1. Tell me what attracts candidates to this role?

One particularly fascinating aspect of the job is how finance and accounting work hand-in-hand with the real-life decisions people make. I enjoy the variety that comes with working in multiple industries, as well as the challenge of solving financial “mysteries.” The job can get exciting at times. While I worked for the FBI, I handled cases involving drug dealers, organized crime, terrorists and Wall Street professionals.

2. Explain me was the decision to move forward with the forensic audit unanimous?

This decision was not unanimous - some board members objected to the $1 million price tag for the audit, while the majority believed it was difficult for the district to move forward until all outstanding questions had been answered.

3. Tell me when is the final forensic audit expected to be released?

A draft of the final report is expected on August 30th, 2017. However, this timeline is fluid depending on how cooperative the District and its vendors are with VLS. At the Clay Subcommittee meeting on June 23rd, 2017 it was reported that some vendors were being uncooperative and were “lawyering up.”

4. Tell me who is conducting the forensic audit?

The school board hired the forensic auditing firm Vicenti, Lloyd & Stutzman (VLS) to conduct the audit. This firm was hired from among a few applicants - VLS received the recommendation of the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee.

5. What is certified in Financial Forensics (CFF)?

This certification is granted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) who have developed expertise in the forensic accounting field. This is an additional accreditation you may wish to consider in addition to having a CPA license.

6. Do you know what findings has the forensic audit had so far?

An early “Phase 1” of the forensic audit was released in January 2016. This phase found 36 out of 51 areas of the bond program were at “high risk” for fraud. VLS stated that their early findings showed “disdain from the top for internal controls.” These findings did not, however, prove any fraud occurred. That determination can only be found through the “Phase 2” work, which is currently underway.

7. What is certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)?

The CFE is a globally recognized professional designation for individuals who specialize in fraud prevention, detection and deterrence. It is offered by the Association of Fraud Examiners (ACFE). CFEs exhibit proficiency and professional excellence in performing services to uncover fraud and implement internal controls and systems to prevent them from occurring.

8. How to Become a Forensic Accountant?

Because of the increasing popularity of this field, many schools now offer degrees and training programs related to forensic accounting.
The first thing that you should consider if you want to become a forensic accountant is to obtain a bachelor's degree in accounting. Forensic accounting courses are usually offered in the master's degree level.
Accounting certifications in the forensic accounting field will help you establish value and recognition in the society. Holding a certification proves that you are qualified to perform services in such field. Several accounting certifications are available to forensic accountants.

9. Explain me what should someone thinking about this career know?

This job will keep you on your toes. There really isn't a typical day in forensic accounting. Some days you may be crunching numbers, some days you might be conducting interviews, while others you may be reviewing documents. Additionally, you have to stay on top of the financial industry and markets to know how changes, such as new or updated mandates in regulatory compliance, can affect the finances of a company or individual. Regardless of the purpose of your engagement - civil or criminal - it's usually all about following the money.

10. Tell me why you? Why us? Why accounting? Why Forensic Audit?

☛ Where do you see yourself in five years?
☛ How would your previous supervisor describe you to me?
☛ What's something you'd like to share that's not on your resume?
☛ What motivates you to work hard and achieve your goals?
☛ What was your biggest regret from college?
☛ What are your flaws?
☛ What's your biggest weakness and how do you try and develop yourself to improve in that area?
☛ What are the top three things you're most proud of?
☛ What unique attributes would you bring to the firm?
☛ What distinguishes you from the dozens of other candidates we're considering?
☛ Who's your hero?
☛ What makes you want to work with us?
☛ Tell us what you know about our firm.
☛ Describe your ideal employer.
☛ What kind of firm culture are you looking for?
☛ What areas of accounting (tax, forensics, auditing, etc.) are you most interested in and why?
☛ What's your understanding of busy season hours and commitments?
☛ How did you decide to study accounting?
☛ What was your favorite accounting course and why?
☛ What motivates you to want to be in public accounting?
☛ How have your previous jobs prepared you for an entry-level position at a public accounting firm?
☛ What do you know about CPA firms?
☛ How would working for us fit into your overall career goals?
☛ What are you looking to achieve professionally from your career with us?
☛ How are your Excel skills and knowledge of accounting software?
☛ Why did you choose to be an accountant?

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