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Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountant job description

Forensic accountants should possess strong analytical and investigative skills to uncover essential facts and insights pertaining to alleged criminal activity. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field is typically required, and a professional designation such as the CPA or the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is often preferred. At least five to seven years of forensic accounting or auditing experience is also needed, along with a strong background in finance, accounting or economics. Litigation consulting and fraud investigation experience is a plus.

Typical forensic accountant duties:

Investigating instances of fraud, bribery, money laundering and embezzlement by analyzing financial records and transactionsAssisting clients and legal counsel in reconstructing accounting and business recordsReviewing pleadings, financial statements, SEC filings and other key documents relevant to an investigationPreparing expert questions and reports for depositions based on findingsProviding expert testimony and preparing demonstrative trial exhibitsSupervising audit teams and leading key audit processesConsulting with all levels of management on tools and techniques to strengthen risk management and internal controlsInteracting with internal corporate investigation departments and forensic information technology

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National salary range for Forensic Accountant

89250 - 125250

Low
89250
The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is still developing core skills.
Mid
111500
The candidate has moderate experience in the role or one similar, meets most requirements and may hold transferable skills or relevant certifications.
High
125250
The candidate has extensive experience in the role, demonstrates advanced skills and often brings specialized certifications or industry experience.
Projected salaries for related positions Job title Low Mid High Chief Financial Officer 215000 273250 326250 Corporate Controller 154500 187500 216250 Divisional Controller 124750 163750 178750 Assistant Controller 95500 124500 144250 Plant Controller 126500 139000 152000 Financial Reporting Director 130500 163000 187500 Financial Reporting Manager 112500 137250 161500 Financial Reporting Accountant 75750 87000 101250 Accounting Director 129750 168250 187750 Cost Accounting Manager 105000 116500 138000 Senior Cost Accountant 92000 98250 110000 Cost Accountant 77000 86000 97000 Accounting Manager 98250 115000 128500 Senior Accountant 81500 96750 111250 Revenue Accountant 80000 95000 108500 Staff Accountant 67000 76500 89500 Entry-Level Accountant 55750 63000 70000 Property Accountant 71750 82000 96250 SEC Financial Reporting Director 165250 182250 203500 SEC Financial Reporting Manager 125250 145000 167000 SEC Financial Reporting Analyst 92000 101500 118250 Regulatory Reporting Manager 106750 137000 153250 Senior Regulatory Reporting Accountant 83750 97000 109250 Regulatory Reporting Accountant 62750 74000 88250 Tax Preparer 41500 53750 60250 Accounting Specialist 45750 51500 55500

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The salary benchmarks in the Salary Guide From Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process designed to reflect projected market trends for 2027. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has placed nationwide, along with third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use for independent validation. Learn more about our methodology.