Q&A with Yvonne Jackson, CFE

Yvonne Jackson of Texas recently became a CFE after attending the virtual CFE Exam Review Course. By attending the course, Jackson learned many new aspects about risk and fraud as she felt as though they were covered much more in depth. When Jackson is not working, she enjoys travel and outdoor thrill-seeking activities.

Coach: When did you receive your CFE credential?

Jackson: I was certified on March 26, 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?

Jackson: I thought the course was very good and thorough in helping me prepare for the CFE Exam. Everything was well presented and covered effectively to give me the knowledge I needed to succeed. Each day, the speakers presented their topics, and we had group discussions throughout the day.

I did practice questions during lunch, and each day after the daily Review Course ended, I took the Practice Exam of that section to see how well I did. If I did well enough, I took the real exam right afterward. This was a long, intense four-day period as the Practice Exams and CFE Exams took between an hour and a half and two hours each, on top of a full study day. However, it was so worth it to not spend weeks of time studying. I would rather go big and get it all done at once.

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

Jackson: Although the course materials arrived around two weeks prior to attending the Review Course, I started reviewing the materials a few days before. I studied twice for about an hour before the Review Course began.

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

Jackson: I work in internal audit for an insurance company. The CFE credential and the knowledge that comes with it will give me better insight into assessing risk and situations where there could be fraud. This new CFE credential will allow me to become a better auditor, and it will open opportunities to grow and advance within my company.

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

Jackson: The Review Course was great at refreshing the basics I learned when studying for my CPA Exam and my FLMI Exams. I also learned many new things about risk and fraud that were covered much more in depth. I would highly recommend the four-day Review Course because it definitely helped me gain the needed knowledge to pass the CFE Exam. The practice questions and exams prepared me for the types of questions to expect. The instructors knew what type of information was required and taught it accordingly.

Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

Jackson: I have worked in the insurance industry for almost ten years. Previously, I worked in public accounting and at a bank. In my professional career, I have seen so many reports of people getting arrested or convicted for these high-dollar fraud schemes, which is always hard to see because it means that more and more people are getting defrauded every day. The hardest for me is probably seeing vulnerable people getting conned out of their life savings for trusting the wrong people. The only silver lining is that if I’m reading a conviction report, then it means someone is being held accountable. In college, I originally wanted to be a lawyer and get justice for people. Having my CFE credential and being able to help stop fraud makes me feel like I am doing something worthwhile for the greater good.

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?

Jackson: I love adventure and traveling. Being outdoors and hiking or exploring is just an amazing feeling that I really enjoy. When traveling, I try to eat local cuisines and do things that locals would do. My husband would say that I am a thrill seeker, as I am not afraid to climb to crazy heights, skydive, bungee jump, or do pretty much anything. Really, I just love new experiences; they don’t all have to be high-adrenaline activities for me to enjoy.

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

Jackson: Definitely do the Practice Exams because that was really helpful for me. In addition, I would recommend taking the CFE Exam as soon as possible after each daily session, if you do the four-day Review Course.