Q&A Charles T. McMurray, CFE

Charles T. McMurray of Virginia received his CFE credential this past fall after preparing with the CFE Exam Prep Course. McMurray feels that the CFE credential will help him once he retires and seeks employment in the private industry. When McMurray is not working, he enjoys competing in the Highland Games and is the reigning National Legends Champion in his age group.

Coach: When did you receive your CFE credential?

McMurray: I was certified on November 21, 2019.

Coach: Please describe your experience using the CFE Exam Prep Course.

McMurray: I found the Prep Course to be very helpful in allowing me to focus on my weaknesses and study the material that I needed the most.

Coach: What did you like most about the Prep Course?

McMurray: I liked the simplicity of the Prep Course the most. I liked that I knew exactly what to study and where to find the concepts in the Fraud Examiners Manual.

Coach: How long did it take you to complete the Prep Course?

McMurray: I completed the Prep Course in two weeks; however, it took me a month and a half to pass all parts of the exam. I passed the first three parts on my first attempt but struggled with Fraud Prevention and Deterrence. Not having worked directly in the auditing field, I struggled with some of the concepts and terminology. By reviewing the material over and over and studying the manual, I was finally able to pass that last part.

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

McMurray: As a special agent with the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, it has made me more aware of other areas of fraud that I might not deal with on a day-to-day basis. It will benefit me tremendously once I retire and seek employment in the private industry.

Coach: Would you recommend the Prep Course to your colleagues?

McMurray : Absolutely, just as several of my colleagues recommended it to me.

Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

McMurray: Years ago, there was a local sheriff who was under investigation for corruption, wire fraud, and money laundering. He used his position as sheriff to benefit himself by diverting funds away from the sheriff’s office and city for his personal use. He ultimately committed suicide before being prosecuted. That was the first experience I had with fraud and financial investigations.

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?

McMurray: I am a world-class Highland Games athlete. I compete in the masters division (40+), and I am currently ranked number one in the world in the 50–54 age class. I am the reigning National Legends Champion for ages 50–54, and I finished second in the 2019 Masters World Championship Highland Games for ages 50–54 in Tucson, Arizona. I am scheduled to compete in Killarney, Ireland, in June at the 2020 Masters World Championship Highland Games. I enjoy the competitiveness, as well as the comradery, with my fellow competitors. It allows me to work out and keep in shape.

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

McMurray: Follow the course suggestions. I studied ahead in order to finish early. I struggled with auditing since it was not something that I do on a day-to-day basis.