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Expert: Consuelo Herrera, International Accountant and Fraud Examiner - 2/24/2009


Question
I am currently about to start my senior year at FIU in accounting. My goal is to eventually become a fraud examiner in either the public or private sector. Ideally working for law enforcment as a fraud investigator but not necessary. I however have no idea what steps to take to better my chances at achieving my goal. I do plan on finishing my bachelors then finding a job hopfully in auditing then pursing my CFE or CFA followed by my masters for my CPA.

I however am completely clueless past that and don't know which career moves would be best to give me relevant and credible experience/ credentials.

Answer
Dear Lazaro,

Thank you for contacting me.

It seems to me that you have your goals properly setup. It makes sense they way you are planning on achieving them.

Both credentials require experience along with education and examination requirements. If you want to gain experience before you graduate I would suggest you try to find an internship position with a fraud/audit/government organization. You will find professionals willing to coach you when you join associations such as the local ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners). Some of these organizations have a Student Board and it will be a great opportunity for someone interested in obtaining the CFE designation.

Also, it will be useful for you to offer your services as a volunteer to government agencies. Now is a critical time and they are running short of qualified investigators, because of it, an opportunity may be available to you.

If you have time, get the Exam preparation software and start studying. Once you complete the preparation you need to meet the requirements for taking the exam. It includes a complete application, references about your professional and integrity backgrounds, education, etc. Once you pass the exam, your application goes in front of a Committee where it is assessed. If you are found qualified for the credential they will let you know and walk you through the certification process.

Do not hesitate to send a follow up question if you have further questions.

I wish you success in your professional endeavors.

Sincerely,


Consuelo Herrera, CAMS, CFE  

Auditing

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Consuelo Herrera, International Accountant and Fraud Examiner

Expertise

I can answer questions concerning internal and operational auditing, fraud prevention procedures, internal control, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, COSO control concepts, and management oriented auditing. I would love to provide business-owners with suggestions on how to prevent and detect fraud so that they are proactive in protecting their wealth since the very beginning of their entrepreneurial affairs. I can answer questions to both English and Spanish population. I am very committed to keep my standards up today so I know many resources where I can direct those seeking advice.

Experience

I have rendered services for private companies, profit and non for profit, in two countries. As independent consultant I have provided advice to managers in implementing procedures that streamline their operations and enhance their activities. As a staff accountant in a US CPA firm, I performed regular auditing procedures for different engagements.

Organizations
AICPA (American Association of Certified Public Accountants), ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners), ACFEI (American College of Forensic Examiners.

Education/Credentials
Bachelors of Sciences in Business Administration – Accounting University of South Florida USF – Tampa Florida Catholic University – Colombia Title earned: Specialist in Tax and Customs Central Foundation University – Colombia Title earned: Certified Public Accountant. On August, 2006 I passed all four sections of the Certified Fraud Exam which tests for proficiency in the following areas: Criminology and Ethics, Financial Transactions, Legal Elements of Fraud, and Fraud Investigation.

Awards and Honors
As employee of Forensic Technology Inc. a Canadian company with locations and sites worldwide, I was the winner of the 2005 President's award in the category of Cost Savings through Efficiency or Innovation granted in January 2006 in Montreal, Canada.

Past/Present Clients
I have provided advice to all kind of companies: manufacturing, service, consulting, non for profit organizations, etc.

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