In March 2021, Doris Marasembi, CFE, became the first female Papua New Guinean to earn the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential. As a senior accountant at the Department of Finance Papua New Guinea (PNG), she is responsible for helping ensure the accuracy of pivotal reports that the government uses to shape financial policy. She also plays an active role in her community where she mentors young people.

How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

I became a team leader at the Department of Finance PNG in 2017 and was tasked with coordinating and clearing up outstanding reconciliations to the current accounting year. I realized that the compilation of Public Accounts Committee reports submitted to Parliament for the past years were not accurately captured, but rather based on estimates. As a professional I wanted to change that by clearing outstanding accounts, which were in arrears due to issues of noncompliance and high staff turnover.

What were the steps that led you to your current position in the Department of Finance PNG?

During my undergraduate program at the University of PNG I always wanted to be part of a work team in the Department of Finance to make a contribution to the country’s financial management system. I was fortunate to join the department after I graduated from the university.

I was part of Public Expenditure Financial Accountability Program (PEFA) Secretariat team driving major reforms in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund and central government stakeholders, in its initial stages to diagnose strengths and weaknesses in the government expenditures. I was also trained with Finance Australia (Canberra) and given leadership roles in initiating reforms and driving changes at the forefront within the department. These roles motivated me to challenge my initiatives, to be innovative and bring about major changes in reforms.

What are some unique challenges you've faced while working in a government office?

I face many challenges in the workplace environment in the public sector in PNG, especially weak internal controls resulting in resistance to change. I have also faced obstacles in delivering results when new innovations have been challenged by senior officers who feel threatened by up-and-coming young officers.

What is a memorable project that you have worked on?

In my specific line of work, I tidy up the national government reports significant to the Public Accounts Committee. This became a national issue when donor agencies were not receiving timely reports in determining the sectoral donor-funded project reports for decision making. I was tasked in taking a leading role of bringing reconciliations up to current months for national agencies and pursued successful, timely reconciliation reports.

You recently became the first female Papua New Guinean to earn your CFE. What inspired you to earn your CFE?

My CFE certification was an eye opener as a young professional. I gained many new insights, knowledge and skills in earning my CFE, which I applied in my line of work. This credential adds value to my career in government and opened up new career paths for me to venture into while assessing the types of fraud committed in the public and private sector organizations.

I’m also grateful for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the UNDP Anti-Corruption for Peaceful and Inclusive Societies for the support over the years to the GoPNG phones against corruption program, for funding the cohort for ACFE credential and the constant motivation and encouragement from UNDP staff while pursuing my CFE credential — which was quite instrumental in helping me achieve my CFE.

What activities or hobbies do you like to do outside of work?

I am actively involved in my local church activities. I hold leadership roles in mentoring young people ages 16-21 in promoting Christian values, confidence building, leadership, community outreach, healthful living and character building. I also love camping and taking nature walks with my siblings, spending time with my nephews, trying new ways of cooking local delicacies, and socializing with friends, family and colleagues.

ACFE membership is open to individuals of all job functions, industries and levels of experience who are interested in the prevention, detection and deterrence of fraud. If you want to level up your anti-fraud career, we can help.

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