Average Salary with a Masters in Forensic Accounting

Forensic accountants help lawyers, criminal investigators, and others involved in court cases learn more about how financial documents relate to specific legal situations. You could help catch someone involved in IRS fraud or you could prove that someone was embezzling money, for example. This field has quickly become one of the highest-paying in the accounting world, and most positions are only open to those who have a master’s degree.

Forensic Accounting Salary

According to Payscale.com, forensic accountants make, on average, $47,745 – $70,992 annually. Some of the factors that can expect this figure include location, year of experience, type of employer, type of certification you possess, and area of specialty. You can generally expect to make the most if you live in an urban area and have a CPA certification, and of course, accountants with more experience generally make more money. You don’t necessarily have to have experience as a forensic accountant to command the higher salaries. For example, if you served as a tax accountant for several years before dipping into forensic accountant, this experience is valuable to court cases dealing with tax evasion.

Forensic Accounting Consultants

Working as a forensic accountant for a law firm, court system, or other type of employer isn’t your only choice upon graduation. You could also work for yourself as a forensic accounting consultant. In this type of role, you’ll be available on a freelance basis to serve as an expert witness in court or help lawyers on cases that have financial aspects. If you work for yourself, the sky is the limit in terms of earning, and many forensic accountant consultants make six-figure annual salaries.

Forensic Accounting Benefits

In addition to a base salary, in working as a forensic accounting after you graduate, you’ll qualify for benefits packages, which may include health coverage, paid vacation days, paid travel expenses, and other perks. Many employers will also pay for continuing education, which you need to maintain your CPA certification and some offer partnership in their firm after you gain several years of experience in the field. Every company is different when it comes to the perks offered, but keep in mind that these are often as important as the figure they offer as a base salary.

Top Online Master of Forensic Accounting Degrees

Forensic accounting is a special area of accounting that involves the use of financial statements in a court of law for purposes of anticipated disputes and/or litigation. To become a forensic accountant, an individual is usually required to have a masters degree in accounting in addition to a professional accounting or accountancy certification (such as CPA). The following schools all offer accredited online degree programs in forensic accounting or closely related accounting subject.

	The MBA in accounting and MS in accountancy programs at the University of Phoenix teaches the theory and principles in a broad sense pertaining to the world of accounting. The curriculum features courses that explore accounting theory and research, accounting information systems, managerial accounting, financial reporting, and auditing. Click Here
	A degree from Colorado Technical University can connect you to what matters most to help you reach your next level. You can grow a powerful professional network with the help of real-world faculty, industry professionals and over 75,000 alumni. Not to mention, our top 10 online MBA program is recognized around the world. Click Here
	The Master of Science in Accounting program at Kaplan University is built upon a curriculum that prepare students to achieve management accounting and/or forensic accounting positions in both the public and private sectors. Courses on auditing, taxation, cost accounting, and financial accounting provide a core background on which several electives can be added. Click Here

Other Masters Degrees in Accounting