Fraud Committed Against Father's Business Made Impression on CFE

Denise McClure, CFE, CPA, is president of Averti Fraud Solutions, a forensic accounting firm that "follows the money” in criminal and civil matters, while also helping organizations improve internal controls. McClure remembers when her father, "an honorable, trusting small business owner, was victimized by morally flexible employees.

August 2012

ACFE Member Profile

Denise McClure, CFE, CPA, is president of Averti Fraud Solutions, a forensic accounting firm that "follows the money” in criminal and civil matters, while also helping organizations improve internal controls. "Averti means 'aware' in French, and one of our objectives is to make people more aware of the risk of fraud," says McClure.

How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?
Two circumstances launched my passion for fighting fraud.  My father, an honorable, trusting small business owner, was victimized by morally flexible employees, and I vividly recall how this hurt him. Secondly, while in public accounting, I considered myself to be quite knowledgable about internal controls, but after attending an ACFE Fraud Conference & Exhibition I realized that I “didn’t know what I didn’t know.” That experience piqued my curiosity and ignited the passion. I love what I do!

What types of cases do you work on, and which have been the most rewarding? 

Part of what I love about my work is the diversity – criminal, civil, non-profit, for-profit, a variety of industries and sizes of organizations. But the engagements that make my blood boil are the cases of elder financial abuse.

How, exactly, do you promote accountability?
I promote accountability in every presentation I make, in every article I publish and in every client engagement. A culture of accountability starts at the top and filters through the organization; it’s the foundation for all fraud prevention and deterrence efforts.

How did you first hear of the ACFE? 

I was at a seminar, and the ACFE was touted as the best resource for fraud fighters. I haven’t been disappointed.

How has being a CFE helped you in your career? 

In the alphabet soup of fraud fighting credentials, some of which can be “earned” by attending an eight-hour seminar, being a CFE differentiates me. CFE is a well-respected and valued credential, and the attorneys and others who engage Averti’s services know it.

What career advice can you give those starting out in the fraud-fighting field?
Find a way. Fraud fighting is a diverse, exciting and dynamic field, but finding an entry-level job can be challenging. Find a way to get some experience: Join an ACFE student chapter, become active in a local ACFE chapter, volunteer for local law enforcement, find an internship. You won’t regret it!