Q & A with Armond Stewart, CFE

Armond Stewart of Texas became a CFE after attending the CFE Exam Review Course in Austin, TX. Since recently moving to Texas, Armond joined a running club for relaxation and enjoys participating in themed races. This past November, however, Armond focused on accomplishing his goal of obtaining the CFE credential. Armond feels that the training he received while studying for the CFE Exam will provide him with tools to better educate bankers on both fraud prevention and detection.

Coach:  When did you receive your CFE credential?

Stewart: I received my CFE credential in November of 2016 while attending the CFE Exam Review Course in Austin, TX.

Coach: You attended the CFE Exam Review Course in Austin, TX and following the course you sat for the CFE Exam on-site. Please describe your experience of participating in the four-day course and then sitting for the exam immediately after.

Stewart: Attending the review course and then sitting for the exam was the best option for me because it worked perfectly for my schedule. I could ask questions and listen to the instructors during the day and then take the test each evening without having to schedule another time to take the exam. The days were long, but everyone in the class supported and encouraged each other. It was worth it.

Coach:  What did you like most about the CFE Exam Review Course?

Stewart: I enjoyed meeting and talking with the participants. Our class was diverse, with representation across different countries, industries, and experience levels. I even got a chance to meet other people within my organization who work in other parts of the country.

Coach: In what ways do you feel that your new CFE credential will be beneficial to you in your current profession?

Stewart: My current profession focuses on banking regulation. Unfortunately, banks are prime targets for fraud by people within and outside the organization. The preparation and ongoing training for my CFE credential will provide me with tools to educate bankers on both fraud prevention and detection.

Coach:  How did you prepare yourself to sit for the exam on-site? Did you spend any additional time studying after class each day?

Stewart: Two months before I sat for the on-site exam, I started reviewing the online review questions. I established a goal to review about 200 questions each week. Some weeks were better than others, so I would also review questions at the airport. I also reached out to colleagues who had their CFE, and they would periodically check in with me to make sure I was studying.  When I arrived at the review course, I felt prepared because I had answered all the review questions and taken all the practice tests. I knew the scores from my best and worst sections, so I was able to tailor questions to the instructors and listen intently to my weak areas. After class, I briefly reviewed the practice questions I flagged for the next day’s session. This method worked for me because my on-site test scores were higher than my practice test scores at home.

Coach:  Would you recommend this course to your colleagues?

Stewart: Yes, I would recommend this course to my colleagues. It’s a great way to learn more about investigative techniques, accounting transactions, and laws related to fraud.

Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

Stewart: My career path includes experience as a commissioned bank examiner. I have investigated the financial loss and fractured trust related to fraud at several community banks. Unfortunately, the negative impact of fraud does not stay contained within the walls of the bank, but its impact is felt throughout the community as citizens attempt to understand how someone could abuse their authority for personal gain. As someone who works in banking regulation, I am passionate about educating bankers about internal controls and fostering a culture that restricts opportunities to commit fraud.

Coach:  Now that we know what you do professionally, what do you like to do for fun and what do you find enjoyable about it?

Stewart: I recently moved to Texas, and as you can imagine, the summers are HOT. I joined a running club, and our group participates in many of the themed races in the spring and fall. Most of these races offer great food and drinks after the race, so it becomes a party at 9AM. It’s a great way to relax and get outside after a long work week.

Coach:  Do you have any study tips or suggestions for aspiring CFEs?

Stewart: My biggest study tip is to start early. I believe creating and sticking to a study plan 2-3 months before the test will significantly reduce stress and prepare you to successfully pass each section. Also, don’t be shy about flagging practice test questions that you miss— those are the questions you want to review before the actual test.

Q & A with Janette Ross, CFE

Janette Ross of Florida recently became a CFE after attending the CFE Exam Review Course in Austin, TX. When Janette is not working, she is making organic soap and home cleaning products to sell at local farmers markets. This past November, however, she put some time aside to accomplish her goal of obtaining the CFE credential. Janette believes the certification will make her an excellent candidate to become the State's Chief Auditor.

Coach: When did you receive your CFE credential? 
Ross: I was certified on November 18, 2016.

