In a world where financial giants dominate the economy and the millions that can be gained and lost on clever manipulation of the market, the role of the accountant has gone from mere number cruncher to detective and public defender.

Forensic accountants have risen in prominence as more stories of corporate and financial fraud come to light. Bernie Madoff may be the most famous case in recent times, but there is more than enough around to keep the accountants busy besides him.

According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, there are about 24,000 certified fraud examiners working in the U.S., and a recent survey by the association reports that fraud has gone up as the economy has gone down.

"You need a good analytical mind," Richard Ferguson, a forensic accountant, told Columbus Business First. "You have to realize you are dealing with a lot of historical transactions. It takes the minute transactions that may lead you to something else, and there you get the smoking gun."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that as the success rates of investigations grow, there will be more demand for forensic accountants. Jobs for accountants in general are expected to grow 18% between 2006 and 2016.