Forensic accounting

Forensic Accounting is a specialty within the field of accounting. Forensic accountants have the unique skill combination of the knowledge of accounting and financial matters along with state and local laws and keen investigative skills. Forensic accountants are specialists within accounting who work to confirm the accuracy of stated financial information as provided by an individual or a company. They may be employed by a large, mid-sized, or small local accounting firm. Much of their work involves the investigation of often illegal financial matters known as white-collar crimes, but they may be called in to confirm the truthfulness and integrity of any stated financial information. Common types of illegal activities investigated by forensic accountants include the following:

To prepare for your career in public accounting, try to get a head start while you’re still in school. By choosing relevant college-level courses that emphasize critical thinking, communications, and technical accounting knowledge, you can begin to acquire the skills necessary for your professional path.

Forensic accounting isn’t a new specialty. The first documented use of forensic accounting dates all the way back to 1931, when Al Capone was indicted for income tax evasion. The investigative techniques used to uncover tax fraud helped put Capone behind bars. It wasn’t until 1946, however, that New York City accountant and author Maurice E. Peloubert, coined the phrase forensic accounting. In 1982, the first forensic accounting book was written, and the rest is history.