In May, the AICPA's governing Council authorized the creation of a new CPA specialty credential in forensic accounting. The credential, Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), combines specialized forensic accounting expertise with the core knowledge and skills that make CPAs among the most trusted business advisers. The CFF  encompasses fundamental and specialized forensic accounting skills that CPA practitioners apply in a variety of service areas, including: bankruptcy and insolvency; computer forensics; economic damages; family law; fraud investigations; litigation support; stakeholder disputes and valuations. To qualify, a CPA must be an AICPA member in good standing, have at least five years of experience in practicing accounting, and meet minimum requirements in relevant business experience and continuing professional education.

• Program Objectives
• Benefits of Becoming a CFF
• Eligibility Requirements
• Application Process
• CFF Credential Handbook
• Press Release

Program Objectives

The objectives of the CFF Credential program:

• Achieve public recognition of the CFF as the preferred forensic accounting professional
• Enhance the quality of forensic services CFFs provide
• Increase practice development and career opportunities for CFFs
• Promote members’ services through the Forensic and Valuation Services (FVS) web site

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Benefits of becoming a CFF:

CPAs who provide forensic accounting services should consider obtaining the CFF Credential because it:

• Positions the credential holder as a premier forensic accounting services provider
• Enhances the practitioner’s image as a competent, trustworthy financial forensic expert
• Promotes a greater level of confidence for clients and employers
• Demonstrates commitment to continuously improving forensic accounting skills and expertise, resulting in increased professional competency
• Increases opportunities for referrals from other practitioners, strategic partners, attorneys and clients
• Includes you in a community of CPA financial forensics professionals with similar interests and practices
• Distinguishes your practice with the powerful combination of the CPA certificate and the CFF Credential

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Eligibility Requirements:

The CFF Credential is exclusively granted by the AICPA to qualified CPAs.  To qualify, a new CFF applicant must:

1. Be a CPA member in good standing of the AICPA
2. Hold a valid and unrevoked CPA certificate issued by a legally constituted state authority
3. Have at least five years of experience in practicing accounting
4. Complete a CFF application and meet the 100-point requirement 
5. Sign a Declaration of Intent to comply with the requirements of CFF recertification

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CFF Application Process

1. Download a copy of the CFF Application.  
2. Fill out the application form and calculate your preliminary point score – a total of 100 points is required.  You will be required to provide information in three categories relevant to forensic accounting.

a.      Business experience – your professional work history in forensic accounting

b.      Lifelong Learning – your CPE and education in forensic accounting

c.      Credential reciprocity – if applicable, information about the following forensic accounting related credential(s) you hold: ABV, ASA, ASA AM, CFE, CFFA, CIA, CIRA, CVA, IFA, J.D., CrFA         

3. Remit payment of $350 for the fee for obtaining the CFF. This annual fee includes membership in the AICPA’s Forensic and Valuation Services Member Section (a $200 per year value). NOTE:  Current ABV Credential holders interested in obtaining this credential would only pay a fee of $150. 
4. If remitting payment by credit card, you may attach your application to an e-mail and send to CFF@aicpa.org with “CFF Application” in the subject line, or fax it to the AICPA CFF Application Team at 919-490-4329.  If you prefer to pay by check, your payment and application may be mailed to: AICPA – CFF Application, 220 Leigh Farm Road, Durham, NC 27707. It will be reviewed and processed, and you will receive notification of your application status shortly thereafter.  In some cases, you may be asked to provide additional information to support your application.  If you meet the CFF requirements, your application will be approved. If your application is not approved, your fee will be refunded.

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Press Release

Upon becoming a CFF Credential holder, why not publicize your achievement by asking your local media to publish a press release. Use the sample CFF press release template stated below to create your own press release.  Learn More>>

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