ADD ADVICE TO FAVForensic accountant
Forensic accountants work for commercial clients, legal professionals and regulatory authorities. They undertake fraud and other financial investigations (for example into insider dealing) from the accounting angle.
What forensic accountants do
- determine the loss of profits caused, for example, by business interruption
- examine and analyse evidence from a variety of internal and external sources, such as company records and third-party research
- provide litigation support and assistance in arbitrations worldwide
- provide expert accounting evidence in court.
Key skills
- accuracy and attention to detail
- written and verbal communication skills
- teamworking skills
- computer literacy
- ability to solve problems and think laterally
- ability and willingness to work to tight deadlines
- tact and discretion
- ability to analyse and assimilate information
- numeracy
- ability to speak in public (when giving evidence).
Training to be a forensic accountant
Most forensic accountants work in large chartered accountancy practices. They often train in audit before specialising in their chosen field, although a limited number of specialist forensic firms do offer the opportunity to train from graduate level.
Professional training takes a minimum of three years and consists of on-the-job and external training for accountancy examinations.
Salaries
Starting salaries are difficult to quote since forensic accountants are generally experienced chartered accountants.
Professional bodies
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
