Q&A with Denise Crowley, CFE

Denise Crowley of Canada recently became a CFE after attending a Virtual CFE Exam Review Course. As an analyst, Crowley feels that the CFE credential gives her more insight in working with financial institutions and stakeholders. When Crowley is not working, she enjoys long hikes and teaching yoga.

Coach: When did you receive your CFE credential? 

Crowley: I was extremely elated and relieved when I received my email of congratulations from the certification team on September 16, 2020, stating that I had achieved my CFE credential.

Coach: Please describe your experience of attending the four-day Virtual CFE Exam Review Course. Also, what did you like most about the course?  

Crowley: The overall virtual Review Course experience was very good. It was nice to not have to travel anywhere and be comfortable in my home environment. At first, I was apprehensive as to how it was going to work, as far as technology goes these days with glitches and hiccups, but it actually went very smoothly. Each session was delivered perfectly and paced nicely. I felt ready to take the CFE Exam at the end of each day. I enjoyed the instructors’ humor and engagement. I especially liked how they gave examples or scenarios to support the concepts. I found that this is the way I learn best. It was comfortable to be in my home environment, and I had no trouble staying engaged each session.

Coach: Please describe your experience of taking the CFE Exam each day after class.

Crowley: At the end of each day I felt prepared and ready to take the exam on that day’s section. My work computer did not allow Examity® the access to proctor the exams due to firewalls, so I had a bit of a panic finding an alternative with a webcam, but once that was straightened out, it went very smoothly. 

Coach: Did you review the CFE Exam Prep Course prior to attending the Review Course? If so, how often did you study?

Crowley:  I reviewed the Prep Course prior to attending the virtual Review Course and took the Practice Exams to know where I needed to focus. I dedicated some time each day for two weeks before the virtual Review Course to study. The Review Sessions were extremely helpful and a great way to study. The workbook and slide book were very appreciated and great to have to follow along and make notes on during the Review Course. 

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

Crowley: As an analyst in a criminal/fraud investigation world, I think the CFE credential gives me some further legitimacy outside of our organization in dealings with financial institutions and stakeholders. The daily ACFE Community forum will be a great resource and fantastic networking opportunity, both nationally and internationally. 

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

Crowley:  I have already recommended this course to colleagues, and I know two of our fraud investigators are planning to take the Review Course next fiscal year.

Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud? 

Crowley: I began my career in fraud investigations in the administrative line of work, and part of my duties was transcribing witness and victim interviews. The trauma and loss that victims suffered affected me. As I learned more about our fraud investigations and discovered the magnitude of white-collar crime in just our province alone, it astounded me. Every day we hear more and more elaborate and sneaky ways in which fraudsters are victimizing people, sometimes even through family and friends who are duped or tricked into releasing private information or sending money online, which is extremely worrisome and frustrating. About five years ago, I became intrigued with the analyst role in fraud investigations, and, gratefully, my organization supported me in pursuing that avenue with success. I love what I do.

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?  

Crowley: Outside of work, I enjoy long hikes with the dog on country trails; teaching yoga in my home, which is actually done virtually through Zoom; trail biking; and hanging out with friends and family, which usually involves good food.

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

Crowley: I would suggest that they take the Practice Exams in the Prep Course to get a sense of the content inf the four sections and an idea of where to focus their studying. The Review Sessions are extremely helpful.