<p>Also, I’m not too familiar with the NYC public accounting firms. In Chicago, you have a better chance of landing an accounting job if you went to three schools: Illinois, Notre Dame, and Northern Illinois. </p>
<p>However, I’m not sure if NYC has any feeder schools like that.</p>
<p>Well thanks for the input Bill</p>
<p>Hello! I am actually a student at Rider University right now, and I would highly reccommend the concentration in Forensic Accounting. I am taking my last class in it this semester. You take 3 extra accounting classes focused on forensics, but otherwise, you still take all the normally required accounting classes anyway. Whenever I bring up in interviews the classes I took for my concentration (Fraud/Business Forensics and Internal Auditing are the favorites) People are always impressed. It helps to set me apart from the 9000 other students applying for the same positions. Plus, these classes are still based on accounting so they are extremely helpful for you to know even if you do end up going to work for a Big 4. </p>
<p>About the demand for forensic accounting, I think it is rapidly growing as companies are learning that prevention is cheaper than correction. I applied to a company that five years ago was 1 office with 10 people. It is now 11 locations (two international) with 20-50 people at each one. Also, the Big 4 are starting to get their own Forensic Accounting Departments. (Ernst & Young and Deloitte already have them, KPMG is talking about it)</p>
<p>Also, I think someone might have mentioned it, but it is extremely beneficial to get your cpa before getting into forensic accounting (or really anything) A CPA just shows that you have a good general knowledge, and then as you work later you can specialize, or even transfer into something different. I worked at a corporate internship and all of my coworkers were CPA’s still. I think getting a CPA is the best way to get your foot in the door just to get some work experience and credentials behind you nice and early in your career. From who I have talked to and what I have learned, it is a good way to start off. </p>
<p>Hope this helps and good luck with whichever decision you make!</p>