Forensic accounting is a specialized field that combines accounting, auditing, and investigative skills to uncover financial fraud and other financial crimes. With the increasing number of financial crimes in the US, the demand for forensic accountants has been on the rise. In this article, we will explore the current state of forensic accounting in the US and answer the question, how many forensic accountants are there in the US?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were approximately 1.4 million accountants and auditors in the US in 2020. However, the BLS does not provide a specific number for forensic accountants. This is because forensic accounting is not a separate occupation, but rather a specialization within the broader field of accounting.
To estimate the number of forensic accountants in the US, we can look at the number of professionals who hold certifications in forensic accounting. The two most recognized certifications in this field are the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF). According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), there were approximately 85,000 CFEs worldwide in 2020, with the majority of them based in the US. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) reports that there were approximately 4,000 CFFs in the US as of 2020.
While these numbers provide a rough estimate, they do not account for professionals who specialize in forensic accounting but do not hold these certifications. Additionally, the demand for forensic accountants is expected to continue to grow, as financial crimes become more sophisticated and complex.
In conclusion, while there is no exact number for how many forensic accountants there are in the US, we can estimate that there are tens of thousands of professionals who specialize in this field. As financial crimes continue to rise, the demand for forensic accountants is expected to increase, making it a promising career path for those interested in accounting and investigation.
