Q & A with Wendy Cliadakis, CFE

Wendy Cliadakis of Massachusetts became a CFE after attending the CFE Exam Review Course in Washington, D.C. In her spare time, she enjoys running half marathons and hiking in the woods. This past October, Wendy focused on accomplishing her goal of obtaining the CFE credential. She hopes to add value to her company by helping to build out a fraud risk assessment program. Wendy also believes that the knowledge she has gained while studying will help her properly identify key fraud risks and controls within the audits she conducts.

Coach:  When did you receive your CFE credential?

Cliadakis: I was certified on October 20, 2016.
 
Coach: You attended the CFE Exam Review Course in Washington D.C. 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.

Cliadakis: Although it was a long day, I found it extremely effective to take the exam immediately following each day’s instruction. 
 
Coach: What did you like most about the CFE Exam Review Course?

Cliadakis: The instructors were extremely knowledgeable and made the subject matter interesting by using real case studies to reinforce the materials. 
 
Coach:  In what ways do you feel that your new CFE credential will be beneficial to you in your current profession?

Cliadakis: In 2017, I am hoping to work with management and compliance to add value to our company by building out a fraud risk assessment program. The knowledge I have gained helps me to properly identify key fraud risks and controls within my audits. One of my goals is to be regarded as the resident fraud expert within our audit department. 
 
Coach: How did you prepare yourself to sit for the exam on-site?

Cliadakis: I utilized the online study materials, including the practice questions and exams, to prepare before attending the review course. The review course reinforced the material I had already studied. 

Coach: Did you spend any additional time studying after class each day?

Cliadakis: Yes, I completed a practice exam each night. 
 
Coach: Would you recommend this course to your colleagues?

Cliadakis: Yes, I will recommend this course to my colleagues. 
 
Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

Cliadakis: I have always enjoyed looking for fraud risks and scenarios through my audits.
 
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?

Cliadakis: I enjoy traveling with my family because I like to see new places. I also enjoy being active by running half marathons and hiking in the woods. This helps me keep up with my kids!
 
Coach: Do you have any study tips or suggestions for aspiring CFEs?

Cliadakis: I highly recommend the review course combined with the CFE Exam Prep Course pre-work. It is beneficial to take the practice exams to determine weak areas and then focus on those areas.