AUSTIN,
Texas (9/13/2012)-– James D. (Jim) Ratley, CFE, president and CEO of the Association of
Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), has been selected by Accounting Today as One of the Top 100 Most Influential People of
2012. The exclusive list includes President Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, SEC
Chair Mary Shapiro and other dignitaries and business leaders.
Ratley
is profiled, along with the other honorees, in a special supplement to Accounting Today magazine’s Sept./Oct.
2012 issue. “One of our most eagerly anticipated (and hotly debated) lists, the
Top 100 People names the thought-leaders and change-makers who are shaping the
accounting profession,” Accounting Today
says in a statement on its website.
Ratley
was chosen for his leadership qualities and the positive impact he has had on
the nearly 65,000 member-strong ACFE. “As one of the founders of the foremost
fraud educators in the country, and its current chief, Ratley’s mission of
keeping the profession and the business world abreast of the latest
developments in fraud is more important than ever, as tough times push more
people than ever to turn to the dark side,” the article states.
Since
being named president of the world’s largest anti-fraud organization in 2006 (and
adding the role of CEO in 2011), Ratley has overseen the continued growth of the
ACFE – while assisting in the development of anti-fraud products and services
to meet the needs of ACFE members. In addition, he is a member of the ACFE’s
faculty, and teaches regularly at workshops and conferences on a variety of
fraud-related subjects.
“It is an honor to be chosen by Accounting Today for their Top 100,” Ratley said. “I think this
says more about the dedication of anti-fraud professionals worldwide who are
moving the fight for fraud prevention and detection further ahead every day. It
is because of them that the ACFE exists, and I intend to continue to serve them
as best I can because they are safeguarding our investments and businesses for
the future.
“Still, it is truly exciting – and humbling – to be selected
alongside so many worthy and dignified individuals.”
In
2005, Ratley was awarded the ACFE’s Cressey Award, the ACFE’s highest honor –
it is bestowed annually for a lifetime of achievement in the detection and
deterrence of fraud.
Previously,
Ratley served as an officer of the Dallas Police Department, where he was assigned
to several divisions including vice, child abuse and internal affairs. He was a
member of numerous department task forces which concentrated on major fraud
cases.
In
1986, Ratley left the police department to join Wells & Associates, a
forensic accounting practice, where he was in charge of fraud investigations.
He handled investigations regarding internal frauds, conflicts of interest, and
litigation support. In 1988, he was named Program Director for the Association
of Certified Fraud Examiners and oversaw all aspects of the ACFE’s training and
education programs.
Ratley
is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Austin Chapter and
a member of the Board of Advisors for the Institute for Bank Director
Education. He was also a Visiting Scholar at the University of Nebraska. In
addition, he has been certified as a Master Peace Officer by the Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education.