to determine and expose fraud and illegal practices in accounting, finance, banking, money laundering, securities, and other areas where illegal accounting practices might be occurring. A forensic accounting degree indicates that the accountant is highly knowledgeable in financial crime and can apply forensic accountants skills and knowledge to investigate financial crimes using accounting and auditing procedures. Additionally, forensics accountant help to settle disputes over contracts, as well as assist clients deal with bankruptcy issues, and also to act as a witnesses in litigation cases.

Online Forensic Accounting Programs

Post University

• Forensic Accounting Certificate

Jones International University

• MBA in Forensic Accounting

Kaplan University

• Advanced Start BSA - Auditing - Forensic Accountancy
• BS in Accounting - Auditing - Forensic Accountancy

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Locate Forensic Accounting Masters Programs in your area

Forensic Accounting Education and Training

Students who want to earn a forensic accounting degree must follow forensic accounting programs of study that involves business education, examinations and certifications or licensure. Financial accountants first earn a bachelor’s degree in a financial discipline, like finance, accounting, or economics.

However, a few schools do forensic accounting as a major but other programs only offer a masters degree or MBA degree in forensic accounting.

Some students complete the four-year degree in accounting and then chose to get additional years of investigative training or a degree in Certified Forensic Accounting. Some examples of forensic accounting classes are:

• Auditing
• Criminology
• Business Ethics
• Fraud Examination
• Fraud Investigation Techniques and Strategies
• Accounting
• Psychology

Forensic accounting courses at the forensic accounting masters degree level may include are:

• Accounting Information Systems
• Legal Elements of Fraud
• Advanced Auditing
• Detecting and Deterring White Collar Fraud
• Accounting Research and Analysis
  
• Corporate Governance
• Internal Control Assessment
• Gathering and Analyzing Evidence
  

Forensic accountants must be Certified Public Accountants (CPA) before getting a forensic accounting degree. Becoming a CPA requires 150 credit hours of coursework which might include undergraduate and graduate education. Upon completion, graduates must pass the CPA Exam.

Additional certificates recommended for forensic accountants are Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and the Certified Financial Forensic Accountant (CFFA) in addition to forensic accounting training on the job.

Forensic Accounting Careers

Forensic accountants use auditing and accounting skills in their investigations, but the job also involves looking past the numbers and examining the business operation as a whole in order to detect irregularities.

Good analytical thinking abilities are in important in addition to top accounting, budgeting, and financial skills. They must also be able to organize materials, present data and facts in a clear, coherent manner. Graduates with an forensic accounting degree often earn a higher salary than regular accountants because of the legal work required.

Forensic accountants usually work in firms or as a consultant on project by project basis as internal auditors, IRS auditors, bankruptcy professionals, and bank examiners as well as chief financial officer after years of experience.

Estimated Income and Project Career Growth

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual income of accountants and auditors was $59,430 in 2008. The middle 50% earned between $45,900 and $78,210 while the bottom 10% percent earned below $36,720. The top 10% earned over $102,380. The BLS also estimates that the number of accountants and auditors is expected to grow by 22% between 2008 and 2018.

Forensic accounting is a fast-growing industry due to incidences of financial fraud, and is reported to be the fastest growing area of accounting today. Hence, there are quite a few jobs in forensic accounting, and salaries can exceed $100,000 per year. If you are working in an average entry-level position in the forensic accounting field, you can expect an annual income of around $35,000 to $65,000.

Many forensic accountants are CPAs in large organization, but the growth of global marketing has created a growing need for professional accountants who specialize in Forensic Accounting. Online forensic accounting programs with therefore continue to grow in their importance to contributing to the accounting profession and industry.