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.

What Will Be on Your Monday Morning List?

PRESIDENT'S BLOG

James D. Ratley, CFE

ACFE President and CEO

One of the most important goals I have for ACFE conferences, seminars and events is for attendees to walk away with what I like to call a “Monday morning list.” Everybody knows that fraud is a problem and we work hard not to provide training that merely says, “Fraud is a problem.” We want attendees to leave with a variety of things that they can begin implementing the Monday morning following an event or course they have attended with the ACFE.

It is with this goal, as well as many others, that we continue to prepare for the 22nd Annual ACFE Fraud Conference and Exhibition in San Diego, June 12-17. I’m mindful of how each year brings fresh challenges to our profession. In response, as soon as one year’s conference ends, the ACFE looks for ways to make the following year’s event even more useful to attendees. 2011 is no exception, thanks to the ongoing planning and organization of our Events department.

ACFE conference attendees never cease to impress me with their willingness to share the fruits of their professional experience. They — you — come from everywhere on earth, from dozens of industries and professions: internal and external auditors, fraud investigators and examiners, CPAs, CAs and other accounting professionals, risk managers, chief compliance officers and educators, among others. Many CFEs possess more than one professional credential; all have multifaceted fraud-fighting skills.

This wealth of individual knowledge is our collective strength.

While we are a diverse group, we also are united in our work against fraud. It’s difficult to overvalue such unity and collaboration.

As we know, occupational fraud seems to sprout new varieties every week. But CFEs realize that not all such frauds are new. Our best response to them is a prudent mixture of historical awareness, experience and innovation.

This year’s conference offers you more anti-fraud tips, tools, information and resources than has ever been assembled in one gathering. Nowhere else but at the ACFE Annual Fraud Conference will you find so many renowned national and global keynote speakers and session presenters, including hands-on anti-fraud and technical experts, regulators, and other government officials and corporate leaders.

The annual conference is also an outstanding opportunity to learn about career-advancing opportunities and to network with staff and recruiters from the industry’s top firms, as well as your fellow anti-fraud professionals.

You’ll see me chatting with many of our members in the hallways at the Pre-conference, main conference and the Post-conference. I hope to meet you there.

What do you hope to take away and add to your Monday morning list? Leave your comments below.

New Year's Resolution #1: Take the ACFE Annual Fraud Conference to New Places

#1: TAKE THE ACFE ANNUAL FRAUD CONFERENCE TO NEW PLACES

By Kerrie Metschan, ACFE Event Marketing Manager

From “Sin City” to “The Windy City” to “Beantown,” the ACFE’s Annual Fraud Conference and Exhibition has traveled about as many miles as a CNN international news correspondent. We have selected some of the most exciting and beautiful places across the country to host our biggest conference of the year.

For the past 21 years, the ACFE Annual Fraud Conferences have reunited old friends and professional connections, introduced incredible opportunities to CFEs at all stages in their careers and served as a valuable networking event. We have welcomed keynote speakers, instructors and attendees who have contributed significantly to the global fight against fraud.

To celebrate our first visit to San Diego, we are thrilled to invite past annual attendees to take a stroll down memory lane this year by participating in the ACFE Fraud Conference and Exhibition Stroll Down Memory Lane Photo Contest. The top three winners (one from each category below) will receive a Flip digital camera to use at the upcoming 22^nd Annual Fraud Conference & Exhibition in San Diego, Calif. June 12-17.

We will start taking photo submissions next Wednesday, Jan. 12. You can enter a photo or photos from any of the past conferences in one of the following three categories: 

• People: posed photos of keynote speakers, instructors, tourists, friends and contacts
• Local Scenery:  photos of landmarks, sunsets, historic locations
• Candid Shots: candid photos of keynote speakers, instructors, tourists, friends and contact

Start digging through your photos from past ACFE Annual Fraud Conferences and check back on our website next week for complete details!