Q&A with Greg Burri, CFE

Greg Burri of Ohio recently became a CFE after attending a CFE Exam Review Course. Greg began his career in law enforcement, but, as his career progressed, he realized the damage that is caused by white-collar crime. So, this past fall, Greg put some time aside to focus on accomplishing his goal of obtaining his CFE credential. Having the CFE credential has given Greg the same sense of accomplishment in uncovering a complex fraud as he once felt catching a bad guy in a foot chase. When Greg is not working, he enjoys hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Coach: When did you receive your CFE credential?

Burri: I received my CFE credential in September 2018.

Coach: You attended the CFE Exam Review Course in Chicago, Illinois, 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 afterward.

Burri: My experience was fairly intense. I don’t want to put anyone off, but you really have to stay focused during the Review Course and for the exam each day. It’s not overwhelming, though. If you’re successful enough to need the CFE credential, you can do it.

Coach: What did you like most about the CFE Exam Review Course?

Burri: It matched my style of learning. I am a more auditory and visual learner; I can’t just sit down and read a book and learn the material very well. Having someone explain the content was very helpful. It also helped to have the topics organized and condensed.

Coach: In what ways do you feel that your new CFE credential will be beneficial to you in your current profession?

Burri: I have rarely seen jobs posted in the private sector where a credential was not required or preferred for fraud investigation positions. Often, the CFE credential is used as an example of a preferred credential, and it can be applied to a number of industries. There are credentials for more specific fraud types, but the CFE credential is well-regarded as being fundamental.

Coach: How did you prepare yourself to sit for the CFE Exam on-site? Did you spend any additional time studying after class each day?

Burri: I did attempt the CFE Exam Prep Course, but it wasn’t as helpful to me as was my background in law enforcement. My experience in law enforcement prepared me for the Law and Investigation sections of the CFE Exam, in addition to the Review Course.

I think there was only one day that I went over notes between the Review Course and the CFE Exam. There is a lot of information to absorb, and I didn’t feel that cramming was advantageous.

Coach: Would you recommend the CFE Exam Review Course to your colleagues?

Burri: Yes, I think the Review Course makes you substantially more prepared.

Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

Burri: I began my career in law enforcement, and a lot of people in that field are looking for high-speed excitement. Admittedly, I, too, was looking for that excitement to some degree. As my career progressed, I realized the damage that could be done by white-collar crime and the lack of resources in this area. Also, I found a similar sense of accomplishment in uncovering a complex fraud as I did in catching a bad guy in a foot chase.

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?

Burri: I love outdoor activities and hiking, kayaking, and biking. It’s the balance I need for sitting in front of a computer for forty hours a week.

Coach: Do you have any study tips or suggestions for aspiring CFEs?

Burri: You should really evaluate what kind of a learner you are. Think about your previous academic successes and failures, and then apply that to studying for the CFE Exam. There is no one way to study.