Rachel G. Aurelio, Certified Forensic Accountant (CrFA), has built a groundbreaking career that merges the disciplines of engineering, risk management, and forensic accounting—fields rarely combined yet deeply interconnected. Her CRFA designation, awarded by the Institute of Certified Forensic Accountants (ICFA®), stands as a testament to her commitment to transparency, accountability, and global professional standards. Through her work, she demonstrates how technical expertise and financial integrity can work hand in hand to resolve disputes, restore trust, and drive business recovery.
Rachel’s journey to forensic accounting was shaped by a dynamic career in engineering and risk solutions. She began as the first female site safety engineer trained by EEI Corporation, before making history again as the first Filipina in the Global Business Development Team of Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific Company of Manila (AG&P)—Southeast Asia’s largest heavy fabrication firm.
Her work on multimillion-dollar bids for heavy fabrication, modularization, and manpower supply projects gave her firsthand exposure to high-stakes operational and financial risk. She later advanced into leadership roles, serving as Sales Manager for ALE Heavylift Philippines (now Mammoet) and as Philippine representative for Belfor, the world’s largest restoration company. Currently, through her work with Approved Group International (AGI), she continues to integrate forensic investigation with disaster recovery, bridging technical findings and financial accountability to help organizations recover from crises.
Her Inspiration to Pursue the ICFA® Designation
“I wanted to align my practice with global standards and be recognized as part of an international community of forensic professionals. ICFA provides a platform where technical, financial, and investigative disciplines converge, a perfect fit for my multidisciplinary background.
My career exposed me to industries where billions of pesos in assets, infrastructure, and equipment were constantly at risk, whether from accidents, natural and man-made disasters, or disputes. In those roles, I witnessed firsthand how financial clarity often determined how quickly companies could recover and continue operations.
When I represented multinational restoration and forensic firms, I saw how engineering and technical findings needed to be translated into credible financial evidence to support insurance claims, arbitration, or litigation. That’s when I realized I wanted to go deeper, not just on the engineering or operational side, but also into the financial truth behind losses and claims.
The Institute of Certified Forensic Accountants (ICFA) gave me that bridge. It allowed me to combine my technical and engineering background with forensic accounting, ensuring that businesses and insurers could rely on transparent, defensible financial analysis. Joining ICFA was not just about professional growth—it was also about bringing a unique, cross-disciplinary perspective to the field of forensic accounting here in the Philippines.”
Overcoming Challenges During the Certification Journey
“Balancing preparation with ongoing projects was a challenge. But I approached it as I would any complex case—with structured planning, consistent study, and real-world application of concepts. That discipline helped me overcome the challenge.”
How the ICFA® Enhanced Her Professional Credibility
“It gave me international credibility, validating that my work meets global standards. Locally, it has strengthened client trust and positioned me as a reliable partner for insurers, property managers, multinational firms, and local companies alike. It also complements my other credentials as an engineer, energy manager, and compliance officer, making me more versatile in addressing complex cases.”
Applying Forensic Accounting to Fraud Prevention and Investigation
“Certification enhanced my ability to merge financial and technical evidence, which is crucial in fraud detection and claims investigations. It has also helped me design preventive frameworks for clients so they can strengthen internal controls before issues escalate.”
Her Message to Aspiring Forensic Accountants
“Forensic accounting is not just a career; it is a responsibility. You will be trusted with uncovering the truth, resolving disputes, and protecting stakeholders. If you are ready to combine technical skill, ethical commitment, and courage, this path will allow you to make a real impact in business and in society.”
For Rachel G. Aurelio, the CRFA journey represents far more than a credential—it is the culmination of a career built on precision, ethics, and service. Her story embodies the evolving nature of forensic accounting in the Philippines: a field where engineering discipline meets financial truth, and where professionals like her continue to redefine what it means to pursue justice through numbers.
