Fraud Conference 2024
8.0 Credits
Member Price $379.00
Non-Member Price $479.00
Overview
Join us for a dynamic in-person experience at the WSCPA Fraud Conference, where industry professionals, thought leaders, and emerging talent come together to tackle the most pressing issues in fraud prevention and cybersecurity.
Our closing keynote session, "Fraud Busting with the FBI: Case Studies and Trends," will be presented by Special Agent Jared Walter Young from the FBI. Dive deep into real-world fraud investigations and explore the latest trends in white-collar crime. Gain invaluable insights that can help safeguard your organization against fraudsters.
In addition, NINJIO's CMO Tom Richards will share strategies to foster behavioral change in your team, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity protocols and protecting your organization from potential threats. We'll also feature a panel of CFE professionals sharing tips and tricks for conducting investigative interviews.
Finally, join us for the thrilling 3rd Annual “Fraudies” award show, hosted by Mitchell Hansen and Mike Nurse of Clark Nuber. This year’s event will dive deep into the top 10 fraud cases of the year, revealing the intricate details of the schemes and the ingenious methods used to uncover them. Learn valuable lessons from these real-world examples to fortify your fraud prevention strategies. Plus, discover the essential steps to take if you suspect fraud. Grab your popcorn and prepare for an engaging session!
Attendees who participate in person will have the exclusive opportunity to connect with accounting students from Bellevue College and UW Bothell during our final session and networking event. This is your chance to engage with the next generation of professionals while gaining fresh perspectives on the future of fraud prevention.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and build a stronger, fraud-resistant organization. Check back often as new session information and speakers will be added as they are confirmed.
Highlights
- Dive deep into real-world fraud investigations and explore the latest trends in white-collar crime.
- Gain invaluable insights that can help safeguard your organization against fraudsters.
- Explore strategies to foster behavioral change in your team, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity protocols and protecting your organization from potential threats.
Prerequisites
None.
Designed For
CPAs and auditing professionals.
Objectives
Tackle the most pressing issues in fraud prevention and cybersecurity.
Preparation
None.
Thursday, December 5
General Session
- Registration, Sign-in, and Breakfast
General Session
- Welcome and Announcements
General Session
- New Federal Requirement: Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting
Channing Mavrellis, Financial Crimes Enforcement NetworkChanning Mavrellis
Ms. Channing Mavrellis is a Guidance and Outreach Advisor with the Financial Crime Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN) Beneficial Ownership and Transparency Unit. Her work at FinCEN involves the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act as well as drafting guidance on issues including trade-based money laundering, human trafficking, and environmental crimes. Prior to joining FinCEN, Ms. Mavrellis was the Illicit Trade Director at Global Financial Integrity, a think tank focused on combatting illicit financial flows. There her work focused on the intersection of illicit finance, transnational crime, and international trade, and included authoring several reports as well as testifying twice before Congress. Ms. Mavrellis received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and her Master’s degree from American University.
The Corporate Transparency Act requires many companies doing business in the United States, including startups, to report information to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) about who ultimately owns or controls them. Join a FinCEN representative for information on beneficial ownership reporting and how to comply with the law.
General Session
- Break
General Session
- Recent Fraud Cases and Lessons Learned
Sami El Kurdy, United States X Advisors Washington CPAs PSSami El Kurdy
Sami joined USXA Washington (formerly The Doty Group) in 2023 as a Manager of Business Valuation and Forensic Accounting Services. Sami has over 15 years of accounting experience. Sami holds US and Canadian CPA licenses, and he holds the following credentials: CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst), and CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist).
Sami started his career at smaller accounting firms, primarily focused on audit and tax work. Over the last 8 years, Sami has worked in forensic accounting roles in Canada and overseas, including several years with a Big 4 accounting firm. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of two non-profit organizations and has been a financial literacy presenter in the CPA Canada Financial Literacy Program since 2014.
Dive into some of the latest fraud cases. This session will explore how the schemes were uncovered, the red flags that were missed, and actionable strategies to strengthen fraud prevention in your organization. Don't miss this chance to learn from the past to safeguard your future.
