Amanda Ross Edwards PhD

As CPAs and their clients work through the massive business changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, they confront a variety of fraud schemes, business continuity issues and damages concerns. Fraud in particular thrives in times of crisis as bad actors take advantage of fear and confusion. Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF®) credential holders have the knowledge and expertise to assist clients during these unprecedented times.

The CFF® is granted exclusively to CPAs and other recognized equivalents who demonstrate expertise in financial forensic accounting through their knowledge, skills, experience and adherence to professional standards.

The CFF® adds credibility and indicates expertise and competency in areas that include:

• fraud detection, prevention and response

• financial statement misrepresentation

• digital forensics

• bankruptcy and insolvency

• damages calculations and dispute resolution

• expert witness services

• investigations

• family law services

Now is the time to upskill

Responding to the COVID-19 crisis is a primary concern for clients and employers across the globe. With specialized knowledge in fraud matters, dispute resolution, damages calculations, and bankruptcy; CFF® professionals are well positioned to guide businesses through crisis management, recovery of operations, and future preparedness. Earning the CFF® credential demonstrates the knowledge and business acumen of a CPA or recognized equivalent combined with financial forensic accounting expertise in a day and age where specialized knowledge has never been more critical.

CFF eligibility requirements

To qualify for the CFF® credential, a candidate must:

• Be an AICPA member in good standing

• Pass the CFF® Examination

• Obtain 1,000 hours of forensic accounting experience in the CFF® Body of Knowledge within the five-year period preceding the date of the credential application

• Complete 75 hours of forensic-related continuing professional development (CPD) in the CFF® Body of Knowledge within the 5-year period preceding the date of the credential application

• Hold a valid and unrevoked CPA certificate or license issued by a legally constituted state authority or recognized international equivalent

There are multiple ways to earn the CFF® Credential. Study for the two part comprehensive exam using the review course which includes The Essentials in Forensic Accounting Textbook. Or complete the Core and Specialized Forensic Accounting Certificate Programs. Completion of both certificate programs and the corresponding exams satisfies all credential application requirements except for the 1000 hours of related business experience.

Visit here to learn more about the CFF® credential, it’s benefits, and the pathway to becoming a CFF® credential holder. Start your path toward becoming a CFF® and register for the CFF® Exam today.