Position description:
I am a writer for an association that teaches professionals how to be fraud investigators. I write original content for new self-study courses and live courses, the Fraud Examiners Manual, and other ACFE books and publications. I also edit material contributed by experts in the field so that it conforms to our style. Since I am a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), I typically write about accounting-related issues.
Undergrad Degree: BSBA Accounting
Favorite Class in College: Crime and Justice in a Post-Modern Society
College To Career: Like most accounting majors, I became an auditor for a public accounting firm immediately after graduation. It was the most obvious path. Auditing experience is invaluable to an accounting career, and can lead to many different opportunities. But a career in auditing wasn't for me. I wanted to try a different type of accounting job, so I became a staff accountant at the Discovery Communications (Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, etc.) headquarters. This provided a completely different exposure to accounting that was a much better fit for me. Although I enjoyed my job, I wanted to move to Texas, and searched for job postings online until I found my current job. This position at the ACFE seemed like it would be a really interesting and unconventional way to utilize my accounting education.
Pros: Interesting work, no number crunching, 40 hour flexible work week (almost unheard of in accounting), no travel.
Cons: It's a very specific and unusual job. The skills I'm learning here don't translate very well to other jobs in the accounting field. However, I don't think that will limit my future career pursuits.
I never let myself settle for a job. If you do something that makes you happy, you'll probably be good at it. Don't worry if you don't find that right away. I tried different things, learned what I liked and disliked, and kept looking until I found something that perfectly integrated my skills and interests. The obvious path isn't necessarily the best for you. Keep in mind there are many jobs out there that you don't even know exist. Keep looking, learning, and networking until you find something that is right for you.
Oh, and if you're an accounting major, get your CPA!
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners ( Website )
- Fraud Magazine ( Magazine )