General Session
- Break
General Session
- Reduce Liability with a Good Whistleblower Program
Duncan Will, Loss Prevention Manager & Accounting, CAMICO Mutual Insurance CoDuncan Will
Mr. Will leverages his more than 40 years of experience in accounting, including public accounting, forensic accounting, consulting, and audit and tax compliance, to deliver to policyholders the high-touch, high-quality CAMICO experience. He works closely with the Loss Prevention Specialists to manage the department’s efforts to deliver policyholder service. Will’s specialties are accounting and auditing and business valuation-related risk management. He advises policyholders through the CAMICO Loss Prevention Hotline, speaks to CPA groups, and writes articles on a wide range of accounting risk management and ethics topics. Topics of particular interest include complying with the AICPA’s Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services, doubts about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, cyber-security, and serving clients in the cannabis industry. Will began his accounting career in 1979 as a staff accountant in the Washington, D.C. area and spent most of his public accounting career in California and Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Maryland and is Accredited in Business Valuation and Certified in Financial Forensics. A Certified Fraud Examiner, Will is an active member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners; has supplemented his education with college courses at the University of Baltimore, Golden Gate University, and Florida Atlantic University; and welcomes opportunities to expand his knowledge over a broad spectrum of accounting-related curricula.
Whistleblower policies often get a bad rap—seen as ineffective or poorly executed—but when done right, they are a powerful tool for fraud prevention and risk management. In this session, Camico experts will share how to design a whistleblower program that works, fostering trust and transparency while protecting employees and reducing organizational liability. Learn practical strategies for overcoming common pitfalls and building a program that encourages reporting and stops issues before they escalate.
General Session
- Break
General Session
- AI in Fraud Detection
Octavio Laos, ArmaninoOctavio Laos
Octavio is the leader of Armanino’s AI Lab, which has been a steady presence in the accounting and audit industry for over five years. The lab focuses on practical AI applications, such as improving customer interactions with chatbots, enhancing efficiency through process automation, and providing actionable foresight with predictive analytics.
As a speaker, Octavio has a knack for explaining complex AI topics in an approachable way, making them understandable for professionals across various fields. His engaging presentations at industry conferences and the “Armanino Intelligence” series on LinkedIn Live reflect his expertise. His authority in the field is also recognized through collaborations on academic papers and features in media outlets like Fox Business.
Octavio advocates for making AI an integral, everyday tool in business—a goal the AI Lab pursues with a team-focused approach. It’s about evolving with technology in a way that serves real business needs, not just following the latest trends.
David Togami
David Togami, CPA, is a Senior Manager in Armanino’s Growth Office, Data & Analytics group. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, David moved to Washington to attend Gonzaga University. Throughout his career, David has worked in a range of industries, including public accounting, aviation, intermodal operations, information security, and DevOps. Outside of work, David is an adjunct instructor at Gonzaga University and trains at a local Thai boxing gym.
Discover how AI is revolutionizing fraud detection, from traditional tools like Benford’s Analysis to the emerging impact of generative AI. This session explores the challenges of implementation, the risks and benefits of AI in fraud schemes, and critical updates on AI legislation. Equip yourself with insights to stay ahead in the fight against fraud.
General Session
- Lunch Break
General Session
- Uncovering the Truth: Investigative Interviewing Techniques in Fraud Investigations
Jordan Berg Narayanan, MicrosoftJordan Berg Narayanan
Jordan Berg Narayanan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) with a strong background in accounting and fraud investigations. Jordan studied accounting at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), where she was a proud recipient of the WSCPA Foundation Scholarship in 2016. Jordan began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), gaining experience in internal and external audit, and continued to build on this experience at Microsoft. Currently, Jordan works in business conduct and fraud investigations at Microsoft, leveraging her expertise to ensure compliance and integrity within the organization.
Richard Burger Mackey
Richard Burger, CPA, CIA, has 20 years of financial, compliance and assurance experience and has demonstrated proficiencies in executing governance, risk, and control design reengineering across a diverse product/service portfolio involving a multitude of business functions. An experienced and trusted advisor, Richard can engage various stakeholders for managing risk governance. Prior to serving as an Senior Investigator at Microsoft, Richard served as a Compliance Program Manager and Audit Manager; and previously served the Boeing Company as an Auditor and Senior Analyst. Richard graduated from Seattle University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting and completed internal audit graduate coursework at Seattle University. Richard is a CPA and an Institute of Internal Auditors Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
Jordan Gustafson
Jordan is the Conferences and Events Coordinator at the Washington Society of CPAs, where she oversees the planning and execution of various professional development events. With a passion for understanding human behavior, Jordan is currently enrolled in the Body Language Academy, a program by former FBI Agent Joe Navarro to enhance her skills in nonverbal communication.
