If you want to rout out fraud, you should think about getting a certified fraud examiner certificate (CFE) -- you'll bring home a much bigger paycheck while fighting financial dishonesty.
According to the 2010/2011 Compensation Guide for Anti-Fraud Professionals, certified fraud examiners make 22% more than those without the credential. Forensic accountants, IRS agents, external auditors and management accountants showed the highest median salary advantage for obtaining the CFE credential. Among those professions, CFEs out-earned their non-CFE brethren by 39% to 45%.
It doesn't matter where you are geographically, either. Almost every region reported higher salaries for CFEs than non-CFEs. In the Northeast, CFEs earned 25% more than non-CFEs. Outside the U.S., CFEs earned 35% more than uncertified employees in the same job.
Certifications aren't just requirements for many finance jobs -- they're career-boosters as well. It's worth it to spend the time and money obtaining the CFE degree. Some companies may even pay for the course. It's worth looking into, especially if you want to burnish both resume and paycheck.
Write to Julie Steinberg
Related: Getting Finance Certifications | A Rush to Burnish Credentials
