Nassor Matherson, CFE, is fairly new to the anti-fraud industry, but his enthusiasm for preventing and detecting fraud shows that he has a long, illustrious career ahead of him. He currently works as a tax auditor for the New York City Department of Finance (NYC DoF) and obtained his CFE credential at the end of 2019. He credits his mentor in the ACFE Brooklyn Chapter for inspiring his love of fraud examination.

Fighting fraud became a passion of mine due to the help of my mentor Franklin Hayes, president of my local ACFE Brooklyn Chapter. He encouraged me to obtain my CFE credential early on in my career at the NYC DoF in the office of tax enforcement. As I’ve attended various trainings with different organizations, such as the ACFE trainings and the National White-Collar Crime Center, my knowledge and awareness has increased. It is rewarding to be in the growing field of investigating financial crimes, as there are many opportunities and a need for expertise in different areas. I became passionate when I found myself searching information about financial crimes in my free time.

I remember being out of school as a fresh graduate from the University of Hartford with a degree in accounting and not being able to find a full-time job. I applied to various entry-level positions and luckily the NYC DoF interviewed and hired me for the office of tax enforcement. I’m grateful for the experience I’ve gained over the past three and a half years, as I now have a clear mindset of my future career path. I’m currently enrolled at Utica College, and in the process of obtaining my master’s degree in financial crime and compliance management. Next, I’d like to learn more about, and become certified in, the anti-money laundering (AML) field, cryptocurrency investigations, and finally obtain my CPA license to complete my undergraduate degree of accounting.

One challenge I face as a tax auditor is that there isn’t one particular way to bring a case to a conclusion. Obtaining the correct information from the taxpayer, or power of attorney, and asking the right questions are very important in the stages of an investigation. Many people also confuse my role with an auditor of the Big 4, where there is usually a busy season. However, I perform audits year-round.

The most memorable case I’ve worked on during my time at the office of tax enforcement is the first case I was assigned. I had to perform all the necessary investigative steps independently. This process taught me how to perform database and internet research on a subject, subpoena documents from various entities, schedule records, analyze tax returns, prepare schedules and workbooks, use different functions within excel, practice diligent record keeping and present my findings to management.

Franklin motivated and enlightened me about the CFE credential and put me in a great position of exposure with room to grow in my career. I am forever grateful for our rapport. The CFE also was very useful for my current job position, as it polished my skill set and allowed me to think differently.

I would tell people interested in starting out in this industry that obtaining the CFE early on in your career is definitely worth it and will pay off in the long run. My only regret is not obtaining the credential within my first year of my current job! Also, create a study plan that is manageable for yourself and stay consistent with the study material. It is important to join a local ACFE chapter to get acclimated with fraud fighting. I joined the ACFE Brooklyn Chapter as the co-director of training.

Outside of work, I enjoy lifting weights at the gym, taking walks, staying young and healthy, and learning about investments.

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. Our mission is to support you by providing access to the knowledge, resources and training you need to do your job now and at every stage of your career. If you want to level up your anti-fraud career, we can help.

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