Craig Nikola
Carindale,QLD
Summary
Accomplished Senior Fraud Investigator and qualified legal practitioner at Queensland Police Service, adept in legal research and strategic leadership. With over 19 years of experience in financial crimes, regulatory oversight, and team leadership, adept at driving innovation, managing complex regulatory activities, and fostering professional relationships to achieve regulatory objectives. Demonstrated ability to make insightful decisions under pressure, stimulate ideas for improvement, and ensure compliance with legislative and policy frameworks. Proven track record in delivering high-quality outcomes and leading teams effectively in a dynamic environment.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Fraud Investigator
Queensland Police Service
12.2016 - Current
- Produced detailed reports of fraud investigations and presented findings to senior management.
- Exemplified QPS values and took full responsibility for personal and team performance as Team leader in the Financial Crimes Assessment Team (FCAT).
- Assisted Operations Leader and Commander, gaining expertise in general administration, correspondence, HR issues, and budgets.
- Managed triaging, monitoring, and prioritizing incoming work, enhancing outcomes quality through effective direction of correspondence.
- Efficiently handled records, correspondence, and returns, providing support to senior officers for seamless service delivery.
- Ensured critical deadlines were met and maintained stakeholder relationships through regular communication with senior management.
- Management of sensitive files with high-level political and media implications, whilst balancing competing interests and maintaining personal and team operational workloads.
- Conducted assessments with situational awareness, providing accurate findings and recommendations endorsed by Chief Superintendents and Assistant Commissioners.
- Demonstrated leadership in implementing assessment procedures to achieve prevention outcomes and support team wellbeing.
- Identified and addressed deficiencies in quality assurance, accountability, and record management in FCAT unit.
- Restructured station instructions to align with QPS strategic goals and FCCG operational priorities.
- Developed and implemented templates and procedures for clear goal-setting and outcome tracking, incorporating team input for comprehensive buy-in.
- Applied systems thinking approach and consulted with FCCG colleagues to integrate current trends in major fraud, money laundering, asset confiscation, and cybercrime.
- Established 6-monthly continuous review process for case assessment to ensure best practices and ongoing improvement.
- Fostered critical relationships and provided evidence-based resource allocation, leading to enhanced crime prevention outcomes.
- Supported staff in identifying biases and improving decision-making processes, promoting culture of critical thinking and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated leadership, resource management, and high integrity.
- Showcased skills in effective resource management, problem-solving, resulting in improved organizational effectiveness and stakeholder satisfaction.
Ethical Standards Command
Queensland Police Service
03.2023 - 12.2023
- Actively sought learning opportunities to relieve in this area to enhance knowledge of discipline, legislation, and policy thereby displaying a commitment to personal growth
- Developed expertise in the strategic 'prevention' space to support front-line service delivery.
- Took on A/Sergeant role in Complaints Management ESC to address gaps in understanding and enhance discipline-related expertise.
- Evaluated and provided evidence for Complaint Assessment Committee on misconduct and discipline-not-misconduct allegations, including misuse of authority, bullying, unethical conduct.
- Displayed professionalism & integrity through maintenance of confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive discipline matters
- Rapidly acquired necessary skills and knowledge, applying them to co-ordinate risk management within the Service and disseminate best practice procedures across all functions of the QPS.
- Utilized enhanced skills to improve understanding and application of discipline, governance, and integrity across the service.
- Enhance personal and team ethical standards through the development of corporate policies, practices and strategies that prevent, reduce and discourage unethical conduct
- Applied legal degree and investigative skills to strategic work, demonstrating readiness for a regulatory roles.
- Regularly reflected on integrity and its leadership impact. Use valued supervisor/mentor feedback for continuous personal and professional growth.
Snr Officer, Right to Information & Privacy Unit
Queensland Police Service
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Reviewed, assessed, and determined complex RTI requests despite initial unfamiliarity with legislation and processes.
- Provided supervision, advice, and support to staff in complex, time-sensitive legal contexts, enhancing service delivery.
- Demonstrated QPS values through extensive research of legislation, policy, OIC decisions, and guidelines; participated in OIC information sessions.
- Managed and led a team of eight administrative staff, implementing clear communication channels and regular progress check-ins.
- Delegated team and individual tasks based on strengths and workloads, ensuring resource efficiency and balanced work distribution.
