The Best — and Biggest — on Earth

PRESIDENT'S BLOG

James D. Ratley, CFE

ACFE President and CEO

If the International Space Station passes over San Diego next week those on board just might be able to make out the largest group of fraud fighters ever assembled. Well, maybe I’m exaggerating a little. But 2,300 fraud fighters will indeed set an all-time attendance record when they gather in “America’s Finest City” for the 22nd Annual ACFE Fraud Conference, June 12-17.

We’ll welcome you with insights on the latest forensic, legal, regulatory and political developments, combined with enough networking and other fun to make your conference a personal and professional success.

We are also proud to announce the publication of ACFE Founder and Chairman Dr. Joseph T. Wells’ 19th book, Fraud Fighter: My Fables and Foibles. Dr. Wells’ autobiography will be on sale at the Conference, and he will attend a book signing Monday afternoon.

Our internationally renowned keynote speakers also have much to share with you. “America’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh will tell how he became an anti-crime activist, and Joan Pastor, PhD, will explain the fraudster psychology insights she developed during her career in government and law enforcement. Likewise, forensic accounting specialist Dr. Howard M. Schilit will spotlight the early signs of financial statement fraud.  And Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer will offer an inside perspective on his leadership of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

As you know, insider tips are a prime source of investigative leads for the DOJ and all fraud fighters. That’s one reason for the wide interest in the SEC’s new Whistleblower Program rules, which take effect Aug. 12. As the number of SEC whistleblower cases rises, so will the potential for sometimes controversial parallel proceedings by the DOJ and SEC. More than ever, because of this and other legal complexities, CFEs need to understand factors governing the admissibility of whistleblower-provided evidence that may lead to federal charges against their employers or clients.

Along with the DOJ perspective Breuer will provide, the conference session, “Whistleblowing After Dodd-Frank: A New World,” will help attendees understand the SEC's approach to this important topic. One discussion item you won’t want to miss is the new rules’ position on whether whistleblowers should have to report fraud internally before they do to the SEC.

You’ll find me chatting with members at this and other conference events. I hope to see you soon.

Career Connection Not Just For Job Seekers

GUEST BLOGGER

LaDonna Wernli, CFE, PHR, CBP

ACFE Human Resources Manager

“A teacher’s best gift is a student anxious to learn.”

The quote above was the reply from my mentor of more than 10 years when I took a few minutes one afternoon several months ago to send him an e-mail thanking him for the countless ways he impacted my career and my growth as an employee. Just when I thought he couldn’t get any better, he hits me with a response like that, reminding me once again of all of the many valuable lessons he taught me.

Even though I am still learning every day, I know that it would be selfish of me not to pass on the professional advice and tips I have received throughout my career. This year, I will be working in the Career Connection at the 22nd Annual ACFE Fraud Conference, June 12-17, with the hope of sharing and planning the next steps for those looking to apply, learn or even dig a little deeper into their career growth.

Here are a few of the highlights you can expect to see at the Career Connection:

• Featured employers: representatives from some of the nation’s top employers like Bank of America, FINRA and Walmart will be on-site. In exchange for a resume, you will receive a book written by one of our career strategists. The book exchange is limited to the first 100 resumes received. All resumes will be circulated among the featured employers for consideration with open positions.
• Career strategists will answer questions related to the anti-fraud profession. Carl Wellenstein and Tony McKeon are prepared to speak with attendees about career decisions like phasing into a new career, transitioning from public to private sector, elevating your role within your current organization, establishing yourself within your new role and defining your professional goals.
• Professional development-related presentations: 15-minute presentations focused on starting your own fraud examination practice, maximizing your job search efficiencies and more. 
• On-site resume review sessions: author and veteran hiring manager J.T. Kirk will review your resume and provide recommendations that will help it stand out from the competition ($30 for 30 minutes). 

I hope to see you in San Diego next month. Whether you are searching for a job, searching for advice or searching for a friendly handshake, be sure to come see me at the Career Connection in the Exhibit Hall.