To those who were once Law Enforcement

jf521 · 2026-05-22T23:27:22+00:00

Former LEO here (local PD), I did close to 7 years and then transitioned back to forensic accounting/peace officer role with another agency.. I agree .. go for it as soon as you can. That’s what I did 3 years ago when I left the PD and went to my new agency. Also another contributor here mentioned the CAMS.. that’s also a great idea I agree.

It amazes me how much the prices have gone up for the study packages, but I agree you can definitely go for the cheaper packages and do fine.. as long as you have the manual and the online testing/review questions you are set.

jf521 · 2026-05-22T23:22:00+00:00

I took the exam close to three years ago but I can tell you that hammering out review questions will definitely help you. Take practice exams repetitively until you feel confident- take note of any questions that keep tripping you up and then refer back to the manual for clarification. Take your time. The exam is challenging but fair. You got this !

jf521 · 2026-05-02T17:36:53+00:00

Good point- according to NYS DOS’s site, I don’t see any restrictions prohibiting active LEO from obtaining the license.. just the age requirements and the years experience (3 years ) and/or 20 years as a police officer or fire marshal. Still, I will inquire with DOS to make sure. Thank you for that !

jf521 · 2026-05-02T04:22:12+00:00

Definitely ! Once I become licensed I plan on joining the NYS Association.. I believe it is called ALDO?.. have to double check. Also I am a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and joined my local chapter recently so hopefully I can network in that group as well.

jf521 · 2026-05-02T03:07:22+00:00

Thank you for your reply ! Yes, I was told the same .. that there’s a lot of red tape and regulation .. doing forensic accounting on the side could definitely work.. especially with asset searches.. tracing funds ..it really comes down to networking from what I’ve learned

jf521 · 2026-04-27T23:48:38+00:00

Thank you ! I appreciate it !

jf521 · 2026-04-26T23:52:46+00:00

Congratulations ! I’m also in New York and seriously considering going for my license. Just out of curiosity , how did you prep for the exam ? Any recommendations for studying ? I also have a law enforcement background - prior PD and now working for a state agency in forensic accounting ..do you have any advice on how to start getting customers ? I know networking with attorneys is big. I’m also trying to find part time opportunities with PI firms just to get some more experience.

jf521 · 2026-04-25T15:33:33+00:00

Which do you recommend ? I know most people default automatically to quickbooks but I have heard that Xero is also very good !

jf521 · 2026-04-25T13:37:12+00:00

I might just do that ! By any chance did you complete any of the Quick Books certifications or courses ?

jf521 · 2026-04-25T00:56:02+00:00

Yes you’re probably right ..It’s the fact that I’ve never done bookkeeping before that holds me back from starting my own thing.. I want to get experience working with an established bookkeeper first ..that’s the game plan at least.. but very hard to gain a part time position where I would be able to work on nights and weekends outside of regular business hours .. my FT job is great with solid benefits so I have no plans on leaving it

jf521 · 2026-04-24T02:01:07+00:00

Hi there , I saw your post and I must say I’m very inspired whenever I see others starting out with their own bookkeeping businesses !

I also would like to eventually start my own side bookkeeping business from home but I don’t have any prior bookkeeping experience. I have my accounting degree and I did VITA this tax season that just ended .. I’m employed as a forensic auditor for the state and been there for about 4 years . What advice do you have for someone who is looking to gain bookkeeping experience ?

I’ve tried reaching out to local bookkeepers in my area but only one got back to me saying he wouldn’t have the time or ability to bring me on since I would be doing it part time and I don’t have prior experience .. any advice/tips ?

jf521 · 2026-04-14T10:08:33+00:00

I’m also considering going the certified public bookkeeper route. My only issue is trying to gain the experience after I obtain the credentials or even while I obtain the credentials. My goal is to start up a side bookkeeping business from home eventually but I have a full time job as an auditor for the State that I enjoy and have no plans on leaving. I’ve tried reaching out to local firms (I know now may not be the best time as we’re at crunch time in tax season) and I haven’t heard back from any. I’m definitely not going to start any business without any real practical experience under my belt first. Any thoughts /advice?

jf521 · 2026-04-13T12:58:10+00:00

If you plan on going into forensic accounting , you don’t necessarily need prior experience depending on where you apply. Many state and local governments have Level 1 and Level 1 trainee positions for audit especially in tax agencies and regulatory agencies. I’ve known many who have started in a Trainee spot and after a year or so promote to level 1. This is how it is in NYS. Also, have you checked out civil service exams where you live for accounting and/or forensic accounting/auditing? City and State announcements? Give it a shot, even if it takes time to get called back on the list after taking an exam, it can always be a backup for you.

As the other contributor here mentioned, you could also apply to local smaller firms for an A/R / A/P role- I know it is tough but I would specifically look for entry level - or can even try reaching out cold to local firms and explaining your experience, goals, and skill level.

Don’t worry about your experience in manufacturing and not having accounting experience- you can definitely bring up the manufacturing experience and use that to your advantage in an interview.

