don’t just follow the traditional path; seek mentors and learn constantly.
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accounting arc
with donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation
for many accounting professionals, the big four firms represent the pinnacle of success—a destination for those with high aspirations. but for rubik yeriazarian, cpa, cfe, cff, they were just the beginning. specializing in forensic accounting, yeriazarian knew from his college days that this was the path he wanted to follow. “back when i was in college, big four were the only firms that offered forensic accounting,” he recalls. “i knew that was my ticket in.”
at the big four, yeriazarian was exposed to complex forensic cases that shaped his career. he learned the ropes in an environment that offered vast resources and support, but something was missing. “you have a lot of support at a big four, but i felt like i needed more hands-on experience,” yeriazarian says. this realization led him to a boutique firm—a move that many of his peers questioned.
boutique and beyond: the value of small firms
moving from a well-known big four firm to a five-person boutique might seem like a step backward, but for yeriazarian, it was a leap forward. “at the boutique firm, i was super busy and had to figure things out on my own. there was no hiding,” yeriazarian explains. the smaller environment forced him to develop his skills quickly, handling a variety of clients and complex matters.
this experience was invaluable. yeriazarian found that smaller firms offered a unique opportunity to sharpen his skills rapidly. “i felt like i got 10 years of experience within five years,” he notes. this intensive learning environment prepared yeriazarian for the next big step in his career—starting his own firm.
entrepreneurship and innovation: a new approach to billing
in founding flat fee consulting, yeriazarian broke away from traditional accounting models. he adopted value billing, so clients pay based on the value delivered, not the hours worked. “forensic accounting is very value-based,” yeriazarian explains. “clients come to me with a problem, and they want it solved. they’re not concerned with how many hours it takes.”
this approach allows yeriazarian to work more efficiently and choose projects that align with his strengths. it’s a stark contrast to the traditional hourly billing model that dominates the industry. “i bet on myself,” he says. “i knew i could deliver better results faster, and i wanted to be rewarded for that.”
a creative outlet: balancing work and passion
while forensic accounting is yeriazarian’s professional passion, he also channels his creativity into other projects. he has created a line of accounting-themed greeting cards and even written a children’s book (rubookcreative.com). “i call it creative accounting in a non-fraudulent way,” he jokes. these ventures offer a balance to his work life, allowing him to explore other interests while still being productive.
saving the day: forensic accounting in action
one of yeriazarian’s most memorable cases involved a client who suspected an employee of stealing $40,000. after a thorough investigation, yeriazarian uncovered over $3 million in fraud. “the client was shocked,” yeriazarian recalls. “they were ready to settle for $40,000, but the real loss was much greater.”
cases like this highlight the critical role forensic accountants play in protecting businesses. “forensic issues should be an anomaly,” yeriazarian says. “but when they do occur, they can be devastating.”
by embracing new billing models, leveraging technology, and maintaining a commitment to solving real-world problems, yeriazarian is transforming the field.
for those considering a career in forensic accounting, yeriazarian offers simple advice: “talk to people in the field, seek out mentors, and never stop learning.” in a profession that blends technical skills with human insight, the opportunities for transformation are endless.
7 key takeaways:
- value billing can be more effective than traditional hourly billing, especially in forensic and advisory services.
- working in smaller firms can offer intensive learning experiences and faster skill development.
- forensic accountants play a crucial role in solving complex business problems and restoring clients’ peace of mind.
- starting a career at a big four firm can provide valuable experience and resources, but smaller firms offer unique growth opportunities.
- effective forensic accounting can uncover significantly more fraud than initially suspected, saving businesses from substantial losses.
- mentorship and networking are critical for career growth and exploring different areas of accounting.
- forensic accountants often act as heroes for their clients, helping them navigate challenging and uncertain situations.