Kay Proctor of Thigpen, Lanier, Westerfield & Deal, CPAs, recently was awarded the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners' Certified Fraud Examiner credential.

To earn the honor, Proctor was required to meet the character, experience and education requirements of the certification, as well as pass an exam. The CFE credential requires a knowledge of fraudulent financial transactions, fraud prevention and deterrence, legal elements of fraud and fraud investigation.

As a CFE, Proctor has the ability to examine data and records to detect and trace fraudulent transactions, interview suspects to obtain information and confessions, write investigation reports and advise clients of their findings. CFEs can also testify at trial and understand the law as it relates to fraud and fraud investigations.

Proctor is currently a senior manager at Thigpen, Lanier, Westerfield & Deal, where she has practiced since 2006. Her other areas of practice include business and individual income tax, small business advisory services, and auditing of governmental entities and nonprofit organizations. She is also an experienced QuickBooks instructor and frequently provides setup and support services, as well as instruction on the program's use both on a one-on-one basis and in group settings.

In addition to being a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Proctor also is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Georgia Society of CPAs. She is active in the Georgia Society of CPAs, where she serves on the statewide Leadership Council.

She is also past president of the Statesboro chapter and a past member of its statewide Board of Directors. Proctor currently serves as treasurer and chairwoman of the finance committee for Elam Baptist Church. Whenever she has the opportunity, Proctor also enjoys speaking with groups on various topics related to small business and personal finance.

She resides in Millen with her husband, Johnathon, and their two children, Ian and Layla.