How valued are ACFE training classes for OIG hiring

[CJguy1]

Hello everyone, first post and just found this forum. I'm a FLEO on the Judicial side and looking hard at trying to get an 1811 spot with an OIG. I actually supervise a fair amount of fraud defendants from OIG cases, but don't have any formal training in fraud investigation (not really a job functin with my position). Anyhow, I came accross the Assoication of Certified Fraud Examiner's website which is informative and seems to be well respected, however, not being in the loop I'm wondering how the association is view by current 1811s. Specifically, I'm looking at completing as many online courses as possible if it will be viewed as legitimate during a hiring phase. Any insight would be great!

[Kimble]

Anyhow, I came accross the Assoication of Certified Fraud Examiner's website which is informative and seems to be well respected, however, not being in the loop I'm wondering how the association is view by current 1811s. Specifically, I'm looking at completing as many online courses as possible if it will be viewed as legitimate during a hiring phase. Any insight would be great!

Among feds that work fraud cases, the CFE certification, and the ACFE as an organization, are very well respected. Many feds who work fraud cases have or obtain their CFE (I've considered it myself, and several of my coworkers are CFEs). It probably won't be very beneficial for federal gigs that have no fraud nexus (ex: deputy marshal, agent with ATF, or other 1811 jobs with no fraud mission).

However, it seems you're looking to take some online classes to bolster your resume. It won't hurt anything, but it certainly won't give you a competitive edge like having the CFE certification (which is expensive as hell, and requires annual continuing education). I was an active associate member of the ACFE local chapter prior to becoming a fed, and it didn't help in the least when applying for fed jobs because I didn't have the actual certification. It did help, once I was hired, being transferred to a fraud billet, as it showed I had an interest in the work.

Long story short, take the classes if you're interested, it may give you something to speak about during an interview, but don't expect that some online classes will give you a competitive edge like an actual CFE certification or a degree in accounting/finance would give.

[Joeyd6]

PSO

I started my 1811 career with an OIG in the SDNY. Are you in SDNY or EDNY by chance? There are a lot of opportunities to the get experience/training that are much cheaper and more practical. I will tell you right now, while the CFE looks nice paper, in the two OIG's I have worked for and the several others I deal with daily, and it is what we call "resume candy." Looks nice, will give you some fundamentals, but won't help you on most federal fraud cases. It is something most LEO's should try to get before they retire because in the private world it holds more weight.

Don't focus so much on fraud investigations experience. Focus on catching people in lies. That is really what white collar fraud is about. Some have more lies than others, but you can do it! You don't need a CFE to know how to work a workers compensation fraud. If they are claiming they can't work due to an injury, your investigation should be if they are working today. A CFE isn't going to help you. Old fashioned police work will.

Also, just don't take any 1811 gig. Think what you like doing and what interests you. Then go for agencies with a mission that shares qualities with what you enjoy and what you want to do. If you are looking for some info, you found the right place!

[CJguy1]

Thanks for the responses....my username has changed because of the LEO verification....whoops didn't know. Anyhow, I'm in EDNY and I do get a lot of experience supervising the cases that are brought in and I'm most interested in fraud/financial/OIG work rather than DEA, ATF, etc. I'm looking for any training I can get to give me more insight. I appreciate the insight and I'm not looking to spend money where I won't get any "bang for the buck". Unfortunately with high arrests rates and caseloads, its hard to do anything more than put out fires on my cases.

JoeyD6- what training do you suggest outside of FLETC offerings? Thanks again guys!

[Joeyd6]

Put an application in RIGHT NOW for the Postal OIG gig in NY. The office is by the WTC, and the slot is for entry level...meaning all you need is a college degree. As a curret fed you will have a leg up. Plus you will get to keep your pay if you are a federal employee and add in the LEAP.

As far as other stuff, look at taking the Reid class (get the GSA price...not the offered price) and start applying it to your cases now. Then look at a basic accounting class somewhere. Still looking for more, look at the Dept of Agricultures course catalog where they have classes for government employees. They are usually at night and cheap. Take a contracting officer class. Hopefully by then you will be hired.

Where do you live? Willing to move?

[CJguy1]

Joeyd6

Thanks for all the advice!! It's funny, because I saw the postal OIG announcement and applied, then saw your suggestion to do the same. I have resumes into the nationwide and Philly HHS-OIG openings as well. I looked up the Reid classes, very interesting, I will try to get in when they come to NY in the fall. As for the accounting, I can "audit" an accounting class at the college I graduated from for free as an alumni, so I'm puttting that in the works. I live in NNJ, so NY and NJ is where I am looking, considering Philly, but more or less trying to stay here for now.