There are official ways to specialize an accounting degree to work for the FBI. This is because the Federal Bureau of Investigation provides specific advice and direction for forensic accountants. The FBI recommends that accountants who are interested in employment should get a bachelor’s degree in forensic accounting, public auditing or government accounting.
Forensic Accounting
Forensic accounting degrees train future accountants and business professionals to evaluate financial health and activities. Students learn about ethical values, company policy and audit acquisitions. Course presents tools and techniques that applied to the analysis of private and public companies. Students learn fundamental valuation techniques for the computation of cash flows, the interpretation of financial statements and the integration of SEC filing information.
Classes in advanced accounting examine the principles and procedures that apply to special business areas, such as partnerships, consignments, installments, consolidations and bankruptcies. Most of these classes place particular emphasis on problem solving. An in-depth examination of audit procedures will cover internal control reviews, formal audit engagements and information technology knowledge. These degrees may cover business laws related to personal property, real estate, commercial planning and government regulations.
Public Auditing
Public auditing focuses on the detection, documentation, investigation and prevention of accounting, employee, investment and investment fraud. Students learn about everything from executive embezzlement to banker theft to account siphoning. These degrees are becoming more popular because white-collar crime is rapidly growing. Most of the responsibility for detecting fraud has been assumed by accounting professionals who want to maintain a positive industry image while combating crime.
These degrees teach accountants how to investigate, recognize and prevent fraud within various organizations. Students learn how to implement the latest systems and techniques for controlling fraud. Classes in forensic accounting and fraud examination study fraud types, their economic impacts and unintended financial consequences. Students learn about common fraud schemes and stereotypical scams. For example, students will learn how to review, detect and investigate financial statements.
Government Accounting
Government accounting degrees start out by examining the accounting concepts and practices used in the recording, classifying and reporting of official financial data. Students learn about cost analyses, management planning, control process, budgeting standards and federal accounting processes. Government accounting degrees are designed to extend the student’s knowledge of state and federal financial accounting practices. Courses build an understanding of the theoretical frameworks of various accounting standards, regulations and practices.
Students learn about mandated accounting cycle components, such as adjusting, reversing, correcting and closing entries. Students learn how to prepare and understand complex financial statements that meet federal requirements. This includes training in income, balance, cash flow and time value sheets and reports. For example, students may learn techniques to analyze income measurements, profitability analyses and organizational assets. Corporate forensic accounting classes expose students to the legal aspects of fraud identification and prosecution.
Those who want to specialize an accounting degree to work for the FBI should also earn an FBI-approved professional certification. These include the Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Financial Forensics credentials.
Related Resources:
- What Accounting Jobs are Available with the FBI?
- What is an Apparel Industry Accountant?
- What Does an FBI Agent Specializing in Accounting Do?
- 15 Fastest Online Master’s in Accounting
