Who is a Forensic Accountant? Understanding the Role and Expertise
During a deposition for a child support modification case, I was brought in as an expert to analyze financial information and determine the corrected income of an individual who had significantly underreported his earnings. My findings revealed that his income was actually double what he claimed, along with clear evidence of intentional misrepresentation.
Despite the strength of my analysis, the opposing attorney repeatedly referred to me as a "purported" forensic accounting expert, focusing on the fact that I am not a CPA with a Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) credential. It’s a common courtroom tactic—using language to create doubt or distract from the facts. But it also raises an interesting question: What does it really mean to be a forensic accountant?
Let’s explore what defines this role, the credentials that matter, and why expertise in this field is about more than just titles.
Who Can Call Themselves a Forensic Accountant?
The term "forensic accountant" isn’t owned by any single governing body. Unlike professions like surgeons or attorneys, which require specific board certifications, forensic accounting encompasses a wide range of skills and certifications offered by various organizations. This diversity can sometimes be exploited in legal settings, where opposing counsel may attempt to discredit an expert based on the absence of a particular credential.
However, the essence of forensic accounting lies in the work itself—tracing financial transactions, uncovering fraud, and presenting findings in legal contexts—not in a universally trademarked title.
Credentials That Matter
While no single certification defines a forensic accountant, several respected credentials demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field. For example:
Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF): Offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), this credential requires a CPA license, an exam, and substantial forensic accounting experience.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE): Issued by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), this globally recognized certification covers financial transactions, law, investigation, and fraud prevention.
Additionally, professionals like FBI forensic accountants undergo rigorous training to investigate complex financial crimes. Their expertise is widely respected, even without specific certifications like the CFF.
Experience Over Titles
While certifications are valuable, real-world experience is what truly defines a forensic accountant. The ability to analyze financial data, uncover hidden assets, and present findings clearly under oath comes from years of hands-on work.
My own career began with the IRS, auditing tax returns and investigating financial crimes as a Special Agent with IRS Criminal Investigation. Over the years, I’ve tracked illicit funds, dismantled fraud schemes, and testified in federal court. Today, as the President of a forensic accounting and fraud investigation firm, I continue to apply these skills to uncover financial truths.
Courtroom Tactics: Staying Focused
In legal settings, attorneys often use subtle language to challenge an expert’s authority. Referring to someone as a "purported" expert, for example, is a deliberate strategy to shift focus away from the evidence. Recognizing these tactics is key to staying grounded in the facts and methodology that underpin your findings.
The Takeaway
Forensic accounting is a specialized field that combines investigative skills, financial expertise, and legal knowledge. While credentials like the CFE and CFF are valuable, true expertise is built through years of real-world experience. Different cases may call for different types of expertise, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters most is the ability to deliver accurate, reliable results.
At the end of the day, the work speaks for itself. My name is Krista Shelton, and I am a forensic accountant.