What is the primary role of a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)?

The primary role of a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is to investigate and analyze fraud-related issues. This involves understanding the methods and motivations behind fraudulent activities, conducting thorough investigations, and providing insights that can help organizations detect and prevent fraud. CFEs are trained to apply various techniques of forensic accounting, interviewing, and evidence collection to uncover fraud schemes and assess their impact on organizations. Their expertise is valuable in both the public and private sectors, helping to ensure compliance with laws and regulations while protecting assets and maintaining integrity within organizations.

While conducting audits is important, the routine auditing of financial statements is not the specific focus of a CFE, as that role is typically filled by certified public accountants (CPAs) and focuses on compliance rather than fraud investigation. Similarly, preventing workplace accidents falls under occupational health and safety roles, and managing human resources pertains to staff management functions, neither of which are central to the expertise of a CFE.