Employers

Fraud examiners, investigators, and analysts work for federal, state, and local government agencies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the United States Secret Service are just some of the federal agencies where fraud investigators are employed. They also work for banks and financial institutions, and in private businesses that offer fraud investigation and analysis services. There are about 128,760 financial specialists, all other, working in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And there are approximately 85,000 certified fraud examiners who are members of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Starting Out

Most anti-fraud professionals have prior work experience in accounting, business, finance, law enforcement, or related fields. They find job listings through professional associations such as the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners as well as through online searches on Web sites such as LinkedIn, and by searching companies' online career sections. Some gain good exposure to the field through internships and part-time work in fraud investigation departments. Enlist your school's career services office for job-search help. 

Fraud examiners, investigators, and analysts with three or more years of experience take on more complex projects, some of which may be higher profile cases. Those with many years of experience may be promoted to senior-level roles such as managers, directors, or division heads. Their work may encompass managing a larger staff and supervising work that covers multiple regions. Advancement also comes from going back to school for advanced degrees, seeking certification in specialized areas, and writing and teaching students about the field.

Visit the "Just Starting Out" section of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners' Web site (http://www.acfe.com/starting-out-main.aspx) for insights and advice for starting a career in fraud examination.

Read Fraud Magazine (http://www.fraud-magazine.com/fm-home.aspx) to learn more about current and past fraud investigations and the best practices in the field. 

Get a part-time job or an internship with the fraud investigation division of a bank, financial institution, or government agency. Find job listings through professional associations, online employment Web sites, and your school's career services office.

Attend events and conferences for fraud examiners to network with others working in the field and make valuable professional connections. Search for upcoming events at https://www.acfe.com/events-calendar.aspx.