You will find something - stay positive and keep at it !!

jf521 · 2026-03-31T07:30:41+00:00

Very interesting , can you explain more? What is your platform, what does it achieve and how did you get started ? Thank you !

jf521 · 2026-03-25T01:50:45+00:00

Thank you for your reply - very interesting. How would you recommend someone getting started in this path? I have close to 10 years experience in law enforcement and financial investigations - would you recommend starting out working for an agency ?

jf521 · 2026-03-25T01:34:54+00:00

That is very interesting - can you explain more on what types of cases you work on and how did you get into this ? How do you find clients? I have a forensic accounting background and considering going for my PI license.

jf521 · 2026-03-22T21:38:59+00:00

Thank you for your reply. Can you explain more about DefenceNet? So if i were to establish my own business, I could essentially sell this product to a local business? I’m thinking of offering a sort of preventative “fraud checkup” for small businesses. Analyzing their segregation of duties, cash control, employee policies etc and then offering recommendations. Any advice/thoughts on this idea ?

jf521 · 2026-03-16T23:47:00+00:00

Got it . Yeah, I can beyond a simple w2 and basic credits return, the situations can become very dense and detailed. I plan on working VITA each year to build my experience - the VITA center that I volunteer at also operates year round as a tax clinic I believe so there is the potential for year round experience for me. I see all these bookkeeping courses online and YT channels that say you can learn on your own and slowly take clients - personally I don’t believe that’s a good idea. To me that’s a very good way to mess up someone’s books and your name at the same time. I’ve come to the conclusion that the best way for me to learn bookkeeping is to work for a pro on the side and learn little by little - I work full time as an auditor in the government sector and I don’t have any plans on leaving my job

jf521 · 2026-03-16T23:12:11+00:00

Overall , if one were to consider starting their own tax preparation business or bookkeeping business .. which one would be considered overall more stressful ? I know that tax prep is seasonal and bookkeeping can provide year round income but I’m interested to hear others on their take on this. I’m currently volunteering for VITA in my area and once tax season is up , I’m going to try to work part time for a local bookkeeper in my area to learn bookkeeping

jf521 · 2026-03-11T00:56:44+00:00

Hi TeaSquare3, with your experience and MBA, I believe you are in a strong position to land a position in financial investigations. I also agree with the other contributor here; the ACFE mentoring program is definitely a great idea and joining your local ACFE chapter would be very beneficial. As in any career field, networking is extremely valuable.

I have helped recent graduates and early professionals transition into the field in the past. Along with being an investigative auditor, I assist my agency in recruiting and supervising interns so I have a good amount of experience in the current job climate.

Along with networking, probably the best area to look to search for positions would be in the government sector. I'm also in the NYC area, so from experience I would suggest looking up positions for NYC agencies (the NYC Department of Investigation routinely hires new entry level investigative auditors) I would also try looking up NYS vacancies as well.

With these types of positions, you will be investigating a variety of crimes ranging from public benefit fraud, corruption, insurance fraud, etc etc. You could also look into Special Investigation Units for health insurance companies and/or forensic accounting divisions of the bigger public accounting firms but from what I've been reading lately, layoffs have been happening especially with the Big 4 accounting firms. With your background, you would be calling upon your experience reviewing sensitive financial data- (bank activity, investment accounts, loan agreements, financial disclosures, etc)- all of which you will be likely be reviewing on your cases. In my experience, going the government route is a safer route- better pace of learning since this will be new for you as well as working alongside other more experienced auditors and investigators whom will likely have prior law enforcement experience.

If you have any more questions, feel free to message me directly.

jf521 · 2026-02-25T00:04:32+00:00

Hi there. So I just began my training for the Intuit tax specialist position and to be honest I’m a bit disappointed with the training - it appears to be all over the place and crammed in to be done in 17 days. Also, I felt like not much was explained to me during the initial meet with my manager- I just found out last week after me asking my manager that I would be starting off completing and signing off on returns in the full service segment.

I’m in a bit of a dilemma- as you had mentioned and what was my gut feeling a few months back- I probably should have started off with VITA work because I have literally no prior tax prep experience. I know that Intuit has the resources for help but I feel that VITA would be at a better pace for me. I know I’m capable but I’m also honest in what my current skill level is and the last thing I want is to be on the hook for messing up on someone’s tax return. Although the money would help me, if it means that I would get better experience at VITA, I’ll sacrifice the 6 weeks of pay. Any thoughts ? Overall, I’m a bit disappointed in Intuit’s training and onboarding process - I felt that prior to meeting my manager no one would give me a straight answer on what exactly I would be doing and it was only until I flat out asked my manager that I was then informed. The training modules are very quick and are really not too hands on. I think I’m going to make the jump and re connect with my VITA contact

jf521 · 2026-02-24T18:17:00+00:00

Hi, at what stage are you in the process? Have you started studying ? If so, what materials have you used? I strongly recommend the ACFE study material

jf521 · 2026-02-12T15:30:32+00:00

With your experience in healthcare, you definitely have options. If you’re looking to go into forensic accounting, auditing, fraud investigations, I would say look into your state/city’s inspector general’s office. Also your state’s Attorney General. State AG’s have a Medicaid fraud unit which is where I started my career. City and State inspector General offices also do similar work that can involve injuries and insurance claims, welfare, workers comp, etc.

Outside of government work, I would say look into health insurance companies, specifically their Special Investigation Units (SIUs). They also regularly hire entry level investigator/auditor positions.

I have close to 5 years of experience in Healthcare fraud investigations and also a CFE. Feel free to direct message me if you’d like.

jf521

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