Forensic accountants assemble, analyze, and check the accuracy of financial information. They conduct audits, looking for signs of fraud.

Forensic accountants work in a variety of settings including:

• Police departments
• Private accounting firms
• IRS
• FBI
• CIA

Forensic accounting is a specialty within the accounting field. Forensic accountants examine financial records and statements to determine if crimes such as fraud or bribery have occurred.

Forensic accountants meet with government representatives, attorneys, or clients to gather information about a case. They do research and create a plan for their investigation. They may search bank statements, credit statements, journals, ledgers, and databases. They also read e-mails.

After gathering records, forensic accountants often interview people involved in a case. Forensic accountants may also trace the assets of a company and summarize transactions.

They prepare reports detailing their investigation.

Sometimes forensic accountants work as consultants. In these cases, the information has been gathered for them and they review it. They may suggest additional information to gather or questions to ask witnesses. Forensic accountants may also review reports and state whether they are accurate and support the case.

Some forensic accountants specialize in specific industries, such as insurance or banking.