PODCASTS – SCHOOLS – LIBRARIES
Tom has been speaking and presenting for over three decades. His audiences, captivated by the depth of his knowledge and the vividness of his storytelling, often find themselves engrossed in the intricate details of each investigation as if they were actually there, on site in a foreign land! Tom’s sessions are a treasure trove of information, from uncovering the most complex schemes to revealing the simple yet effective techniques used in fraud detection. His ability to blend educational content with engaging narratives ensures that attendees gain insights into financial crimes and the world of forensic accounting and enjoy every moment of his presentations.
Videos
Trust But Verify
Sunday Night Fears
One Honest Soul
Podcast Guesting
Read What Audiences Say About Tom
✓ “Bring him back! Outstanding delivery in a fun and lively manner.”—Brett
✓ “I thoroughly enjoyed his manner, stories and his insights.”—Bethany
✓ “Thank you for booking the best speaker that I have ever heard and witnessed in my 17-year professional career. I thought Tom Golden was a phenomenal speaker.”—Jonathan
✓ “Best session at the conference….should have been scheduled for two sessions.”—Katie
✓ “Tom draws from his vast experience to illustrate key concepts using an interactive presentation style that keeps the audience highly participative in discussions.”—Vairam
✓ “You did it again! Your presentation was a real bell ringer and has become the gold standard.”—Steve
✓ “Tom’s message and his straight-forward presentation was outstanding. In addition, his humor and wit made the presentation very entertaining…”
✓ “My favorite session… Loved his energy and passion! Would love to attend more sessions with Tom in the future! Very inspiring! Wish I could have worked for him early in my career.”
✓ “This was my absolute favorite session. Not only was the information presented extremely valuable to apply to my work life but also my home life. The presenter was very engaging and funny. He gave so many examples how to apply the information… I would absolutely love to take another class from him in the future!”
✓ “Tom just keeps getting better with age!”
Engaging Presentations at Local Libraries
Tom, a renowned author with a keen eye for detail and a passion for justice, captivates audiences at local libraries with his compelling presentations of his investigations. He delves into the intricate world of fraud investigations that is the backbone of his acclaimed novels. These sessions are a treat for literary enthusiasts and those intrigued by the hidden mechanics of white-collar crime. Below are just a few examples:
The Rita Crundwell Embezzlement
One of the most gripping tales that Tom often shares is the infamous Rita Crundwell embezzlement, as Tom describes his role as the financial fraud expert in the documentary All The Queen’s Horses. As the treasurer of Dixon, IL, Crundwell orchestrated the largest municipal fraud in US history. Over two decades, she embezzled more than $53 million from the city, funding a lavish lifestyle while the city’s infrastructure crumbled. Tom’s meticulous recounting of this case highlights the tenacity and skill required to uncover such a massive breach of public trust.
The Detroit Public Schools Fraud
Another riveting case that Tom discusses is fraud at Detroit Public Schools, which became featured on American Greed (S11 Ep 19). Tom led a team of forensic accounting investigators as they unearthed a network of school principals who had been embezzling public funds for years. Tom’s tireless efforts culminated in a referral to the FBI, and a year later, the US Attorney announced indictments. Facing a solid evidence package, the twelve defendants pled guilty, likely expecting leniency… but not so! A federal judge sentenced all of them to prison. This case forms the basis of Tom’s upcoming third novel in the Sam Halloran Trilogy, set for release in fall 2025.
NBC News | American Cancer Society Embezzlement
Tom knows all too well how con artists prey on not-for-profit organizations because of how easy it is to gain their trust… just before they are fleeced. This was the case when one such incident occurred, requiring Tom to investigate. Daniel Wiant found an opportunity and, over several years, stole $8 million and was gone before they knew it. Tom proved the case, enabling the US Attorney to see that the perpetrator met justice and served fourteen years in a federal prison.
Why You Should Book Tom?
Through his engaging presentations, Tom entertains and educates his audience about the complexities of fraud investigations. His real-life experiences and resulting novels are a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance and integrity in safeguarding public funds. Whether discussing his past investigations or hinting at future projects, Tom’s passion for justice and storytelling shines through, making his library sessions an unmissable event.
Schools and Universities
In the wake of Enron and WorldCom Tom wanted to help future auditors and business leaders learn more about detecting and deterring fraud. He reached out to DePaul University in Chicago with the idea: he and two of his partners would develop and teach a forensic accounting course. It would be the first of its kind. In 2002 no such courses were offered in the Chicagoland area. The idea was so unique a Chicago Tribune reporter visited the first class and wrote an in-depth, front page article about it. Shortly after that publication an editor from John Wiley & Sons contracted with Tom to author the award-winning book A Guide to Forensic Accounting Investigation, now in its second edition.
VISIT TOM’S YouTube CHANNEL FOR VIDEOS OF THESE AND MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tom Golden speak about?
Tom Golden speaks on fraud investigation, forensic accounting, financial crime detection, and fraud prevention. His presentations draw on 30+ years of real cases he investigated for the FBI, IRS, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Topics include the Rita Crundwell $54 million municipal fraud, the Detroit Public Schools embezzlement, fraud prevention techniques, the psychology of how good people commit financial crimes, and lessons from his career as a Big Four forensic accounting partner. He also speaks on his Sam Halloran thriller series and the storytelling craft behind turning real investigations into fiction.
How do I book Tom Golden as a speaker?
You can book Tom Golden for speaking engagements, corporate training, conference keynotes, podcasts, school visits, and library presentations by using the contact form on this page. Tom has been presenting to Fortune 500 companies, the FBI, the IRS, universities, and professional organizations for over three decades and is available for both in-person and virtual events.
What types of organizations does Tom Golden speak for?
Tom Golden speaks for a wide range of organizations including Fortune 500 corporations, the FBI, the IRS, accounting and audit firms, compliance and internal audit teams, universities and business schools, professional associations including the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, conferences, local libraries, and podcasts. His presentations are equally valuable for fraud professionals looking to sharpen their skills and general audiences captivated by real financial crime stories.
What do audiences say about Tom Golden as a speaker?
Tom Golden consistently receives exceptional feedback from audiences. Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA, Chairman and Founder of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, said: “When it comes to knowledge about fraud and white-collar crime, Tom Golden is at the top. And when it comes to communicating that knowledge to others, no one does it better.” Audience members frequently describe his sessions as the best they have ever attended, praising his energy, storytelling, humor, and real-world case examples. Multiple attendees have requested he be brought back for additional sessions.
What real fraud cases does Tom Golden present on?
Tom Golden draws on several landmark fraud cases from his career. These include the Rita Crundwell embezzlement – the largest municipal fraud in US history, in which Dixon, Illinois treasurer Rita Crundwell stole nearly $54 million over two decades. He also presents on the Detroit Public Schools fraud, where he led a forensic accounting team that uncovered a network of embezzling principals, resulting in FBI referral and federal prison sentences for all twelve defendants. This case was later featured on American Greed. Additional cases include an NBC News covered American Cancer Society embezzlement and many others from his 30+ year career.
Is Tom Golden available for podcast interviews?
Yes. Tom Golden is an experienced podcast guest and has appeared on multiple shows covering fraud investigation, forensic accounting, financial crime, and his Sam Halloran thriller series. He brings compelling real-case stories and practical fraud prevention insights to every conversation. Use the contact form on this page to inquire about podcast appearances.