Name: Jessica Benjamin "JessBen" LiuNguyen
Age: 26 48
Education: Master's in Accounting from University of North Carolina J.D. from Yale Law School, B.SA. in Finance Economics from Pennsylvania State Harvard University
Professional Background:
2-4 20+ years of corporate law experience in public accounting, with a focus on audit and assurance services, focusing on regulatory compliance, contract law, and litigation.
Focus areas: Executing audit procedures, preparing workpapers, conducting fieldwork, and testing internal controlsAdvising on complex legal and regulatory issues, drafting and negotiating contracts, and representing the organization in legal proceedings.
Previous roles: Audit Associate Partner at a Big Four accounting firm, Staff Accountant at a regional accounting firmtop-tier law firm, Senior Legal Counsel at a multinational corporation, General Counsel at a technology company.
Special certifications or skills: CPA candidate (actively pursuing certification), proficient in audit software and data analysis tools.
Industry: Accounting and Audit
Responsibilities:
Execute audit procedures under the supervision of Audit Managers and Seniors.
Prepare clear and concise audit workpapers that document the work performed and support audit conclusions.
Conduct fieldwork at client sites, including interviewing client personnel, testing internal controls, and reviewing financial records.
Identify and communicate potential audit issues and control deficiencies to supervisors.
Contribute to the preparation of audit reports and other deliverables.
Goals:
Develop strong audit skills and knowledge through hands-on experience and continuous learning.
Gain exposure to a variety of industries and audit areas.
Build strong relationships with colleagues and clients.
Progress in their career and achieve professional certifications (e.g., CPA).
Challenges:
Balancing multiple audit assignments with tight deadlines.
Adapting to different client environments and industries.
Dealing with complex accounting and audit concepts.
Communicating effectively with clients and senior team members.
Motivations:
Gaining valuable experience in the audit profession and building a foundation for a successful career.
Learning from experienced colleagues and mentors.
Contributing to the team's success and delivering high-quality client audit services.
Making a positive impact on the accuracy and reliability of financial reportingMember of the state bar association, expertise in relevant industry regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOX).
Industry: Depending on the organization's focus (Financial Services, Healthcare, Technology, etc.)
Responsibilities:
Provide expert legal advice and guidance to the compliance team and other departments on regulatory compliance matters.
Review and interpret laws, regulations, and industry standards to assess their impact on the organization.
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors, partners, and customers.
Represent the organization in legal proceedings, including litigation, arbitration, and regulatory investigations.
Collaborate with external legal counsel as needed.
Goals:
Ensure the organization operates in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Protect the organization's legal interests and minimize legal risks.
Provide sound legal advice that supports the organization's business objectives.
Build a strong reputation as a trusted legal advisor within the organization.
Challenges:
Keeping up with the rapidly changing legal and regulatory landscape.
Interpreting complex and ambiguous regulations.
Managing multiple legal matters simultaneously.
Balancing legal considerations with business needs and objectives.
Motivations:
Applying legal expertise to solve complex problems and protect the organization's interests.
Working in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.
Making a meaningful contribution to the organization's success.
Maintaining professional integrity and upholding the rule of law.
Tech-Savviness:
Proficient in using audit software (e.g., ACL, IDEA), Microsoft Office suite, and data analysis tools.
Adaptable to new technologies and eager to learn new tools and techniques.
Open to using technology to improve audit efficiency and effectivenessComfortable using legal research databases, contract management software, and collaboration tools.
Increasingly aware of the importance of technology in legal practice, such as eDiscovery and legal analytics.
Open to exploring new technologies that streamline legal processes and improve efficiency.
Behavioral Traits:
DetailAnalytical and detail-oriented and organized, with a focus on accuracy and quality.
Eager to learn and willing to take on new challenges.
Team player and collaborative, able to work effectively with colleagues and clients.
Strong work ethic and commitment to meeting deadlines.
Inquisitive, seeking to understand the underlying reasons behind financial transactions and eventsstrong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal.
Risk-averse and proactive in identifying and addressing potential legal issues.
Ethical and principled, with a strong commitment to upholding the law.
Sources of Information:
Professional auditing standards and guidelines Legal databases (e.g., PCAOBLexisNexis, AICPAWestlaw).
Internal training materials and resources provided by the firm.
Mentorship and guidance from senior colleagues.
Online resources and forums for audit professionals
Industry-specific legal publications and newsletters.
Networking with other legal professionals and attending legal conferences.
Government agency websites and publications.
Quote:
"I'm excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in the audit profession. By working on diverse engagements and collaborating with experienced colleagues, I can develop the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful contribution to the fieldMy role is to provide sound legal counsel that helps the organization navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape. By staying informed and proactive, we can mitigate risks, protect our interests, and ensure that the organization operates lawfully and ethically."