Q & A with Homoud Alfayez, CFE

Homoud Alfayez became a CFE after attending the CFE Exam Review Course in Los Angeles, CA. Homoud is in the accounting field and is passionate about fraud. He’s confident that his new CFE credential will help him shift his career so that he can focus entirely on fighting fraud. When Homoud is not working, he enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Coach: When did you receive your CFE credential?
Alfayez: I received my CFE certification announcement on July 23, 2016.
 
Coach: You attended the CFE Exam Review Course in Los Angeles and following the course you sat for the CFE Exam on-site.  Please describe your experience of participating in the four-day course and then sitting for the exam immediately after.
Alfayez: Honestly, when I first signed up for the course, I was very hesitant to take the exams right after the lectures because it sounded like too much. However, when I arrived for the first day, the lecturer was very encouraging and supportive, so I decided to give it a try. I am very glad I listened to him.
 
Coach: What did you like most about the CFE Exam Review Course? 
Alfayez: I enjoyed a lot of things:

• The material was well organized and right to the point, which I liked very much, especially compared to the Fraud Examiners Manual. The manual contains a lot of details and will therefore be more beneficial as a reference resource after getting the credential than for exam preparation.
• I liked the atmosphere of the hall and how everyone was engaged and committed.
• Everything was taken care of, and I was able to find an answer for any question I had since ACFE staff was always nearby.
• John Gill is funny. 

Coach:  In what ways do you feel that your new CFE credential will be beneficial to you in your current profession?
Alfayez: I am currently in the accounting field, and I am personally passionate about fraud. I am confident that this credential will help me a lot in shifting my career so I can focus my effort entirely on fighting fraud.

Coach: How did you prepare yourself to sit for the exam on-site? Did you spend any additional time studying after class each day?
Alfayez: Right after the lecture every day, I would go up to my room, sit and relax for one hour and go through the important material until I felt confident taking the exam.  
 
Coach: Would you recommend this course to your colleagues?
Absolutely. If anyone is interested in becoming a CFE, I highly recommend taking the CFE Exam Review Course. Doing so saves time and money.
 
Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?
Alfayez: I have an accounting background, and honestly, accounting limits your ability to be creative and inventive. And yet, I love accounting. Then I came across the anti-fraud field, and I realized that it is the perfect combination of the two things I like. Fighting fraud is as limited as your imagination is.
 
Coach: Now that we know what you do professionally, what do you like to do for fun, and what do you find enjoyable about it?
Alfayez: I believe traveling is the best answer to any question and the best medication for any illness. Exploring other lands and people will always make you wonder. Once you keep wondering, you will be open and ready for any challenge in life. We are very fortunate to live in this time where traveling is enjoyable; it was miserable and a punishment not long ago. 
 
Coach:  Do you have any study tips or suggestions for aspiring CFEs?
Alfayez: I think I talked too much, but here is one more thought: Once you become a CFE, know that this is only the beginning. You have to keep up with what is happening around you, not just in the fraud area, but everywhere in the business world. By not being involved and staying up-to-date, you are indirectly harming the very thing you hope you are doing right—reducing fraud worldwide.