Jean Maricar S. Lopez, CrFA®, demonstrates an exceptional commitment to professional and community service, as evidenced by her extensive and high-level involvement with prominent organizations. Her leadership credentials are particularly distinguished within Rotary International, where she has held significant roles including President of the Rotary Club of Makati-McKinley and Finance Chair Committee for District 3830.

Her professional standing is further elevated by her certification as a forensic accountant. This active participation is complemented by her roles on committees for the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants and her membership in the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reflecting a well-rounded engagement with both her profession and the broader business community.

Her dedication and impact in these spheres have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. These accolades include the Magis Award, the highest honor for a club president in her district for the year 2015-2016, and a Rotary International Presidential Citation (Gold).

Furthermore, her memberships in the Paul Harris Society, End Polio Society, and Harry Ruggles Society underscore a deep, long-term commitment to philanthropic causes and the core values of Rotary. This record of leadership and service illustrates a professional who leverages her expertise to contribute meaningfully to civic and community advancement.”

Inspiration to Pursue ICFA® Certification

“What inspired me to pursue certification with ICFA are:

a. CrFA designation enhanced my credibility and recognition. It became a tangible proof of my specialized knowledge and skills in forensic accounting, increasing trust among clients, attorneys, and other stakeholders. My clients take pride in knowing they’ve entrusted their fraud audit to a Cr.FA, not just a CPA.

b. The CrFA certification has significantly enhanced my career prospects, making me a more attractive candidate for forensic accounting positions or engagements and providing a distinct competitive advantage.”

Most Challenging Part of Preparation (and How It Was Overcome)

“Balancing ICFA certification preparation with the demands of managing several companies proved to be my greatest challenge. Time was a precious commodity. To overcome this, I had to be resourceful and prioritize effectively. Fortunately, my role as President and owner afforded me the flexibility to reshape my schedule and dedicate specific time slots to webinar attendance and study.”

Credibility and Opportunities Gained from ICFA®

“The ICFA designation has significantly strengthened my professional standing and broadened my horizons in the following ways:

3.1. I’ve experienced a clear shift in how I’m perceived, with people recognizing the significance of the Certified Forensic Accountant designation. Even with my extensive experience in fraud auditing, the CrFA credential has definitely increased my credibility and client trust, paving the way for opportunities to serve as an expert witness.

3.2. The rising incidence of internal fraud has created a strong demand for qualified forensic accountants. The CrFA designation positioned me as a sought-after expert for businesses, law firms, and government agencies.

3.3. The CrFA certification has served as a powerful marketing tool, attracting new clients and generating valuable referral opportunities.”

Contribution to Fraud Prevention, Detection, and Investigation

“The certification has significantly enhanced my effectiveness in fraud prevention, detection, and investigation by:

4.1. Providing in-depth knowledge of advanced forensic accounting techniques, including fraud risk assessment, data analysis, forensic interviewing and interrogation, and asset tracing.

4.2. Sharpening my ability to identify fraud opportunities, recognize employee fraud schemes, conduct effective interviews and interrogations, and confidently prepare for expert witness testimony.”

Message to Finance Professionals Considering Forensic Accounting

“To finance professionals considering a career in forensic accounting:

Embrace the Challenge, Uphold Integrity, and Make a Meaningful Impact.

If you are drawn to unraveling complex financial mysteries, seeking truth, and making a tangible impact, forensic accounting offers a demanding yet incredibly rewarding path. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a passion for justice. If you possess these qualities, a career in forensic accounting offers both professional fulfillment and the opportunity to make a real difference in the world.”