Forensic Accountants: Part Accountant, Part Private-Eye

The well-publicized corporate finance scandals of the 2000s, such as Enron and WorldCom, brought about a greater need for people who are part accountant/auditor and part private investigator. These hybrids are certified fraud examiners, which are currently among the hottest jobs in business.

Dr. Walter A. Robbins, Roddy-Garner Professor of Accounting, recently earned the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the world’s leading provider of anti-fraud training and education. The CFE designation is awarded to select professionals who meet a stringent set of criteria, including character, experience and education.

For the past several years, Robbins has worked with the Financial Economics Consulting Group, Inc. as aconsulting expert in numerous business litigation cases. He also provides business litigation support services to clients.

Forensic accountants, according to Robbins, help resolve civil disputes and criminal prosecutions involving financial crimes. They assist in fraud prevention and asset location and recovery. They often work with private investigators, forensic document examiners and attorneys to review facts and develop litigation strategy, and often prepare reports summarizing their findings and testify as expert witnesses in court.

“Forensic accountants are professionals who use a unique blend of education and experience to apply accounting, auditing, and investigative skills to uncover truth, form legal opinions, and assist in investigations,” Robbins says. “It is an exciting field with unlimited professional opportunities.”