Sharon Crooks, who just months ago was named interim head of the Financial Investigations Divisions (FID), is to take on one of the most influential civil service jobs in government, that of financial secretary.

Her appointment takes effect today.

Crooks replaces central banker Collin Bullock who ran the Finance Ministry for about two years after the retirement of Shirley Tyndall.

The ministry's Darlene Morrison has acted in the position since May following Bullock's exit.

16 years

Crooks who holds an MBA in accounts and human resource management has been in the public service for the last 16 years.

She ran FID for five months after the departure of its director Christine Chambers, but Crooks has also served as special advisor to the Director General of Tax Administration and senior forensic auditor in the Financial Crimes Division of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

She has held various positions in the Tax Audit and Assessment Department and the Tax Compliance Section of the Inland Revenue Department of the ministry.

Crooks is certified in fraud examination, revenue administration and financial crimes investigation including money laundering.

susan.gordon@gleanerjm.com