Q&A with Virginia Yu, CFE

This past spring, Virginia Yu took some time off to pursue her goal of becoming a CFE. After attending a virtual CFE Exam Review Course, she finally became a CFE. With her credential, Yu feels that she is now able to provide more insight on how to detect and present fraud within my organization.

Coach: When did you receive your CFE credential?

Yu: I received the notification that I passed the exam on April 5, 2021.

Coach: Please describe your experience of attending the four-day virtual CFE Exam Review Course. What did you like most about the Review Course?

Yu: I enjoyed the format of the virtual Review Course. I had some initial concerns about whether I would get the same attention from the instructor as I would in an in-person experience; however, the layout of the virtual software was very user-friendly and interactive.

I was able to ask questions easily during the class, and the instructors were passionate and experienced about what they were teaching. It was a long day, but the instructors, John Gill and Bethmara Kessler, incorporated their own real-life experiences, plus videos, into the class. That made it easier for us to understand the materials. It was worth it.

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

Yu: Yes, I did use the Prep Course. I followed the suggestions provided with the materials and set a timeline for myself using the Prep Course online tool. From start to finish, I spent almost three months studying. I studied for an hour each day, plus four to five hours each day on weekends. My score on the Practice Exams was 85%, on average. For my weaker topics, I attempted the Review and Practice Exam questions at least twice prior to attending the Review Course.

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

Yu: Obtaining the CFE credential demonstrates that I have received advanced training as an anti-fraud professional. The Law section helped me grow my knowledge of different legal systems and their processes. I feel that I am now able to provide more insight on how to detect and prevent fraud within my organization. The certification also provides me with another level of professional experience that will allow me to expand into other positions within my field.

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

Yu: Yes, certainly. I found the virtual Review Course to be efficient and highly effective in helping me prepare for the CFE Exam.

Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

Yu: I began my career in first-line banking business, an then I moved to the second line of defense in risk management. Eventually, I moved to the third line of defense in internal audit. Fighting fraud has become an integral component of my job. As part of the risk assessment that our team completes, we assess and monitor the risk of fraud throughout each phase of the internal audit that we complete. I want to learn more about this risk to be able to better assess its implications when planning our audit approach. The CFE credential provided me with new knowledge that will enable me to provide more insightful, valuable, and timely advice to senior management for audit observations related to the risk of fraud.

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?

Yu: Exercise like biking, strength training, and yoga help me to maintain my health and work-life balance during this time. I also enjoy creative activities like baking, photography, and interior design.

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

Yu: Set a goal and timeline for yourself. Let your family know about this commitment, which will allow you to have some quiet time to focus on studying. The online Prep Course helped me identify which topics and areas needed greater focus. I also used the Fraud Examiners Manual for any topics that I needed further in-depth understanding. Joining the Review Course will definitely help increase one’s chances of passing the CFE Exam.