The authors describe the historical evolution of forensic accounting and forensic accountant’s profession based on the survey of foreign studies. The authors focus on identifying the common characteristics and the main differences in forensic accounting status, typology, and methodology. The present article also provides a comparison of conditions of forensic accountants’ certification in countries based on the Romano-Germanic and Anglo-Saxon legal systems. The authors demonstrate the application area of forensic accounting and substantiate the topicality of forensic accounting application to fraud investigation. The present study makes a comparison between forensic accounting and auditing. The authors also provide relevant information on forensic centres, where the accounting examinations are carried out, and organisations that certify the forensic accountants.