Coach: You attended the CFE Exam Review Course in Austin, TX, and following the course you sat for the CFE Exam on-site. Please describe your experience of participating in the four-day course and then sitting for the exam immediately after.
Ross: Working full-time with the Office of the Attorney General, Pam Bondi, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit as the North Florida Audit Supervisor definitely presented a challenge and required discipline for me to set aside time for the self-study course. I am a CPA and know the importance of studying for a comprehensive exam. Because I wanted to be successful the first time, I purchased the entire package, including the in-person CFE Exam Review Course in Austin, Texas. The flashcard app was very beneficial, as I could study while waiting for my children during their sports practices or a long car ride. I was able to study anywhere I went. In addition to studying with the online Prep Course, I knew attending the CFE Exam Review Course would provide the additional focused learning that I would need to pass the first time. The format of the review course was ideal. Spending the day studying a specific section topic and taking that section's test on the same day allowed for the information to be fresh in my mind. Leaving each evening knowing I passed that day's section was great! Additionally, there was time in the evening to retake the section online and at the end of the week, if needed. Finally, there were so many more benefits provided to the participants of the course. I definitely would recommend the four-day review course to anyone interested in becoming a CFE.

Coach: What did you like most about the CFE Exam Review Course? 
Ross: The instructors were very engaging and provided real-life stories and examples.

Coach: In what ways do you feel that your new CFE credential will be beneficial to you in your current profession? 
Ross: My goal is to become the State's Chief Auditor. I believe having my CPA and CFE makes me an excellent candidate for this position. I now have broader knowledge, not only of fraud schemes, but also of investigative techniques and the legal aspects of fraud.

Coach: How did you prepare yourself to sit for the exam on-site? Did you spend any additional time studying after class each day? 
Ross: I spent time preparing for the exam prior to the four-day review course using the online Prep Course, the study guide, and the flashcard app. I spent very little time after each class studying. In fact, after each day's review and exam, I totally decompressed by exercising and watching TV. One evening I even got a massage.

Coach: Would you recommend this course to your colleagues?
Ross: Yes, I would absolutely recommend this course.

Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?
Ross: During my entire career as a CPA, I have focused on audit, compliance, fraud prevention, and fraud deterrence in the health care industry. Spending my early years at KPMG, LLP, ignited my interest in Medicare and Medicaid compliance. Knowing that these programs help the most vulnerable of U.S. citizens—the elderly, disabled, and medically and financially needy—as well as reading so many news articles about the extensive fraud and abuse these programs experience, made me want to make a difference. When fraud is committed against these programs, the perpetrators steal from every taxpayer in our country. Being a part of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in Florida has been the most rewarding position I have ever had in my career. 

Coach: Now that we know what you do professionally, what do you like to do for fun and what do you find enjoyable about it?
Ross: I have a hobby of making organic, sustainable, artisan soap and home cleaning products that I sell at local farmers markets. I like making a product that has no chemicals or harmful ingredients, as well as meeting and helping people who want to eat and live sustainably with less chemicals and preservatives. 

Coach: Do you have any study tips or suggestions for aspiring CFEs?
Ross: As a mother of two teenage girls, a wife, and a full-time employee, I found it helpful to find balance. I had the study guide at my bedside table for my nightly reading, used the flashcard app every chance I got, and set aside a couple of hours each Saturday to do the online Prep Course. I attended the in-person review course in Austin, Texas, to bring it all together and passed all four parts the first time! 

Q & A with Wendy Cliadakis, CFE

Wendy Cliadakis of Massachusetts became a CFE after attending the CFE Exam Review Course in Washington, D.C. In her spare time, she enjoys running half marathons and hiking in the woods. This past October, Wendy focused on accomplishing her goal of obtaining the CFE credential. She hopes to add value to her company by helping to build out a fraud risk assessment program. Wendy also believes that the knowledge she has gained while studying will help her properly identify key fraud risks and controls within the audits she conducts.

Coach:  When did you receive your CFE credential?

Cliadakis: I was certified on October 20, 2016.
 
Coach: You attended the CFE Exam Review Course in Washington D.C. and, following the course you sat for the CFE Exam on-site. Please describe your experience of participating in the four-day course and then sitting for the exam immediately after.

Cliadakis: Although it was a long day, I found it extremely effective to take the exam immediately following each day’s instruction. 
 
