The field of forensic accounting blends financial expertise with investigative skills to uncover fraud, resolve disputes and support legal proceedings. As financial crime and regulatory demands grow, businesses and courts increasingly rely on these professionals to ensure accuracy and accountability.
Advanced programs, such as the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Accounting Concentration at Eastern Washington University (EWU), provide graduates with the professional tools to enter this specialized field. This degree program offers students opportunities to build technical expertise, gain knowledge of legal frameworks and cultivate the skills to succeed in a growing profession.
How Does Forensic Accounting Work?
Forensic accounting is the practice of applying accounting principles to investigate financial irregularities and provide evidence for legal cases. The work often involves analyzing records, tracing assets, preparing reports and offering testimony in court. This combination of accounting knowledge and investigative techniques makes forensic accountants essential for both preventing and resolving financial disputes.
These professionals operate in many environments, including public accounting firms, government agencies, law enforcement divisions and private corporations. They may assist with civil litigation, criminal cases, insurance claims and internal audits, as well as investigate embezzlement schemes, track hidden assets during divorce proceedings or provide clarity in cases of corporate bankruptcy. As fraud and compliance concerns rise across industries, the demand for forensic accounting expertise continues to grow.
What Skills Will You Gain in an MBA in Accounting Program?
An MBA in accounting provides the technical foundation and professional skills that help graduates succeed in financial forensics roles. Students refine their ability to interpret complex financial data, assess risk and detect irregularities. Technical training includes advanced knowledge of auditing, taxation and financial reporting, which are critical when analyzing disputed accounts.
Beyond technical skills, students also develop the communication and analytical abilities necessary to explain findings clearly and persuasively. Soft skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving, are vital when working with attorneys, law enforcement or corporate executives.
The program emphasizes knowledge of compliance standards and legal processes, preparing graduates to navigate cases involving regulatory oversight. These abilities prepare students for investigative work and position them to serve as trusted advisors in preventing fraud before it occurs.
What Are the Career Paths and Job Outlook With an Accounting MBA?
The growing need for transparency and accountability in business has created a demand for forensic accountants. Rising incidents of fraud, along with stricter financial regulations, mean organizations are prioritizing professionals who can identify and prevent unethical financial practices. Demand is particularly high in sectors such as banking, healthcare and insurance, where financial oversight and fraud detection are critical to operations.
The primary role of forensic accountants is to identify financial misconduct and maintain financial integrity, working across a variety of sectors, such as law enforcement, private companies and government agencies. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t maintain records for the forensic accounting field specifically, graduates with an MBA in accounting are equipped to pursue various roles, including positions as corporate accountants, accounting consultants, senior auditors, financial advisors and chief financial officers.
According to BLS, accountant and auditor positions are projected to grow steadily, by as much as 5% by 2034, with specialized fields such as forensic accounting offering competitive opportunities. Reports show that the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $81,680 in 2024, with the top 10% earning more than $141,420. A professional in forensic accounting may earn a salary on the higher end of this range, depending on experience and industry.
The financial examiner position benefits greatly from an MBA in accounting. The primary role of a financial examiner is to ensure that financial institutions meet federal compliance standards by assessing management practices, financial risk and operating capital. BLS reported that financial examiners earned a median wage of $90,400 annually in 2024. With growing demand and a need for professionals in this field, the job market for financial examiners is projected to increase by 19% by 2034.
Why Should You Choose EWU’s Online MBA in Accounting Degree?
EWU offers an AACSB-accredited accounting MBA online, providing a strong foundation for careers in forensic accounting and other specialized financial positions. The curriculum blends advanced business strategy with in-depth accounting courses, equipping graduates with the technical expertise and leadership skills that provide the framework to excel in whatever accounting role they pursue, whether in domestic or international settings.
The program consists of 44 credit hours, including 28 credit hours of core courses, 12 credit hours of accounting concentration courses and four credit hours of electives. Core courses cover essential topics such as data-driven decision-making, corporate finance, marketing management, leadership and ethics, operations management, and advanced accounting for managers. The concentration courses focus specifically on financial statement analysis, advanced cost accounting and international forensic accounting, providing direct preparation for roles such as forensic accounting.
The International Forensic Accounting course examines all aspects of financial crime, including accounting, audit and human behavior. Students analyze fraud cases in international companies to understand how financial crimes differ across global versus domestic settings, developing the investigative mindset essential for forensic accounting work.
Program hours may count toward the educational requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in many states. Students should verify eligibility with their state’s board of accountancy.
Delivered in a flexible 100% online format with six-week courses and seven start dates per year, the program offers working professionals the opportunity to pursue career advancement without putting their lives on hold. EWU is one of the only schools in Washington to offer an MBA program completely online, and the GMAT is waived for many qualified applicants.
Build a Career in Forensic Accounting with EWU
Forensic accounting combines financial expertise with investigative skills, creating opportunities to make a measurable impact in business and legal contexts. Students entering this field can pursue roles in diverse industries while earning competitive salaries.
EWU’s accounting MBA online degree positions graduates to thrive in forensic accounting by providing the advanced skills, legal knowledge and professional preparation employers seek. With a strong reputation for academic quality and career-focused education, EWU helps students take the next step toward long-term success.
Learn more about EWU’s online MBA with an Accounting Concentration program.
