Robert Nordlander on Fraudsters, IRS CI, and Building a Career in Forensic Accounting

Kelly interviews forensic accountant and former IRS Criminal Investigation agent Robert Nordlander about fraud, career paths, and professional development. Nordlander names Kevin Mitnick, Marc Rich, and Charles Ponzi as fraudsters he’d most like to have dinner with, and argues most fraudsters are more charismatic than smart.

Asked who steals more, he says women more often in embezzlement due to greater representation in office and bookkeeping roles, while men more often commit violent theft. He recounts becoming a CPA, serving as a city councilman and reserve deputy in North Carolina, then spending nearly 21 years in IRS CI before starting a forensic accounting practice during COVID. He discusses why IRS CI excels at following money, enjoys criminal tax defense and bankruptcy cases, explains challenges of innocent spouse claims, and advises aspiring fraud investigators to get training, seek mentorship, use LinkedIn strategically, and create content such as a podcast.

Connect with Robert:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-nordlander/

https://www.nordlandercpa.com/

https://www.forensicscpe.com/courses/index.html

https://my-cpe.com/continuing-education/robert-nordlander

https://my-cpe.com/continuing-education/robert-nordlander

01:03 Dinner With Fraudsters

04:24 Who Steals More

08:54 From CPA to IRS CI

14:26 Why IRS Follows Money

17:26 Too Jaded for Fraud TV

21:33 Tax Shelter Trouble

22:51 Defending Criminal Tax Cases

27:47 Criminal Tax Secrets

28:11 Choosing the Right Cases

29:17 Why Bankruptcy Works

30:59 Bankruptcy as Marketing

32:02 Bankruptcy Filing Gotchas

33:03 Innocent Spouse Explained

36:23 Asset Seizure Realities

39:40 Training for Fraud Work

42:27 Courses and Mentorship

47:34 Build a Podcast Career

50:39 Handling Criticism Online

Robert Nordlander-Fraud Podcasters unite!