Coach: What did you like most about the CFE Exam Review Course?

Cliadakis: The instructors were extremely knowledgeable and made the subject matter interesting by using real case studies to reinforce the materials. 
 
Coach:  In what ways do you feel that your new CFE credential will be beneficial to you in your current profession?

Cliadakis: In 2017, I am hoping to work with management and compliance to add value to our company by building out a fraud risk assessment program. The knowledge I have gained helps me to properly identify key fraud risks and controls within my audits. One of my goals is to be regarded as the resident fraud expert within our audit department. 
 
Coach: How did you prepare yourself to sit for the exam on-site?

Cliadakis: I utilized the online study materials, including the practice questions and exams, to prepare before attending the review course. The review course reinforced the material I had already studied. 

Coach: Did you spend any additional time studying after class each day?

Cliadakis: Yes, I completed a practice exam each night. 
 
Coach: Would you recommend this course to your colleagues?

Cliadakis: Yes, I will recommend this course to my colleagues. 
 
Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

Cliadakis: I have always enjoyed looking for fraud risks and scenarios through my audits.
 
Coach: Now that we know what you do professionally, what do you like to do for fun and what do you find enjoyable about it?

Cliadakis: I enjoy traveling with my family because I like to see new places. I also enjoy being active by running half marathons and hiking in the woods. This helps me keep up with my kids!
 
Coach: Do you have any study tips or suggestions for aspiring CFEs?

Cliadakis: I highly recommend the review course combined with the CFE Exam Prep Course pre-work. It is beneficial to take the practice exams to determine weak areas and then focus on those areas.

Q & A with Hillary Crane

Hillary Crane of New York recently became a CFE after attending the CFE Exam Review Course in New York. When Hillary is not working, she loves spending her free time hunting, fishing, and coaching T-ball. This past October, however, she put some time aside to accomplish her goal of obtaining the CFE credential. Hillary believes the certification will enhance her role in her company and that maintaining the credential will help keep her up-to-date with new fraud trends and investigation techniques.

Coach: When did you receive your CFE credential?  

Crane: I received my credential officially on April 28, 2016.
 
Coach: You attended the CFE Exam Review Course in New York and following the course you sat for the CFE Exam on-site.  Please describe your experience of participating in the 4-day course and then sitting for the exam immediately after.

Crane: The review course was extremely beneficial to my success with the exam. The information covered was explained clearly. It was a casual and comfortable environment with friendly instructors. I looked forward to putting pencil to paper after each review session, as I knew I was going to pass.
 
Coach: What did you like most about the CFE Exam Review Course?

Crane:  The instructors of each session were very engaging. I think it is important to grasp the attention of such a large group during initial introductions, and that is what occurred. Sitting in a conference room for an entire day can be draining. If you have an enthusiastic instructor promoting you, the course, and the exam every step of the way, you will take the exam with confidence.
 
Coach: In what ways do you feel that your new CFE credential will be beneficial to you in your current profession?

Crane: If I back up to the reason why I joined the ACFE, that is the answer to this question. I strive to perform my work in fraud and security diligently. All of the ACFE principles are relative to my current profession—I use some of them every day. Involvement in this association was necessary to me. The certification has enhanced my role in my company. With continuing education, the CFE will help keep me up-to-date on new fraud trends and investigation techniques.

Coach: How did you prepare yourself to sit for the exam on-site? Did you spend any additional time studying after class each day?

Crane:  I reviewed the material we covered in class during breaks and in the evening. When it came time for the exam to begin each day, I did not study just before taking it. I felt that I would not have applied for the exam if I had not been ready to take it. With the review course, I felt more prepared and excited to get through each part. I am happy to report I only had to take each part once!
 
Coach: Would you recommend this course to your colleagues?

Crane: I have recommended this course to colleagues and friends alike. It’s an exciting process.
 
Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

Crane: I went to college for criminal justice. I wanted to become a law enforcement officer when I was younger, but circumstances prevented me from achieving this goal right away. I was offered a great job with a financial institution and worked in mortgages for years. When a position in the fraud department opened, I read the description and applied immediately. I just knew this was where I was meant to be. 
 
Coach: Now that we know what you do professionally, what do you like to do for fun and what do you find enjoyable about it?

