For many professionals, accounting begins with routine processes—bookkeeping, payroll, and compliance. For others, those routines expose deeper questions about risk, control, and accountability. That was the case for Devi Castillo Abilay, Jr., a Certified Forensic Accountant (CrFA) whose career evolved from accounting operations into forensic and investigative work.
Abilay’s professional journey started in accounting operations, where he handled foundational functions such as bookkeeping and payroll. Over time, his role expanded into internal auditing, giving him direct exposure to how financial controls and compliance mechanisms operate within organizations. That exposure reshaped how he viewed accounting—not merely as recordkeeping, but as a discipline rooted in integrity and governance.
“As I progressed into internal auditing, I became increasingly interested in how financial information, controls, and compliance mechanisms protect organizations from risk,” he explains.
Discovering forensic accounting through practice
Abilay’s introduction to forensic accounting did not come from theory, but from experience. While working as an internal auditor, he encountered control weaknesses, inventory discrepancies, and compliance gaps that could not be fully addressed through standard audit procedures. These situations required deeper investigation, careful documentation, and professional skepticism.
“These situations highlighted the importance of evidence-based analysis and proper documentation,” he notes—principles that form the backbone of forensic accounting.
Rather than treating these cases as exceptions, Abilay recognized them as signals. The work demanded a more structured investigative approach, leading him to formally pursue forensic accounting as a specialization.
The growing relevance of forensic work
In today’s increasingly complex business environment, Abilay sees forensic accountants playing a vital role beyond post-incident investigations. He believes organizations now require professionals who can independently assess financial activity, identify red flags early, and help manage risk before it escalates.
“Forensic accountants support internal controls, regulatory compliance, and fraud risk management,” he explains. Their role, in his view, is both preventive and corrective—strengthening systems while maintaining accountability.
However, the field faces growing challenges. As business processes become more complex, fraud risks can become harder to detect if controls are poorly designed. At the same time, expectations are shifting toward proactive forensic involvement, where professionals participate in risk assessments and compliance monitoring, not just investigations after losses occur.
Leading with structure and objectivity
As a senior audit analyst, Abilay approaches forensic engagements with a systematic, evidence-driven mindset. He prioritizes proper planning, clear documentation, and adherence to professional standards. Coordination with management and audit teams is essential, but conclusions remain anchored in evidence.
Managing multiple audit engagements across subsidiaries tested his leadership skills, particularly in balancing deadlines, quality, and stakeholder expectations. He addressed these pressures by organizing priorities, maintaining open communication, and ensuring that audit conclusions were supported by sufficient and appropriate evidence.
Objectivity, for Abilay, is non-negotiable. “I maintain independence, follow established methodologies, and rely strictly on documented evidence,” he says. Professional skepticism is applied consistently, regardless of position or authority.
Strengthening credibility through certification
Abilay’s decision to pursue the Certified Forensic Accountant (CrFA) designation was driven by the need for formal training and recognized credentials to complement his internal audit experience. The certification strengthened his technical knowledge and aligned his work with international forensic accounting standards.
“The CrFA designation has strengthened my professional credibility, particularly in audit, compliance, and investigative engagements,” he shares. It also increased confidence among management and stakeholders in his ability to handle sensitive reviews.
Beyond credentials, certification enhanced his approach to fraud risk assessment, evidence evaluation, and structured reporting—allowing him to contribute more effectively to fraud prevention and early detection.
A message to aspiring forensic accountants
For professionals considering a career in forensic accounting, Abilay offers measured advice. A strong foundation in accounting and auditing is essential, as are attention to detail, patience, and ethical judgment.
“Forensic accounting is a demanding but meaningful profession,” he says. “It offers the opportunity to protect organizations, promote ethical practices, and contribute to transparency.”
In a field where trust and evidence matter equally, Abilay’s journey reflects a disciplined progression—from operational accounting to forensic specialization—guided not by assumptions, but by facts.
