To work as a forensic accountant, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• earn a bachelor's degree in accounting; and
• get 12 months on-the-job training with a forensic accountant; or
• earn a graduate degree in forensic accounting.

Education after high school

Forensic accountants usually have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting. In your four years of study, you take one year of accounting courses and one year of general business courses. You also take two years of liberal arts courses. These programs are available at many colleges and universities. A bachelor's degree in accounting prepares you for entry-level accounting jobs. If you want to work as a forensic accountant, you must get at least 12 months on-the-job training with a forensic accountant.

Many universities offer a master's degree in forensic accounting or in business administration with a concentration in forensic accounting. As a graduate student you take courses in sociology, psychology, and law enforcement. You also take courses in criminal and business law, business and finance, information systems, and communication.

Work experience

While in college, you can gain experience through summer programs or part-time internships.

On-the-job training

After college, you work on routine financial tasks and are supervised by experienced forensic accountants. As you gain experience, you are given more responsibility. In general, a beginning forensic accountant receives 12 months of on-the-job training.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be finance and accounting managers. Training lasts two to 16 weeks. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. You must have a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field to enter this military occupation.