Crane: I love to spend all of my free time with my family. We hunt, fish, and boat, and the kids are very active in sports. I coach T-ball, and I also love to cook. My work is important to me and we all spend many hours at the office, but it’s great to go home at the end of each day to start a new adventure.

Coach:  Do you have any study tips or suggestions for aspiring CFEs?

Crane:  I would suggest you utilize the interactive Prep Course software. I would follow the instructions in the Prep Course: Study each section in its entirety and answer every review question correctly at least once. The interactive software is an excellent resource. It tracks your progress and gives you the ability to control how and what you study while also showing you areas you need to review more.

Q & A with Ann Petersen, CFE

Ann Petersen of Argentina recently became a CFE after attending the CFE Exam Review Course in Los Angeles. When she is not working, Ann enjoys traveling to different countries and spending time with her family and friends. This past July, however, she put some time aside to accomplish her goal of obtaining the CFE credential. Ann believes the knowledge she gained during her preparation will broaden her career possibilities as an auditor and will provide her with compliance offers and other opportunities.

Coach: When did you receive your CFE credential?

Petersen: I received my CFE credential on July 29, 2016.
 
Coach:  You attended the CFE Exam Review Course in Los Angeles, and following the course you sat for the CFE Exam on-site.  Please describe your experience of participating in the four-day course and then sitting for the exam immediately after. 

Petersen: It was an intense course that’s very well designed for obtaining the CFE credential. Each day concentrated on a specific exam section and included technical knowledge, examples and tips. You could take a section of the exam at the end of each day just after reviewing that day’s content. Having lunch on-site with other students encouraged networking and sharing experiences with other colleagues. Flexibility was another thing I appreciated: I wanted to take the International Law exam instead of the U.S. one, so I was able to take it at my hotel online and get the results while I was at the course.  
 
Coach: What did you like most about the CFE Exam Review Course?  

Petersen: The trainers were excellent. They shared real examples and offered extra help when someone needed it based on their professional background (accounting tips for lawyers, deeper law explanations for other types of professionals, etc.). The content taught each day highlighted the core information required to pass that section of the exam. 
 
Coach: In what ways do you feel that your new CFE credential will be beneficial to you in your current profession?

Petersen: I work in internal audit at a multinational company, so fraud-related skills are a must. I investigate fraud reports received through our ethics hotline, among other duties. Having the CFE credential — and the knowledge involved in getting it — is highly appreciated and broadens my career possibilities not only as an auditor, but also for compliance offers and other opportunities. 
 
Coach: How did you prepare yourself to sit for the exam on-site? Did you spend any additional time studying after class each day?  

Petersen: I started studying two months before attending the course and tried to cover the four parts. While at the review course, I took a 20-minute break at the end of each day to clear my mind before starting the on-site exam. 
 
Coach: Would you recommend this course to your colleagues? 

Petersen: Yes, I have already recommended it to my colleagues.The course allows you to focus for four full days on achieving your goal of obtaining the CFE credential and encourages you to start studying ahead of time since you have already set the date you are going to sit for the exams. Having a demanding job does not always leave you with enough time to prepare for the exams by yourself. 
 
Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

Petersen: Since I became an auditor, I was always fascinated with fraud and thought that more should be done by organizations to prevent fraudsters from getting away with their deceptions. Doing the right thing makes a difference. For the past five years, I was responsible for the ethics area in my company, and I enjoyed each day of work —investigating whistleblowers’ tips, celebrating solved cases and enduring the ones where evidence was not conclusive to catch the fraudster. When you start combating fraud, there’s no turning back — you love it!
 
Coach:  Now that we know what you do professionally, what do you like to do for fun, and what do you find enjoyable about it?

Petersen: I enjoy traveling with my husband to different countries where we discover new cultures and places. I love spending time with my family, especially my nieces. I also enjoy gathering with my dearest friends. 
 
Coach:  Do you have any study tips or suggestions for aspiring CFEs?

Petersen: Yes, look at the CFE Exam Review Course calendar on ACFE.com, book the one that most suits you some months in advance and get started. Take the pre-assessment test in the Prep Course to figure out your weakest section and begin with that one. Do not hesitate to begin this journey: You will not regret your decision, and your effort will be rewarded with the CFE credential.