How to Become a Forensic Accountant: What to Read First

How to Become a Forensic Accountant | What to Read and Research First

How to become a forensic accountant: what to read and research first.  Miles Mason, Sr., JD, CPA advises CPAs thinking about a new career in forensic accounting.

How to Become a Forensic Accountant | What to Read and Research First

Forensic Accounting is cool. After having taught forensic accounting to judges, lawyers, and CPAs about forensic accounting for over a decade, I am often asked, “How do I start a career in forensic accounting?”  The following is a summary of resources and links a CPA research and read to learn more.  This list was prepared originally for a presentation to the Tennessee Society of CPAs Memphis Chapter, “Forensic Accounting 101,” March 13, 2012.  If you are not in Tennessee, look at your state’s CPA society for a similar section to the AICPA’s Forensic and Valuation Services Section.

AICPA Forensic and Valuation Services Section

AICPA Forensic & Valuation Services Conference – Nov. 11 – Nov. 13, 2012; Rosen Shingle Creek; Orlando, FL

TSCPA Forensic and Valuation Services Section – Forensic & Valuation Services Conference: Oct. 24-26, 2012; Brentwood, TN

NACVA – Forensic Accounting Academy – Multiple locations and dates.  Darrell Dorrell’s course.  Definitely one of the most comprehensive and important courses any forensic accountant should take when beginning a career in forensic accounting or wanting to advance existing knowledge.

NACVA – Litigation Bootcamp for Financial Experts – Multiple locations and dates.  Michael Kaplan created and teaches this course personally.  Michael Kaplan is undoubtedly one of my favorite speakers on forensics.  He is brutally honest and insightful.  I attended his course and learned a great deal.  Take this course before you get on the stand for the first time and you will be ahead of 95% of lawyers questioning you.

Credentials.  There are others, but these are the most important ones to learn about:

AICPA – CFF

NACVA CFFA

Must Read Books:

Financial Forensics Body of Knowledge – Darrell Dorrell’s and Greg Gadowski’s book.  They created the Forensic Accounting Academy and a methodology called FA/IM(c), a very practical and seriously thorough methodology.

Family Law Services Handbook: The Role of the Financial Expert – by Tom Burrage, et al.  Tom is definitely one of the most important leaders in forensic accounting and business valuation today.  He is a great speaker and person.  I love his book.

The Forensic Accounting Deskbook: A Practical Guide to Financial Investigation and Analysis for Family Lawyers – This is my book.  It teaches lawyers aspects of forensic accounting that less experienced financial experts (even with forensic accounting credentials) should know, but don’t know.  Those gaps in training and experience can be exploited by lawyers.  By reading this book, forensic accountants may avoid professional embarrassment.

Let me know what you think about this list.  What do you recommend I add?