The Transformative Path of Forensic Accountant Rubik Yeriazarian

From Big Four to Boutique Firm Success

Rubik Yeriazarian, CPA, CFE, CFF, didn’t follow the conventional path of many accountants. Starting his career at a Big Four firm, Yeriazarian always knew he wanted to specialize in forensic accounting. Unlike many of his peers who gravitated toward audit or tax, Yeriazarian was drawn to the problem-solving aspects of forensics—the thrill of uncovering fraud and bringing peace of mind to clients.

Yeriazarian’s journey through various firm sizes—from Big Four to a five-person boutique firm—gave him a unique perspective. Each experience sharpened his skills and allowed him to see the distinct value of different working environments. At the Big Four, Yeriazarian had the support and resources to delve deeply into forensic cases. At the smaller boutique firm, he was often thrown into the deep end, forced to figure things out on his own. This contrast honed his ability to adapt and become a more efficient, resourceful professional.

Eventually, Yeriazarian decided to strike out on his own, founding Flat Fee Consulting. His decision was driven by a desire to control the way he worked and billed his clients. Unlike traditional firms that rely on hourly billing, Yeriazarian adopted value billing—a model where he charges based on the value he provides, regardless of the time it takes. This approach not only rewards efficiency but also allows Yeriazarian to choose projects that align with his strengths and interests.

One of Yeriazarian’s most rewarding experiences as a forensic accountant was uncovering a $3 million fraud for a client who initially believed they had only lost $40,000. By thoroughly investigating and identifying the full extent of the fraud, Yeriazarian not only saved the company from further losses but also restored the owner’s peace of mind. Stories like these illustrate the transformative power of forensic accounting, where accountants are not just number-crunchers but problem solvers and, in many cases, heroes to their clients.

Outside of his forensic and data consulting work, Yeriazarian has channeled his creativity into making accounting-themed greeting cards and writing a children’s book (https://rubookcreative.com/). These creative outlets reflect his belief that accountants are more than their work—they are individuals with diverse talents and passions. By managing his own firm, Yeriazarian has achieved a work-life balance that allows him to pursue these passions while still delivering top-notch service to his clients.

Yeriazarian’s advice to aspiring forensic accountants is simple: talk to people in the field, seek out mentors, and never stop learning. Forensic accounting requires a combination of technical skills and soft skills, particularly in communication. It’s about more than just solving the problem—it’s about instilling confidence in your clients and guiding them through challenging times.

For Yeriazarian, the journey from Big Four to boutique success has been about more than career progression—it’s been about transformation. He has transformed his approach to work, his understanding of value, and ultimately, his life. And through his work, he continues to transform the lives of his clients, one fraud investigation at a time.

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