Erika Correll, CFE

A freshman-year class ignited Erika Correll’s passion for accounting and sparked a career in managing audits and fraud risk assessments for federal clients. Correll, a director at Williams, Adley & Company‑DC, LLP, is dedicated to trying new activities with her children, early-morning CrossFit workouts, and leading her team with innovation and discretion during audits.

Interview by Anna Brahce

I was born in Washington, D.C., and my family moved every two years for my father’s career as a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State. We lived in many different cities, including Tokyo; Ottawa and Vancouver in Canada; Beijing and Shanghai in China; and Lima, Peru.

When I wasn’t elbow deep in my latest arts and crafts project, I could be found running around outside with my brothers. I also participated in swimming, track and field, soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, cross-country running, skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding. Trying new things has been a lifelong practice for me.

After taking my first accounting class during my freshman year at a private Anglican school in Ottawa, Canada, I knew it was what I was meant to do. I threw myself into learning about accounting and auditing standards and fraud, prevention and investigation concepts. I found the link between them extremely fascinating, especially in learning about the Fraud Triangle and fraudsters’ psychological rationalizations.

As a director at Williams, Adley & Company-DC, LLP, I oversee an audit team that assesses medical providers who’ve received COVID-19 relief funds. Although detecting fraud isn’t the primary objective of our audits, we assess providers’ control environments and perform risk assessments that consider fraud.

To determine whether providers have complied with the terms and conditions stipulated by the federal government, we examine funds receipt documentation, use, and reporting for negligence and fraud indicators, which are then reported to the government for possible fund repayment.

I’ve performed fraud risk assessments and internal controls testing to identify fraud vulnerabilities for our government clients. I’ve also conducted enterprise risk management maturity assessments to pinpoint exploitation opportunities in the control environment, led privacy and supply chain analyses, and managed audits.

As a financial statement, information technology and performance auditor, I’ve encountered several instances of confirmed or suspected fraud over the years. My team’s approach is to pause and examine the facts in an unbiased manner. It’s important to keep an open mind and fully examine and document each facet of a case. As federal auditors, we’re obligated to report instances of fraud, waste and abuse to agency officials.

We ensure that the team is aware of whistleblower protections and review the appropriate process for maintaining a steadfast chain of custody. Next, we inform appropriate internal parties, stakeholders, and enforcement agencies in a timely and discreet manner to avoid unnecessary alarm and, most importantly, to avoid tipping off the suspected fraudulent party. Finally, we gather the necessary corroborative evidence, often with specialized personnel, including data scientists, interrogators and investigators.

In one memorable case, during a standard financial statement audit of a telecommunications company in the early 2000s, one of our associates identified a possible fictitious vendor through an accounts payable vouching and tracing step. We determined that the associate was correct in their assessment and uncovered several other fictitious vendors.

The small company lacked appropriate segregation of duties, which allowed its accounts payable technician to create vendors then draft and sign the payment checks. It was a standard fraud scheme, and although we identified it within a year of when it started, the resulting misappropriation of assets amounted to more than $1 million in that short period of time.

Early in my career, I learned to never make assumptions. Keeping those in check ensures objectivity while working in the field. Another perhaps “old school” investigative skill I’ve acquired, and repeatedly relied on, is performing a trend analysis. I’ve found that it’s an excellent way to start “pulling the thread,” or at least figuring out where to look next.

The Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential has given me the knowledge, perspective and confidence to apply creativity to my team’s procedures. I heard about the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and the CFE credential from a colleague and realized it would be an invaluable investment to make for my career, as it touches on all the services delivered to our clients.

Evaluations and assessments are often repetitive and standardized; however, applying spontaneity and professional skepticism along with the understanding that fraudsters are always evolving their methods motivates me to constantly adapt approaches. This enables me and my team to be agile, innovative thinkers.

Early in my career, my now-longtime mentor taught me the importance of investing in myself. Since then, I’ve actively sought sources of information that keep me current and well informed, much like the ACFE’s The Fraud Examiner and Fraud Magazine. I recommend those starting out in the fraud-fighting field to stay current with the latest news, investigation techniques, technology solutions and, of course, my favorite, case studies.

Evaluations and assessments are often repetitive and standardized; however, applying spontaneity and professional skepticism along with the understanding that fraudsters are always evolving their methods motivates me to constantly adapt approaches. This enables me and my team to be agile, innovative thinkers.

One of the greatest challenges working in the fraud-fighting field has been directing teams to proceed with tact and discretion when identifying potential fraud. Once someone learns they’re suspected of fraud, discovery and evidence gathering become much more challenging because you must grapple with the possibility that the suspected perpetrator will destroy or alter documents.

I tell my team to approach their line of questioning and documentation requests in a friendly, curious manner to avoid giving our objectives away to the suspect.

From a personal standpoint, I consider my greatest achievement to be the loving, lasting marriage I’ve built with my husband while raising our three children. Life is a constant balancing act, but when the road gets rough, it’s much easier to carry the burden by sharing it with a strong, capable and patient life partner.

As for career achievements, seeing individuals I’ve mentored in my profession flourish is such a rewarding experience. Paying it forward and knowing that I had some small part in helping someone in their career is truly a great accomplishment.

As a full-time working mom, carving out time for myself has been exceptionally important. Although some mornings it’s tough, I’ve found the best way to relieve stress is through 5:00 a.m. CrossFit workout sessions. I also enjoy outdoor activities with my children. Last winter we tried snowtubing for the first time. We learned the hard way that wearing ski goggles is a must and had a fantastic time.

I also enjoy contributing to and participating in industry organizations. In addition to attending ACFE events, I actively contribute to the Society of Defense Financial Management in supporting our U.S. Department of Defense clients.

Anna Brahce is an assistant editor for Fraud Magazine. Contact her at abrahce@ACFE.com.