[Larry]

I am wondering if it’s worth it to get a second master’s degree. I’ve noticed now that the universities in Miami are offering a Master’s in Forensic Accounting. That is the field I definitely want to go in. I’ve already did my masters (MACC) 2 years ago at another college and no one was offering this program.

I’m having a tough time finding a firm to go into forensic accounting. I’m also the type of person that’s kind of an overachiever so I always feel I need to do something else. Another thought I was having was to go to law school but that is a long process.

I can’t really make up my mind. What opinion do you guys have?

REG - 82
FAR - 78
BEC - 76
AUD - 8/27/16

[DISLCPA]

Honestly if you want to go into Forensics I wouldn't worry about the degree I would just take the CFE exam. I minored in Fraud and Forensics with my MBA and once the CPA is finished I was going to take the CFE.

BEC(8/12/16)
AUD
FAR
REG

[ruggercpa2b]

Before going back to school I would talk to someone that works at an accounting firm in Forensic accounting to have an understanding of what they are looking for in new hires. I know when I worked at Deloitte they hired people with 2-3 years in external audit. So you had to put in your time in audit prior to transferring. I know some firms like Crowe don't require the years in audit to get into Forensic accounting.

What experience do you currently have? You may not fit the roles you are applying for and going back to school may not be answer.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Larry]

DISLCPA: I thought about the CFE. I was planning to start studying for it in January. Definitely need a break from the CPA!

ruggercpa2b: I've been in government for over 10 years doing internal audit for the Parks Department. I was promoted to a manager position to run the internal audit division. We are the largest park department in the state of Florida.

REG - 82
FAR - 78
BEC - 76
AUD - 8/27/16

[DISLCPA]

@papogator24 I wouldn't waste the money on the degree, all they care about is those initials just like the CPA. From what I have read the CFE isn't that bad.

BEC(8/12/16)
AUD
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[Accountant183748]

I would like to go into forensic accounting too. Do you think that the CFE means something if you have absolutely no experience in forensic accounting?

Most of my experience is in financial reporting and I am now at a small CPA firm doing income taxes, reviews and compilations (no audits). My firm does audits and some forensic accounting work, but I am not on that team. I have done some litigation support.

Thanks for your help!

[DISLCPA]

the only way to gain experience in it is to work in it. what you would learn studying for the test would be just as much as getting a degree in it in my opinion. I took all the classes I could when I was needing extra credit hours.

BEC(8/12/16)
AUD
FAR
REG

[Accountant183748]

My masters' was actually an emphasis in auditing/forensic accounting, I just don't know how to get the experience because most of the job postings I've seen want experience.

[Larry]

I'm in the same boat Vanessa. I'm done with government. I definitely want to get into forensic accounting and hopefully gain enough experience to start my firm. I do individual and corporate taxes and bookkeeping on the side. I'll have to start networking.

REG - 82
FAR - 78
BEC - 76
AUD - 8/27/16

[Accountant183748]

Haha funny I think we are similar because I was also considering law school or a master's in legal studies haha.

I would like to open my own firm after having more experience too

[Author]

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