Prior to joining the Washington Society of CPAs, Jordan gained valuable experience in leadership development and program management. As a Training Director for a non-profit organization, she guided young adults on international philanthropic endeavors, fostering cross-cultural understanding and teamwork. In her previous role as Development Director, she supported the thorough interview process to assess potential clients’ readiness for a program supporting women and children experiencing homelessness, ensuring that participants were well-equipped to achieve positive outcomes.
Jordan’s diverse background and ongoing professional development fuel her desire to create high-quality events where each individual receives the best content and support for their professional development. Excited to be part of the WSCPA team, she hopes to combine her previous experience to contribute to the future of the accounting profession.
David Togami
David Togami, CPA, is a Senior Manager in Armanino’s Growth Office, Data & Analytics group. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, David moved to Washington to attend Gonzaga University. Throughout his career, David has worked in a range of industries, including public accounting, aviation, intermodal operations, information security, and DevOps. Outside of work, David is an adjunct instructor at Gonzaga University and trains at a local Thai boxing gym.
Join a dynamic panel featuring certified combo CPA/CFEs as they share expert insights on investigative interviewing. Learn about essential techniques like the PEACE model and discover how different investigation scenarios require tailored preparation. Gain practical tips for conducting effective interviews and understand what to expect if you’re ever part of an active investigation. This session provides valuable guidance for professionals involved in uncovering fraud and misconduct.
General Session
- Break
General Session
- 2024 Fraudies: Themes, Schemes and Prevention Means
Mitchell Hansen, Shareholder, Clark Nuber PSMitchell Hansen
Mitch Hansen, CPA, CMA, CFE, is a shareholder specializing in serving nonprofits and governmental entities. He has integrated his previous experience as a federal auditor with his public accounting experience to create an exceptional and well-rounded knowledge base. Mitch is active in a number of professional organizations and served on many nonprofit boards.
Michael Nurse
Mike is a senior manager in Accounting and Consulting Services at Clark Nuber. He focuses on serving businesses in the professional services and healthcare industries. Mike is also a Certified Fraud Examiner, has a certificate in COSO Internal Control Framework, and specializes in fraud and forensic accounting. He has over fourteen years of proven outstanding client service, and has held positions in both the private and public accounting industries.
Roll out the red carpet for this highly anticipated, award-style session spoofing the Academy Awards! Celebrate (or cringe at) the top 10 fraudsters of the year as they are presented with their “Fraudie” awards. This entertaining yet informative session will explore recurring fraud schemes—from personal purchases disguised as expenses to payroll manipulation, shell companies, and more.
General Session
- Break
General Session
- Ninja Tactics for Cybersecurity: Are Your Staff Ready to Defend?
Tom Richards, NINJIO, LLCTom Richards
Tom is the Chief Marketing Officer at NINJIO Cybersecurity Awareness Training, where he is the leader of the marketing functions, member of the senior executive team, and spokesperson for the brand. He has long advocated for stronger cybersecurity practices across companies to keep people and their data safe. Previous to NINJIO, Tom was the Founder and President of Haverty Consulting, a group dedicated to helping companies exceed their communications and marketing goals. Clients included Occidental, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and OSU’s Wexner Medical Center, Leica Camera, as well as many start-up companies.
Tom’s career has spanned over 25 years working with international brands such as Apple, Starbucks, and Expedia while in leadership roles at various global digital advertising agencies.
Learn from NINJIO, the innovators behind employee training “animes” that transform cybersecurity education into engaging, story-driven experiences. This session dives into how NINJIO identifies emotional opportunities—such as greed, fear, and exposure—that scammers exploit, and equips organizations to counter evolving schemes. Discover their approach to training staff on recognizing scams and protecting sensitive information through creative, behavior-changing storytelling. Stay ahead of threats with actionable insights from a leader in cybersecurity awareness.
General Session
- Break
General Session
- Fraud Busting with the FBI: Case Studies and Trends
Jared Young, Federal Bureau of InvestigationJared Young
Jared Walter Young is a Special Agent with the FBI.
