Fraud Analyst

Your Fit

Income

$75K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

6.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Fraud Analyst?

A Fraud Analyst is a professional who specializes in identifying and preventing fraudulent activities in financial transactions. They use a variety of analytical techniques and tools to detect, assess, and mitigate risks associated with fraud.

Sample job titles:

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Forensic Accountant, Investigator, Special Investigations Unit Investigator (SIU Investigator)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Fraud Analyst.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Fraud Analyst earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Fraud Analyst.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$47K per year	$59K per year	$75K per year	$100K per year	$138K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $9.67K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Fraud Analyst do?

Work environment

Fraud Analysts typically work in office environments within financial institutions like banks, credit card companies, or insurance companies. They may also be employed in sectors like retail and e-commerce. Their work often involves analyzing large sets of data on computers, collaborating with teams, and sometimes communicating findings to law enforcement or legal teams.

Quick task list

Monitors transactions to detect fraudulent activity.
Analyzes patterns and trends to identify fraud risks.
Develops and implements fraud detection tools and systems.
Conducts investigations into suspicious activities.
Collaborates with legal and law enforcement agencies when necessary.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Banking Fraud Analysis: Specializing in detecting and preventing fraud in banking transactions.
Insurance Fraud Analysis: Focusing on identifying fraudulent claims in the insurance sector.
Cyber Fraud Analysis: Concentrating on online frauds, including identity theft and phishing scams.
Retail Fraud Analysis: Specializing in detecting fraudulent transactions in retail and e-commerce.
Corporate Fraud Analysis: Focusing on internal fraud within corporations, including embezzlement and financial misreporting.

Description

Fraud Analysts are vital in safeguarding the financial assets of individuals and organizations. They use advanced analytical methods and software to monitor transactions and identify irregular patterns that may indicate fraudulent activities. This role requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to interpret complex data sets and financial records.

In addition to technical skills, Fraud Analysts must have a strong understanding of financial regulations and laws related to fraud. They often work in teams and collaborate with other departments, such as IT for cybersecurity-related issues, legal departments for compliance matters, and customer service teams in case of customer fraud allegations.

As fraud techniques evolve, Fraud Analysts must continually update their knowledge and skills, especially in areas like digital technology and cybersecurity. They play a crucial role in developing and updating fraud prevention strategies, ensuring that their organizations stay ahead of potential fraudsters.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The intellectual challenge of solving complex fraud-related puzzles.
Protecting individuals and organizations from financial harm.
Being at the forefront of combating emerging fraud trends and technologies.

You might make a good Fraud Analyst if you are...

Analytically minded, with a strong ability to analyze data and identify patterns.
Detail-oriented, able to spot irregularities and inconsistencies in financial transactions.
Interested in finance and cybersecurity, and how they intersect in the digital age.
A problem solver, eager to investigate and resolve complex issues.
Ethical and integrity-driven, with a strong sense of justice and fairness.

Pros:

High demand for skilled professionals in a variety of industries.
Opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology in fraud detection.
The satisfaction of playing a key role in protecting financial assets.

Cons:

The pressure of constant vigilance and high-stakes decision-making.
Need to continually update skills in a fast-evolving field.
Potential for stressful situations, especially when dealing with large-scale fraud cases.

How to become a Fraud Analyst

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, criminal justice, or a related field is usually required, amounting to about 4 years of post-secondary education. Additional training in data analysis, cybersecurity, or fraud detection can be advantageous.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics, especially statistics, to develop analytical skills.
Computer science to gain familiarity with data analysis and cybersecurity basics.
Economics or accounting for a foundational understanding of financial principles.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a coding or computer club to enhance technical skills.
Participating in mathematics or science competitions.
Engaging in mock trial or debate clubs to develop critical thinking and argumentation skills.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, criminal justice, or a related field.
Gaining experience through internships in financial institutions or law enforcement agencies.
Obtaining certifications in fraud examination, data analysis, or cybersecurity.

More resources

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) - Provides resources and certification for fraud examiners.
International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) - Offers training and resources in financial crime investigation.
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) - Provides resources on cybersecurity and fraud prevention.
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) - Offers information on financial crimes and regulations.
Fraud Magazine - A publication covering topics related to fraud examination and prevention.

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