VUT fraud and verifications manager now a certified global fraud examiner

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the world's largest anti-fraud organisation and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education has awarded Shireen Henning; VUT CFE Manager: fraud and verification services a certificate as a fraud examiner with global credentials.

The aim of the ACFE is reducing business fraud worldwide and inspiring public confidence in the integrity and objectivity within the profession.

"As a qualified CFE now, I have joined the ranks of business and government professionals worldwide in the fight against fraud globally." I have the ability to examine data and records to detect and trace fraudulent transactions; interview suspects to obtain information and confessions; write investigation reports; advise clients as to examination findings; testify at trial; understand the law as it relates to fraud and fraud investigations (national and internationally); and identify the underlying factors that motivate individuals to commit fraud", she shared.

She had to meet a stringent criteria set by the ACFE and pass 'a very rigorous' examination administered. She further as a fraud examiner had to meet the necessary character, experience and education requirements by demonstrating knowledge in the four areas she described as critical to the fight against fraud:

1. Fraudulent Financial Transactions.2. Fraud Prevention and Deterrence.3. Legal Elements of Fraud.4. Fraud Investigation.

She shared that her passion for solving fraud began in 2010, when she was first exposed to fraudulent documentation by the VUT Registrar, Dr Mokoena.

"The vision of taking it to the next level just grew in me. As I got more involved in the operation of fraud schemes, and understanding the damage that such schemes can cause to the University, the passion of becoming a 'fraud police' just ignited further in me. I've always wanted to become an asset to the University and leave a legacy: I found it through protecting the integrity and reputation of the University by exposing and/or preventing fraud schemes, and further educating individuals on how to protect themselves from various fraud scams that are occurring daily.

"In 2012 I motivated for the establishment of a fraud and verification unit. The Unit finally came into existence in 2013. Since then my journey to becoming a CFE was very exciting to me. I still can't believe that my career dream, set to myself in 2012, have finally become reality", she said.

She concluded by sharing that choosing this career path has not always been easy, as you are meet with a lot of opposition, usually from perpetrators, but she always finds strength and encouragement in the words of Edmund Burke: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men (women) do nothing".

She also expressed her gratitude to the management of the university for placing their confidence in her and allowing her to pursue this career path.