Join FBI experts as they uncover the latest fraud trends, including cryptocurrency schemes and elder abuse scams. Learn practical tips for detecting and reporting fraudulent activity and discover how CPAs play a vital role in criminal justice. As a bonus, you’ll gain insights into building a career in this fascinating intersection of accounting and law enforcement.
General Session
- Adjourn
General Session
- Networking Reception
The learning doesn’t stop when the sessions end—join us for the networking reception! Connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and industry leaders in a relaxed and engaging setting. It’s the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, expand your professional circle, and discuss the day’s takeaways over refreshments.
Stay, mingle, and make the connections that could shape your career or spark your next big idea. See you there!
Leader(s):
- Channing Mavrellis, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
- David Togami, Senior Manager, Armanino
- Duncan Will, Loss Prevention Manager & Accounting, CAMICO Mutual Insurance Co
- Jared Young, Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Jordan Berg Narayanan, Microsoft
- Jordan Gustafson, Conferences & Events Coordinator, Washington Society of CPAs
- Michael Nurse, Principal, Clark Nuber PS
- Mitchell Hansen, Shareholder, Clark Nuber PS
- Octavio Laos, Armanino
- Richard Burger Mackey, Internal Audit, Microsoft Corporation
- Sami El Kurdy, United States X Advisors Washington CPAs PS
- Tom Richards, NINJIO, LLC
Leader Bios
Channing Mavrellis, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
Ms. Channing Mavrellis is a Guidance and Outreach Advisor with the Financial Crime Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN) Beneficial Ownership and Transparency Unit. Her work at FinCEN involves the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act as well as drafting guidance on issues including trade-based money laundering, human trafficking, and environmental crimes. Prior to joining FinCEN, Ms. Mavrellis was the Illicit Trade Director at Global Financial Integrity, a think tank focused on combatting illicit financial flows. There her work focused on the intersection of illicit finance, transnational crime, and international trade, and included authoring several reports as well as testifying twice before Congress. Ms. Mavrellis received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and her Master’s degree from American University.
David Togami, Senior Manager, Armanino
David Togami, CPA, is a Senior Manager in Armanino’s Growth Office, Data & Analytics group. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, David moved to Washington to attend Gonzaga University. Throughout his career, David has worked in a range of industries, including public accounting, aviation, intermodal operations, information security, and DevOps. Outside of work, David is an adjunct instructor at Gonzaga University and trains at a local Thai boxing gym.
Duncan Will, Loss Prevention Manager & Accounting, CAMICO Mutual Insurance Co
Mr. Will leverages his more than 40 years of experience in accounting, including public accounting, forensic accounting, consulting, and audit and tax compliance, to deliver to policyholders the high-touch, high-quality CAMICO experience. He works closely with the Loss Prevention Specialists to manage the department’s efforts to deliver policyholder service. Will’s specialties are accounting and auditing and business valuation-related risk management. He advises policyholders through the CAMICO Loss Prevention Hotline, speaks to CPA groups, and writes articles on a wide range of accounting risk management and ethics topics. Topics of particular interest include complying with the AICPA’s Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services, doubts about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, cyber-security, and serving clients in the cannabis industry. Will began his accounting career in 1979 as a staff accountant in the Washington, D.C. area and spent most of his public accounting career in California and Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Maryland and is Accredited in Business Valuation and Certified in Financial Forensics. A Certified Fraud Examiner, Will is an active member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners; has supplemented his education with college courses at the University of Baltimore, Golden Gate University, and Florida Atlantic University; and welcomes opportunities to expand his knowledge over a broad spectrum of accounting-related curricula.
Jared Young, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Jared Walter Young is a Special Agent with the FBI.
Jordan Berg Narayanan, Microsoft
Jordan Berg Narayanan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) with a strong background in accounting and fraud investigations. Jordan studied accounting at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), where she was a proud recipient of the WSCPA Foundation Scholarship in 2016. Jordan began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), gaining experience in internal and external audit, and continued to build on this experience at Microsoft. Currently, Jordan works in business conduct and fraud investigations at Microsoft, leveraging her expertise to ensure compliance and integrity within the organization.
Jordan Gustafson, Conferences & Events Coordinator, Washington Society of CPAs
Jordan is the Conferences and Events Coordinator at the Washington Society of CPAs, where she oversees the planning and execution of various professional development events. With a passion for understanding human behavior, Jordan is currently enrolled in the Body Language Academy, a program by former FBI Agent Joe Navarro to enhance her skills in nonverbal communication.