- Addressed challenges from the COVID pandemic by fostering persistence, encouraging remote work, and utilizing the service Wellbeing and Support initiatives.
- Maintained strict adherence to industry regulations, minimizing risk exposure for the organization.
- Enhanced team performance by integrating diverse perspectives, implementing development plans, and empowering team members to achieve goals.
- Provided precise, well-prepared submissions and high-level advice to senior management and internal stakeholders.
- Promoted to Acting Senior Sergeant Principal Decision Maker for demonstrated leadership, adaptability, and commitment to high standards.
- Showcased proactive leadership, effective time management, and strong personal drive to improve service delivery and team performance.
Queensland Government Special Joint Task Force
Queensland Police Service
02.2019 - 08.2019
- Appointed QPS Investigative member to the Queensland Government taskforce created to investigate complaints of fraudulent behaviour relating to subcontractor non-payment following the collapse of high-profile builders in Queensland
- Role too investigate subcontractor non-payment and recommend legislative reforms and consider the ability of government and regulators to respond to such fraudulent behaviours.
- Established and maintained strategic relationships with Crown Law, DPP, QBCC, and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated an ability and skill to acquire expertise in new legislation ie building and corporation legislation, through rapid learning and collaboration.
- Led initiatives that transformed QPS perceptions, reducing investigative workload by promoting alternative enforcement methods.
- Decreased QPS's investigative role by leveraging external agencies' legislative powers, supporting evidence-based decision-making.
- Rebuilt trust with subcontractors by providing a platform for grievances and clarifying QPS operational constraints.
- Produced detailed, actionable reports and strategies, endorsed by Crown Law and SJTF Head.
- Utilized legal knowledge to deliver professional briefings and reports, enhancing communication with senior officers.
- Demonstrated proficiency in resource management, preparing precise submissions for media representations, and effective stakeholder liaison.
- Supported QPS objectives through prevention strategies, collaborative efforts, and fostering beneficial outcomes.
Senior Investigator, Fortitude Valley CIB
Queensland Police Service
12.2005 - 11.2016
Investigator, Mt Gravatt Criminal Investigations
Queensland Police Service
11.2002 - 12.2005
General Duties, Indooroopilly Police Station
Queensland Police Service
03.2001 - 11.2002
Surveillance Operative
National Crime Authority
04.1999 - 03.2001
General Duties, City Police Station
Queensland Police Service
04.1997 - 04.1999
Education
Bachelor of Laws (Hons) -
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, QLDGraduate Diploma of Legal Practice -
College of Law
Brisbane, QLDBachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) -
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, QLDAdvanced Diploma of Public Safety (Police Invest) -
CLET
Brisbane, QLDSkills
- Legal Research
- Ethics Enforcement
- Effective Communication
- Verbal and written communication
- Strategic Leadership
- Regulatory Compliance
- Team Development
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Problem Solving
- Quality Assurance
- Legislative Knowledge
- Decision-Making
Additional Information
An impressive professional track record, underpinned by a distinctive combination of a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Business degree.
Referees
Referee 1: Adam Bennett
Detective Acting Inspector, Operations Manager – Financial and Cyber Crime Group
Queensland Police Service
Email: Bennett.AdamJ@police.qld.gov.au
Phone: 0438 868 042
Referee 2: Mark Hamilton
Detective Sergeant, Financial and Cyber Crime Group
Queensland Police Service
Email: Hamilton.Mark@police.qld.gov.au
Phone: 0402 415 376
Timeline
Ethical Standards Command
Queensland Police Service
03.2023 - 12.2023
Snr Officer, Right to Information & Privacy Unit
Queensland Police Service
01.2021 - 12.2021
Queensland Government Special Joint Task Force
Queensland Police Service
02.2019 - 08.2019
Senior Fraud Investigator
Queensland Police Service
12.2016 - Current
Senior Investigator, Fortitude Valley CIB
Queensland Police Service
12.2005 - 11.2016
Investigator, Mt Gravatt Criminal Investigations
Queensland Police Service
11.2002 - 12.2005
General Duties, Indooroopilly Police Station
Queensland Police Service
03.2001 - 11.2002
Surveillance Operative
National Crime Authority
04.1999 - 03.2001
General Duties, City Police Station
Queensland Police Service
04.1997 - 04.1999
Bachelor of Laws (Hons) -
Queensland University of Technology
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice -
College of Law
Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) -
Queensland University of Technology
Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Police Invest) -
CLET
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