Insurance CPA and IT professional with passion and strength in global audit and insurance. Regained credibility to Audit. Prepared companies for IPO, SOX, Enterprise Risk Management, implementing innovative solutions for management. Developed relationships through partnering with Audit Committees, and Management. |
Big 4 CPA Audit and SOX Professional
CPA, CFE, CISA, MBA, ARe
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Asset Management
- Insurance
- Big 4 Audit Alumni
- SOX and IPO
- Enterprise Risk
- IT Audit - Pre-implementation reviews
- Board Presence
- Global Compliance- Collaborative Approach
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (FGIC)
New York, NY
Managing Director Internal Audit - Office of the CEO 2005 - 2008
Recruited to create a start-up traditional internal audit function for SOX and Initial Public Offering preparedness. Provide recommendations to the SOX Steering Committee and management for an efficient and effective SOX implementation process and execution. Advised operating management on matters concerning enterprise risk, controls and corporate governance for timely implementation. Developed team to maintain knowledge of current trends and technical issues, so professional growth can be achieved, and for firm’s focus on succession planning.
• Created fully functioning professional Internal Audit team within 6 months, in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditor Standards, establishing leading audit processes, in alignment with FGIC’s global strategy.
• Completed implementation and testing of SOX Compliance preparation within 12 months meeting expectations.
• Exceeded department expectations by expanding Internal Audit scope by 30% in year one and 66% in year two, beyond SOX without adding cost to include traditional Internal Audits, pre-implementation reviews and other consulting projects requested.
• Progressively reduced external audit hours initiating a coordination and leveraging of efforts, which included reliance on the company’s and Internal Audit’s efforts that totals 6,000 hours annually.
• Partnered with management to enhance loss reserve controls within 3 months in a rapidly growing risk area, and provide management timely feedback on preliminary reserve calculation differences to benefit final results.
• Provided management with recommendations to initiate the company’s Enterprise Risk Management program and strategy within 3 months to appropriately consider the relevant and evolving risks facing FGIC’s business activities and to leverage the impact on the scope and strategy of the Audit Plan.
Berkshire Hathaway – General Reinsurance
Stamford, CT
Vice President - Global Audit Director 1998 – 2005
Promoted to lead and unify a diverse Global Audit function. Presented significant audit findings to the Audit Committee in Stamford and Germany, on behalf of General Re and Berkshire Hathaway Executive Management. Managed a multi-disciplined global approach to enterprise risk by partnering with all levels of experts in the organization. Personally performed multiple overseas special projects for executive management to address sensitive issues and proactively ensure potential concerns were addressed on a timely basis.
• Initiated and ensured successful implementation of SOX Compliance for 40 offices worldwide.
• Implemented Enterprise Risk Management program of Cologne Re within 12 months.
• Increased centralization of accounting, underwriting and administrative processes by visiting 27 decentralized offices worldwide to review best practices followed.
• Obtained over $77 million of premium recoveries from cedants via client reviews.
• Regained Audit credibility in Germany by reengineering the audit process increasing productivity by 150%.
• Directly involved in the establishment or reorganization of 7 emerging market offices worldwide. Recognized by peers and senior management as a liaison between home office and Latin American offices.
• Helped evaluate prospective investments and acquisitions via due diligence to include Faraday Lloyd’s Syndicate.
• Reduced Audit expenses by over 50% by reengineering the Global Audit Department, while implementing best practices and continued increased productivity and premium recoveries.
• Successfully prepared the company OFAC compliance, Patriot Act, and other global money laundering activities.
NAC Re
Greenwich, CT
Assistant Vice President - Director – Client Audit 1996 - 1998
Enlisted to perform external on-site client audits throughout the U.S. Promoted to direct the department and perform internal audits including purchasing, large scale computer systems, and investments. Prepared the Internal Audit Plan to review with the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis.
• Recovered over $6 million in premium for NAC Re due from primary insurers, while visiting multiple clients and managing general agents nationwide.
• Provided value added recommendations to insurers in areas such as Disaster recovery, Y2K and Internet Security.
Price Waterhouse LLP (PwC)
New York, NY
Audit Manager 1993 – 1996
Hired to integrate financial and IT Audits within the Investments and Insurance industry. Progressed as a fast track associate servicing key financial services clients.
• Enabled the successful transition of Swiss Re as a new client, which included extensive coordination with internal audit, and other PwC offices worldwide.
• Applied PwC IT Audit expertise learned through its industry leading intensive IT Audit preparation course.
• Successfully completed the first PwC electronic audit Pilot of Teammate, within the Swiss Re Audit. Provided recommendations that are now embedded to the industry leading Audit Management software.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Education – Pace University - GPA: 3.54
• Master of Science – Information Technology
• B.B.A. CPA - Public Accounting
Professional Activities
• Mentor – FGIC Youth Reading program, Junior Achievement
• Foreign Language – Spanish
• Scholarship - Pace University, East Ramapo Teacher’s Association, and Early College Admissions |
