• Home
  • Courses by Subject
      • Accounting
      • Bookkeeping
      • Finance
      • Financial Planning
      • MYOB
      • Payroll
      • Xero
      • Animal Care
      • Animal Science
      • Pet Grooming
      • Veterinary Nursing
      • Arts
      • Dance
      • Interior Design
      • Photography
      • Web Design
      • Building & Construction
      • Plumbing
      • Real Estate
      • Business
      • Business Administration
      • Change Management
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Human Resources
      • Leadership & Management
      • Logistics
      • Management
      • PMBOK
      • PRINCE2
      • Project Management
      • Supply Chain Operations
      • Aged Care
      • Alcohol & Other Drugs
      • Community Services
      • Disability
      • Individual Support
      • Youth Work
      • Child Care
      • Education
      • Education Support
      • Manufacturing
      • Health Sciences
      • Science
      • Beauty Therapy
      • Makeup
      • Nail Technology
      • Allied Health
      • Counselling
      • Dental Assisting
      • Health
      • Health Admin
      • Health Services Assistance
      • Life Coaching
      • Massage Therapy
      • Mental Health
      • Natural Therapies
      • Naturopathy
      • Nursing
      • Nutrition
      • Practice Management
      • Psychology
      • Sports & Fitness
      • Celebrancy
      • Culinary Arts
      • Event Management
      • Hospitality
      • Travel & Tourism
      • Agile
      • Cloud Computing
      • Coding
      • Cyber Security
      • Data Science & Analytics
      • IT
      • Microsoft
      • Networking
      • Programming
      • Systems Administration
      • Web Development
      • Government
      • Legal
      • Retail
    • Blended
    • In-class
    • Online
    • Virtual
    • ACT
    • New South Wales
    • Northern Territory
    • South Australia
    • Tasmania
    • Victoria
    • Western Australia
    • Queensland
    • Certificate
    • Certificate II
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Short
    • Diploma
    • Associate Degree
    • Bachelor
    • Graduate Certificate
    • Graduate Diploma
    • Masters
    • Postgraduate Certificate
    • Postgraduate Diploma
  • Resources
  • Workforce Training
  • Contact us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Affiliates
  • About us
Homepage 
ResourcesCareers in AustraliaEducation in AustraliaHow to StudyStudy in AustraliaTAFE in Australia
  1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. Career Advice
  4. 8 Key Tips On Becoming a Forensic Accountant [Updated]
Published 25 Jul 2019

8 Key Tips On Becoming a Forensic Accountant [Updated]

by Candlefox

A career as a Forensic Accountant can be an exciting one.

On a daily basis, you’ll be involved in critical investigations, valuations and analyses of financial data that can help reveal evidence of breaches, bankruptcy, fraud, embezzlement or even espionage.

Below, we offer some key tips on how to kickstart your career as a Forensic Accountant, and what you need to keep in mind regarding future employment, further education and skills.

  • Start With a Qualification in Accounting

    All accountants will require, at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in accounting. If you aren’t able to enter directly into a Bachelor program, you can also consider commencing your accounting studies with a Certificate or Diploma course. Certificates and Diploma courses can be an excellent way to introduce yourself to the world of accounting and learn more about whether Forensic Accounting is going to be right for you.

  • Have an Idea of Where You Want to Work

    Having an idea of where you ideally want to work once you graduate (or while you are studying) can help shape your career goals and pathway. Forensic Accountants can be employed in a variety of settings. Many work for government organisations, such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or the police force. Others work in the private sector, often for private companies like accounting consultancies, insurance firms, banking corporations and legal practices.

  • Work on Getting Your CA or CPA

    Once you’ve obtained a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, your next step will be to obtain a Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant qualification. Most companies will require this qualification in order to employ you. During this time, it can also be a good idea to undertake further education and studies that specifically address your Forensic Accounting interests. For instance, you may want to complete a course that teaches you the ins-and-outs of fraud investigation or you could go on to complete a higher degree that directly focuses on Forensic Accounting.

  • Consider Specialising in a Specific Area

    Forensic Accountants can work across a variety of specialisations, but some can choose to build their expertise and career in a specific area. Examples of these areas can include:

  • Fraud and criminal investigations
  • Bankruptcy and insolvency
  • Insurance claims
  • Personal injury claims
  • Matrimony disputes
  • Business valuations and audits

  • Understand Your Required Responsibilities

    A Forensic Accountant does much more than review financial data all day long. On each project, your other tasks and responsibilities may involve:

  • Planning investigations in detail and outlining goals and methodologies
  • Creating financial or data models for use in investigations
  • Researching and scrutinising complicated transactions
  • Quantifying losses or profits
  • Writing and presenting reports and other documents
  • Forming and implementing processes and procedures
  • Mediating between various third parties and assisting with negotiations
  • Understanding relevant rules and laws regarding specific cases
  • Presenting evidence and testifying in court as an expert witness and/or explaining your methodologies to juries and judges
  • Having a firm understanding of the rules of evidence and the code of conduct

  • Get Used to Working as Part of a Team

    Forensic Accountants often work as members of investigative teams, which may include other forensic accountants, private investigators, business stakeholders (such as partners and investors), document examiners and financial or business managers. As such, great team-building skills are essential for any Forensic Accountant. You’ll need to be comfortable and confident in working with others, as well as possess great communication and negotiation skills and be able to engage various stakeholders at all levels of the investigation.

