Fraudish “Just Go Do the Thing”: Inside Forensic Accounting and Fraud Minds with Justin Burns, CPA, CFE
What does it actually take to build a career catching fraudsters?
In this episode, Kelly sits down with Justin Burns, CPA, CFE and founder of Space Coast Forensics, to talk about his journey into forensic accounting — and why success in this field (and honestly, any field) comes down to one simple mindset: just go do the thing.
From cold-emailing his way onto podcasts to building his own practice, Justin shares how taking initiative — even before feeling “ready” — shaped his career.
They also dig into the psychology of fraud, including which fraudsters Justin would most want to interview, why the first time someone steals matters more than anything else, and the truth about gender differences in embezzlement.
Plus: what forensic accountants actually do day-to-day, how to break into the field, and why the community is more supportive than you’d expect.
🔍 In this episode:
- Why asking about the first theft reveals everything
- The truth about gender differences in embezzlement
- How Justin found forensic accounting (and knew it was the right fit)
- What forensic accountants actually do: fraud investigations, litigation support, and more
- The power of cold emails, networking, and taking initiative
- Starting your own practice: exciting, terrifying… and worth it
- Why most people never take the leap — and how to be the exception
- The surprisingly supportive world of forensic accounting
💡 Key Takeaway
Most people wait until they feel ready.
The ones who succeed? They start before that.
👤 About Justin Burns
Justin Burns, CPA, CFE, is the founder of Space Coast Forensics, where he specializes in fraud investigations, litigation support, and economic damages. He’s also the host of the Data Sleuth Podcast, where he explores real-world fraud cases and forensic accounting insights.
Connect with Justin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-burns-cpa-cfe-215506155/
🎧 Resources & Mentions
- Data Sleuth Podcast
- Crime Junkie
- Swindled
- Criminal with Phoebe Judge
- Dead Money by Jacob Kerr
- Wired on Wall Street by Tom Hardin (Tipper X)