The ACFE Mentoring Program connects members to anti-fraud professionals from all over the world who can offer a wealth of resources, experience, advice and guidance. Mentees can search among registered mentors to find individuals whose experience and expertise match the areas in which they wish to be mentored. Caroline Kaye initially reached out to Holly Atkins, CFE, after viewing her mentor profile on the ACFE Community, and since then the pair have been connecting through their personal and professional experience.
This is Holly and Caroline’s mentoring story.
How did you become interested in fraud and what is your current role?
Holly: I was part of a team that identified $7 million in fraud over a 4-year period and from then on, I knew I wanted to continue finding inconsistencies and helping departments do things the right way. Currently, I am a global senior manager of internal audit for Swissport International. I am responsible for audit activities within North America and Latin America.
Caroline: I am currently a senior accountant in the corporate accounting department at Humana Inc. I became interested in fraud while employed at a public accounting firm and being involved in multiple audits.
Why was it important for both of you to join the ACFE’s Mentoring Program?
Holly: I love meeting new people and helping wherever I can. If my experiences and suggestions can help someone else in their job that's a plus. I also find that I learn a lot being a mentor as well. It helps me understand different personalities better and become more educated in different fields I wouldn't normally be exposed to, which is fun.
Caroline: It was important for me to join the Mentoring Program to gain more exposure to professionals working in the fraud industry. I also wanted to have someone who could keep me accountable for studying for the CFE exam and could help me figure out how I could use my credentials and knowledge in my current job.
Caroline, what were you looking for in a mentor? What inspired you to request Holly?
Caroline: I was looking for someone who had experience in health care fraud as I work in the health care/insurance industry. I also was looking for someone who had been a mentor before and would be able to give helpful guidance as I set up study plans. After looking at Holly's profile, she seemed like someone who had experience in my industry and would hopefully know how I could apply being a CFE to that field. Her profile listed a lot of experience and accolades which pointed to her years working in fraud and auditing.
Holly, how did you know Caroline would be the right mentee for your experience and skillset?
Holly: When I reviewed Caroline's profile, I saw a professional that wanted to grow and learn. To me that meant she wanted to make sure she was doing things right and that was important. Also, when we first spoke, we had similar interests and personalities, so it was an easy fit.
What advice do you both have for anyone who wants to join the ACFE Mentoring Program?
Holly: If you are going to do the mentor program, make sure you choose someone you can talk to and be comfortable with. It might be a professional contact, but your personal life does impact that so make sure you're both on the same page on what you want to do and where you want to be. If the first person doesn't work out, that doesn't mean the second one you choose will be a bad partnership also.
Caroline: I say do it! Look into mentors who you think could be a good fit and just reach out. You will gain more from the experience than you can possibly imagine.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey together?
Holly: Knowing that Caroline is aware she can reach out with any questions — and when she passes the CFE it will be because she was committed and worked really hard. I love seeing how proud people are when they pass the CFE.
Caroline: The most rewarding part has been getting to know Holly. Every time we meet, we spend time talking about our lives and families. Holly has given me great career advice, but more than that, she has been such a support system as I've had to push back studying for my growing family. She never once has made me feel like a failure for not meeting my original test taking goal, but instead was a great support for helping me get back on track. We've really developed a great relationship that will carry on after our official mentorship is over.
Is there any advice you could give to other women in the anti-fraud profession, or who are looking to get into the industry?
Holly: Seeing women in auditing and investigations is a lot more common now which is great! Lean on each other, be curious, ask questions and don’t feel like you’re “less than” when you ask for help. Nobody gets anywhere alone, and we should all be supportive of those who wish to do more.
Caroline: My advice would be to not be afraid to go for what you want. The number of women in the field is growing, but there is still a long way to go to be equal. Also, I would encourage anyone who is looking to get into the industry to look into a local chapter. You'll meet so many people from different career paths who can become great resources for being in the fraud industry.
Visit the Mentoring Program homepage for more information about the program.
