GUEST BLOGGER
Jacob Parks, J.D, CFE
ACFE Associate General Counsel

Whether you are dusting off a résumé for a job search or submitting an expert witness report for litigation, it has always been important to be truthful when describing your professional accomplishments. This is especially true for fraud examiners, whose work depends on their integrity. The widespread use of online profiles also has resulted in the need for regular reviews and updates. Many professional organizations, including the ACFE, have rules of ethics covering professionalism, integrity and competence that require their members to avoid misleading communications about their experience. While some inaccuracies on résumés are downright intentional, they can also be the product of carelessness or neglect.

Don’t make stuff up

It should go without saying that professionals of any sort should not use their imaginations to describe their professional experience. Yet, we have seen cases where ACFE members and others in positions of trust were found by their employers, courts or professional bodies to have falsified work experience, educational history or certifications. Not only is it unethical, but whatever short-term gains that might come from falsifying professional experience will be outweighed by the long-term stigma that goes with it.

Polish, but don’t embellish

It is natural to put yourself in a flattering light on résumés, but stay well away from the border of dishonesty. For example, a person might list a public agency under their list of employers, when in reality the person merely worked with the organization on a single and short-lived contract. Perhaps the individual wanted the prestige of having worked for the agency, but listing them on a list of past employers would likely stretch the definition of what most people consider “employment,” and therefore could be misleading. A good test is to have someone who is familiar with your professional experience to review your description. If something does not match their understanding, it is likely that other interested parties would also be confused or misled.

Don’t jump the gun

Avoid listing accomplishments that you have not quite accomplished. For instance, if you passed the CFE Exam but have not met all of the other requirements (e.g., the work experience requirement), then you may not use the CFE credential. It is okay to explain where you are in the application process.

Example:

Wrong: Martin Wong, CFE (expected 2022)
Acceptable: I passed the CFE Exam, and I only need one more year of anti-fraud work experience to meet the requirements to become a CFE.

Check for clarity

Avoid vague or poorly worded descriptions in your public profile or résumé. For instance, we have discovered members who listed themselves as an officer or board member of the ACFE (e.g., “Treasurer, ACFE”), when they meant to list themselves as a local chapter officer. Such instances understandably confuse members of the public. Be precise and straightforward with former job titles, organization titles, educational degrees, awards and other accomplishments. This is another reason you may want additional pairs of eyes to review your profile. What seems clear to you might be subject to interpretation to a neutral observer.

Spring cleaning

Because professional profiles are often online for anyone to see, it is good practice to review them periodically. Calendaring an annual update is useful, in addition to whenever you make a job change, obtain a license, finish a degree, etc. Below are problems that can arise if you do not keep an updated résumé, C.V., etc.

If your public résumé or profile displays a license or certification that has lapsed, the accrediting organization may take disciplinary or legal action against you for inaccurately representing yourself as being an active licensee or holder.
Some government agencies have rules against inaccurate claims of affiliations with the government, so failing to update your information after leaving could violate those rules.
If you change employers but do not update your profile or otherwise communicate the change, it can be problematic for your former employers or clients, as well as new ones — imagine a former client or coworker sending you a message with sensitive material because your online résumé was outdated.

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