About
As a certified public
accountant (CPA) and a certified fraud
examiner (CFE), Dawson recognized the need
for a single-purposed company devoted to fraud prevention, detection, and education. As a result, he established Dawson Forensic Group to combat small business fraud through forensic accounting, litigation support, accounting records reconstruction, internal control design consulting, and anti-fraud training services.
The company has continued to expand in staff and levels of service due to the increasing need for small businesses to accomplish the necessary goals of establishing sound internal controls and developing effective anti-fraud programs.
DFG is devoted to the unique needs of the small business community. DFG continues to push for education and training of all levels of staff to deal with internal fraud.
DFG was founded by current president Steve Dawson CPA, CFE upon his early retirement from a distinguished 26 year career as a partner in one of the nation's top 400 public accounting firms, serving as a financial statement auditor, forensic examiner, and nationally-recognized public
speaker/trainer.
Our Team
President
Steve Dawson CPA, CFE
Dawson discovered his passion for Anti-Fraud work through the world of accounting. He built DFG in response to the evident need for focus in preventing, detecting, and assisting in recovery from the consequences of internal fraud. For almost 40 years, Dawson has performed forensic investigations and related forensic services for various businesses and agencies, representing industries ranging from federal and state governmental agencies, to financial institutions, non-profit organizations, and a multitude of independently operated businesses. He is a nationally recognized speaker in fraud detection, prevention, and internal control design methodologies. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Texas and holds a certificate as a Certified Fraud Examiner through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Senior Investigator
Jeff D Smith CFE
Smith joined DFG in 2013 as an associate and became co-owner in 2020. He serves in all aspects of the forensic services, along with an additional focus on data forensics, research, technical writing, cyber investigation, and anti-fraud program education. He believes Anti-Fraud Programs serve best when truly bespoke, tailored to each organization’s unique needs. He is a graduate of Southern Nazarene University. He is a member of the ACFE and holds a certificate as a Certified Fraud Examiner.
Staff Analyst & Investigator
Allie Ragan CFE
Ragan joined DFG in 2021. She has become in invaluable member of the team, aiding in internal fraud investigations, litigation support, and consultation services. She enjoys the variety of fields she gets to explore. Though each industry and organization is unique in detail, the overarching need for internal controls is the same. She is a graduate of Lubbock Christian University where she earned her Master of Accountancy. In 2024, Ragan earned her Certified Fraud Examiner credential and is a member of the ACFE.
Staff Analyst
Kate McCrady CPA
McCrady came to the team in 2023. Seeing the complexity in accounting, she recognizes that the rules and vocabulary of the field create a unique new world complete with its own language. She is committed to expanding her understanding of accounting as it relates to different industries and is excited to grow in skills to help organizations combat fraud. She is a graduate of Lubbock Christian University where she earned her Master of Accountancy. In 2024, she became a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas. She is a member of the ACFE.
Admin & Education Program Design
Meagan Smith
Smith has served in administrative roles with the company since 2017. In addition, she manages the website and social media presence of DFG. She assists in the editing and production of educational materials, including presentations, guest articles, and print resources. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University where she earned a Bachelor’s in English with a minor in Education. She is a member of the ACFE.