  • Ensure Your Communication Skills Are Spot On

    Since they frequently work in business environments and often have to present evidence in court, Forensic Accountants must have fantastic communication skills. In Australia, a strong grasp of English is mandatory, as is the ability to both write and speak with clarity, precision and simplicity. Throughout your cases, you may be required to explain complex information in basic terms to partners and other parties, as well as outline your insights to others using detailed or technical terms and information.

  • Be Curious!

    Forensic Accountants don’t just take what they see at face value. They’re curious, inquisitive people who love to dig beneath the data, think outside the box and ask the hard questions based on the evidence they see. Sound like you?


Love numbers but not sure about a career in accounting, check out 5 Career Ideas If You’re An Ace With Numbers here.

Browse Courses Today!
Avatar photo
Candlefox
Candlefox

Navigator Illustration

You've Read All About it... Now Time for Action?

Use the NaviGator to discover a personalised list of courses for you. Commitment free.

Try the Navigator

Latest Articles


Should I Study a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance?

The healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth in employment opportunities, prompting many peopl...

Avatar photo
Kristen Michaelides
Nov 28, 2023
Read More

Best Allied Health Courses for Every Passion

Suggested course: Certificate IV in Mental Health Suggested course: Diploma of Counselling With so m...

Avatar photo
Kristen Michaelides
Nov 28, 2023
Read More

Most Popular Allied Health Assistant Jobs

Numerous opportunities exist for allied health assistant roles, encompassing a wide spectrum of prof...

Guy Clennett
Nov 27, 2023
Read More

Want to Read More?


How to Teach English Online and Get Paid: The Perfect 2023 Side-Hustle

When you teach an online English class, you will either take a group or an individual student throug...

Avatar photo
Michael Yi
Aug 27, 2023
Read More

Career Change in Your 40’s: Why It’s Never Too Late To Make a Change

According to the ABS, more than 1 million Australians changed employers or the businesses they ran i...

Avatar photo
Candlefox
Sep 12, 2018
Read More

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Australia: Salary, Requirements & Pathways

A dental hygienist plays a vital role because oral health strongly relates to general health. Good o...

Avatar photo
Michael Yi
Apr 24, 2023
Read More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.

By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
  • chevron-left
  • Popular Subjects
  • Study Locations
  • Qualification Type
  • Popular Blogs
  • chevron-right
  • Accounting
  • Bookkeeping
  • Business Admin
  • Community Services
  • Counselling
  • Dental Assisting
  • Education
  • Fitness
  • Healthcare
  • Mental Health
  • Nutrition
  • View More
  • New South Wales
  • Queensland
  • South Australia
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia
  • View More
  • Bachelor
  • Certificate
  • Certificate III
  • Certificate IV
  • Diploma
  • Masters
  • Short
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Graduate Diploma
  • Undergraduate Degree
  • View More
  • 5 Low-Stress Jobs: Create Your Perfect Work-Life Balance — No Degree Needed
  • 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia Without a Degree: Earn Big Bucks Without Big Debt
  • 12 Best Side Hustles in Australia: Passion Projects & Money Makers (+80 Great Side Hustle Ideas)
  • 12 of the Most Fun Jobs: What Are The Most Enjoyable Careers?
  • 22 Best Jobs That Don't Require Experience: Learn While You Earn
  • TAFE, VET and AQF – Acronyms in Australian Learning
  • Changing Careers Over 50: The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make
  • Government Funded Courses and Subsidised Training
  • Never Too Late: Studying at TAFE as a Mature Age Student
  • Study at TAFE | Guide to TAFE Courses in Australia
  • 35 Profitable (and Fun) Home Business Ideas You Can Start Today
  • The Top Careers Where You Can Earn Over $100K Without a Degree
  • Top 10 High Income Skills of 2023 (Based on Real Data)
  • What is TAFE (Technical and Further Education) and How Can It Benefit You?
  • View More

Newsletter sign up

We'll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.
Courses
  • All subjects
  • Online courses
About Us
  • About tafecourses.com.au
Contact us
  • Contact
  • Advertise your course
  • Become an affiliate
Resources
  • Our blog
  • Workforce training
Privacy Policy Terms of Use
Tafecourses Facebook Tafecourses Instagram
Australian Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag
In the spirit of reconciliation, tafecourses.com.au acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Copyright © 2023 Tafecourses.com.au
All Rights Reserved.

Newsletter Sign Up

We’ll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.

By downloading this template I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
Back to Top