What is the Value of Multiple Certifications in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination?

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Abstract

In the public accounting profession there are thousands who hold multiple certifications. For example, in addition to a CPA license, a frequent combination includes both a CMA and CIA. Likewise, within the forensic accounting and fraud examination profession there are many who hold multiple certifications in addition to the CPA, such as a CFE and a CFF. Forensic accounting corporations (corporations that issue certifications in forensic accounting and fraud examination) aggressively promote the certifications they issue. Certificants proudly display their certificates on their walls. However, there is a paucity of research on what are either the actual or the perceived benefits of holding multiple accounting certifications, and research on the benefits of holding multiple certifications in the forensic accounting and fraud examination profession is non-existent. This paper reports the results of a recent survey of forensic accountants who hold multiple certifications in forensic accounting and fraud examination. The results reveal that the perceived benefit received is in the nature of symbolic capital.

Author

• Wm. Dennis Huber, Capella University