Prior to joining the Washington Society of CPAs, Jordan gained valuable experience in leadership development and program management. As a Training Director for a non-profit organization, she guided young adults on international philanthropic endeavors, fostering cross-cultural understanding and teamwork. In her previous role as Development Director, she supported the thorough interview process to assess potential clients’ readiness for a program supporting women and children experiencing homelessness, ensuring that participants were well-equipped to achieve positive outcomes.
Jordan’s diverse background and ongoing professional development fuel her desire to create high-quality events where each individual receives the best content and support for their professional development. Excited to be part of the WSCPA team, she hopes to combine her previous experience to contribute to the future of the accounting profession.
Michael Nurse, Principal, Clark Nuber PS
Mike is a senior manager in Accounting and Consulting Services at Clark Nuber. He focuses on serving businesses in the professional services and healthcare industries. Mike is also a Certified Fraud Examiner, has a certificate in COSO Internal Control Framework, and specializes in fraud and forensic accounting. He has over fourteen years of proven outstanding client service, and has held positions in both the private and public accounting industries.
Mitchell Hansen, Shareholder, Clark Nuber PS
Mitch Hansen, CPA, CMA, CFE, is a shareholder specializing in serving nonprofits and governmental entities. He has integrated his previous experience as a federal auditor with his public accounting experience to create an exceptional and well-rounded knowledge base. Mitch is active in a number of professional organizations and served on many nonprofit boards.
Octavio Laos, Armanino
Octavio is the leader of Armanino’s AI Lab, which has been a steady presence in the accounting and audit industry for over five years. The lab focuses on practical AI applications, such as improving customer interactions with chatbots, enhancing efficiency through process automation, and providing actionable foresight with predictive analytics.
As a speaker, Octavio has a knack for explaining complex AI topics in an approachable way, making them understandable for professionals across various fields. His engaging presentations at industry conferences and the “Armanino Intelligence” series on LinkedIn Live reflect his expertise. His authority in the field is also recognized through collaborations on academic papers and features in media outlets like Fox Business.
Octavio advocates for making AI an integral, everyday tool in business—a goal the AI Lab pursues with a team-focused approach. It’s about evolving with technology in a way that serves real business needs, not just following the latest trends.
Richard Burger Mackey, Internal Audit, Microsoft Corporation
Richard Burger, CPA, CIA, has 20 years of financial, compliance and assurance experience and has demonstrated proficiencies in executing governance, risk, and control design reengineering across a diverse product/service portfolio involving a multitude of business functions. An experienced and trusted advisor, Richard can engage various stakeholders for managing risk governance. Prior to serving as an Senior Investigator at Microsoft, Richard served as a Compliance Program Manager and Audit Manager; and previously served the Boeing Company as an Auditor and Senior Analyst. Richard graduated from Seattle University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting and completed internal audit graduate coursework at Seattle University. Richard is a CPA and an Institute of Internal Auditors Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
Sami El Kurdy, United States X Advisors Washington CPAs PS
Sami joined USXA Washington (formerly The Doty Group) in 2023 as a Manager of Business Valuation and Forensic Accounting Services. Sami has over 15 years of accounting experience. Sami holds US and Canadian CPA licenses, and he holds the following credentials: CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst), and CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist).
Sami started his career at smaller accounting firms, primarily focused on audit and tax work. Over the last 8 years, Sami has worked in forensic accounting roles in Canada and overseas, including several years with a Big 4 accounting firm. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of two non-profit organizations and has been a financial literacy presenter in the CPA Canada Financial Literacy Program since 2014.
Tom Richards, NINJIO, LLC
Tom is the Chief Marketing Officer at NINJIO Cybersecurity Awareness Training, where he is the leader of the marketing functions, member of the senior executive team, and spokesperson for the brand. He has long advocated for stronger cybersecurity practices across companies to keep people and their data safe. Previous to NINJIO, Tom was the Founder and President of Haverty Consulting, a group dedicated to helping companies exceed their communications and marketing goals. Clients included Occidental, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and OSU’s Wexner Medical Center, Leica Camera, as well as many start-up companies.
Tom’s career has spanned over 25 years working with international brands such as Apple, Starbucks, and Expedia while in leadership roles at various global digital advertising agencies.
Non-Member Price $479.00
Member Price $379.00