CFE Designation Earns 28% Higher Compensation; ACFE Reports Increased Demand for Anti-Fraud Experts.

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners announced today the release of its 2004 Compensation Guide, a comprehensive report on compensation for anti-fraud professionals in multiple industries, functional areas and levels of seniority.

Based on data collected by an independent research firm from 3,750 US-based anti-fraud professionals, the report was commissioned by the ACFE. The report indicates professionals, working in a variety of fraud-related disciplines, with the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation earn an average of 28% more than professionals in comparable positions who do not hold the globally preferred designation.

"Companies and government entities around the world are giving hiring and promotion preference to anti-fraud professionals who have earned the Certified Fraud Examiner designation because it is an indication of quality," says Toby Bishop, CFE, CPA, FCA, ACFE President and CEO. "CFEs are producing returns on investments in anti-fraud activities of up to 4,500% so it's not surprising that they are commanding a salary premium."

2004 Compensation Guide findings based on industry reveal CFEs in Accounting/Consulting earn an average of 43% more than non-certified professionals in the same industry. Similarly, CFEs in Government earn 19% more than non-CFEs in the same industry; while CFEs in Healthcare earn 24% more than non-CFEs in the same industry. Additional industries listed in the report include: Communications/Telecom, Financial, Insurance, Law Enforcement, Manufacturing and Private Investigation.

The report also identifies total compensation based on job function and level of seniority. These findings reveal Internal Auditors with the CFE designation earn an average of 23% more than Internal Auditors who don't have it. Additional job functions listed in the 2004 Compensation Guide include: Independent Auditor, Consultant/Independent Fraud Investigator, Internal Fraud Investigator/SIU, Finance/Accounting and Security/Loss Prevention.

"The current high demand for Certified Fraud Examiners will continue to increase as more companies and government entities recognize the impact CFEs can have on the bottom line," says Toby Bishop. "The resulting salary premium makes the time our members spend studying for the CFE exam well worth it."

The complete 2004 Compensation Guide is available for download at www.CFEnet.com/Resources.

About the ACFE

The ACFE, the world's premier provider of training and education for fraud detection and deterrence, has 31,000 members in over 110 countries, sponsors more than 103 chapters worldwide and provides anti-fraud educational materials to over 100 universities. Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE's) on six continents have investigated more than 1 million suspected cases of civil and criminal fraud. Identified as "the premier financial sleuthing organization" by The Wall Street Journal, the ACFE has captured worldwide attention for its mission to fight fraud in business and government. For more information about the ACFE visit www.CFEnet.com.