After qualifying in the UK, in the early 1990s I took an audit opportunity with KPMG in the Caribbean. Working in the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands, I found I got a buzz from uncovering frauds and my career migrated to forensic accounting.
On returning to the UK, I joined the Law Society’s investigation unit in London. My work involved working with police fraud squads, informants and criminal intelligence units. I found it fascinating.
Keen to explore other continents, I moved to EY’s forensic services operation in South Africa. On assignment there I managed what turned out to be, at five billion rand, the country’s largest ever fraud. While in Africa I crossed the divide and became head of internal audit at a global heavy equipment supplier in Johannesburg.
Forensic services has always been closest to my heart. I went on to lead Protiviti’s forensic services practice in the Gulf region before crossing continents again to join PwC’s forensic practice on Canada’s west coast.
I now have my own forensic accounting practice in Vancouver. Many investigations result in attending civil or criminal court as an expert witness. This can be challenging but I actually enjoy the court process of recovering stolen assets and putting white-collar criminals behind bars.
The expression ‘prevention is better than cure’ is apt in the world of fraud. A sound anti-fraud programme needs several key elements: a robust code of conduct to include annual declarations for gifts and conflicts of interest, an anti-fraud policy, an annual fraud risk assessment, regular training for all staff, and a whistle-blowing mechanism.
The ACCA Qualification has been a huge benefit to me. I use the knowledge I learned to get through the exams almost daily, and having those letters after your name generates respect. The qualification gives you credibility when others need to rely on your work, or when an employer is choosing between candidates for employment. Now I play my part on the ACCA Canada members’ panel.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a game-changer for all of us. As the world gets used to new ways of working I am sure we will see an increase in fraud discoveries, as businesses reconcile the transactions and activities that have been occurring remotely and with limited oversight.
My biggest achievement is all that I have experienced, learned and absorbed over the last 30 years. I have trained the audit, risk, finance and fraud departments of some of the world’s major corporations. I find it very satisfying to share my knowledge and experience of real-life fraud cases with other accountants and auditors.
I love to travel, and I believe it’s the best education. When at home in Canada, I enjoy my collection of classic cars.
