Career Overview
Obtain evidence, take statements, produce reports, and testify to findings regarding resolution of fraud allegations. May coordinate fraud detection and prevention activities.
Also Known As
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Forensic Accountant
- Investigator
- Special Investigations Unit Investigator (SIU Investigator)
Alternate Job Titles
- AML Analyst (Anti-Money Laundering Analyst)
- AML Consultant (Anti-Money Laundering Consultant)
- AML Investigator (Anti-Money Laundering Investigator)
- AML Operations Analyst (Anti-Money Laundering Operations Analyst)
- AML Specialist (Anti-Money Laundering Specialist)
- Anti-Fraud Operations Analyst
- BSA Analyst (Bank Secrecy Act Analyst)
- BSA Consultant (Bank Secrecy Act Consultant)
- Casino Gaming Regulator
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Confidential Investigator
- Detection and Investigation Analyst
- Financial Crimes Investigator
- Financial Crimes Manager
- Financial Intelligence Analyst
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Gather financial documents related to investigations.
- Interview witnesses or suspects and take statements.
- Prepare written reports of investigation findings.
- Document all investigative activities.
- Create and maintain logs, records, or databases of information about fraudulent activity.
- Coordinate investigative efforts with law enforcement officers and attorneys.
- Lead, or participate in, fraud investigation teams.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
- Coordination
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Written Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
- Near Vision
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Support
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
- Python
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Digital audio recorders
- Digital still cameras
- Digital video cameras
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers
- Tablet computers
Work Environment
- Telephone Conversations
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Spend Time Sitting
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Financial Specialists, All Other occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $46,420 |
| Median | $80,190 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $151,780 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 127,450
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Private Detectives and Investigators
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $52,370
Financial Examiners
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $90,400
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $93,580
Compliance Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $136,550
Intelligence Analysts
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $93,580
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.