Studying online for forensic accounting certification can open the door to a variety of fascinating careers. If you have a keen eye for detail and consider yourself to be a natural problem-solver, a career in forensic accountancy could be right up your street. Forensic accounting courses online are moulding and shaping a new generation of financial crime specialists - why not join them?
A Scourge on Society
Studying for an online forensic accounting certificate is about far more than boosting your professional outlook. It’s also about working towards a career that makes a real difference for society as a whole.
The threat posed by fraudsters on a local, national and international level has never been greater. Traditional patterns of crime are evolving at record-pace, cybercrime is becoming a greater threat than ever before, and traditional policing of fraudulent activities has become outdated.
In the average year, more than five million incidents of fraud are reported in the United Kingdom alone. Today’s fraudster is educated, intelligent and aware of the consequences of their actions. In return, fraud investigators and forensic specialists are being forced to take their own efforts and input to an entirely higher level.
From fraud risk assessment to data security and analytics to studying the psychology of the fraudster, the field of forensic accountancy is dynamic and multifaceted.
Forensic Accountancy Careers
Forensic accountants are hired by public and private sector organisations worldwide, tasked with investigating fraud and general financial misrepresentation. Along with detecting, identifying and addressing financial fraud where it occurs, forensic accountants help prevent fraudulent activity appearing in the first place.
The forensic accountant must be able to look beyond numbers and raw financial data, in order to pinpoint patterns and any signs of criminal activity. Ultimately, forensic accountants are trained to pick up on the finest and often hidden details, which would typically go overlooked or ignored.
Along with the collection of evidence of financial fraud, the forensic accountant must also be able to present it in a clear, concise and convincing manner.
Who Can a Forensic Accountant Work For?
Qualified forensic accountants have the option of pursuing formal employment, or working on a freelance/contractual basis. Some of the most prevalent employers of forensic accountants worldwide include the following:
Accountancy firms
Insurance companies
Banks and building societies
Police forces
Government agencies
The acceleration and evolution of fraudulent activities may pose a growing threat to society in general, but also creates incredible career opportunities for talented candidates. Quite simply, there’s never been a better or more profitable time to consider becoming a forensic accountant.
Forensic Accountant Job Description
Every business and every project the forensic accountant works with/on is 100% unique. Nevertheless, the forensic accountancy process typically takes place by way of a tree-step fraud detection and prevention framework:
Discovery– Finding evidence of suspected fraudulent activity.
Analysis– Examining evidence to determine whether a crime has been committed and identifying the responsible parties.
Report– The collection and subsequent presentation of evidence to the relevant parties for formal action/prosecution.
A forensic accountant plays a key role in the detection and prosecution of criminal activities at all three stages of the process. They are routinely required to give evidence in court and act as key witnesses in trials. A position of enormous responsibility, but one than nonetheless promises extensive rewards for those who excel.
Becoming a Forensic Accountant
Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t strictly necessary to obtain a formal degree to offer your services as a forensic accountant. Some employers prefer candidates with university-level qualifications, but they are not considered mandatory. Particularly for those who already have an accountancy or financial background of some kind.
Successful forensic accountancy is as much about personal qualities and characteristics is it is targeted education. You need to be a logical, analytical and above all else ethical individual to qualify. You must also be able to take control of your own workload, demonstrate tenacity when facing even the biggest challenges and conduct yourself with professionalism at all times.
Online Forensic Accounting Certification
If you are unable to commit yourself to traditional classroom education, you may find online forensic accounting certification an ideal alternative. Studying online for an endorsed forensic accountancy certificate or diploma could pave the way for a successful career in the field. All with the benefit of no deadlines, no time-restrictions and no formal study schedules to worry about.
For more information on our exclusive range of forensic accountancy courses, contact a member of the student support team at Brentwood Open Learning College today.
