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Name:

...

Robert "Bob" Carter

Age: 34 55

Education: Master's in Information Systems Management from Carnegie Mellon UniversityAccounting from the University of Chicago, B.S. Tech in Computer Science from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) BombayBusiness Administration from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Professional Background:

  • 830+ years of experience in IT compliance and risk management roles, focusing on IT governance, regulatory compliance, and cybersecuritypublic accounting, with a focus on audit and assurance services for large organizations across various industries (financial services, technology, manufacturing).

  • Focus areas: IT Financial statement audits, control framework implementation (e.g., COBIT, NIST), risk assessments, policy development, and compliance reportinginternal control audits, regulatory compliance audits, and fraud investigations.

  • Previous roles: IT Compliance Analyst Partner at a financial services Big Four accounting firm, IT Risk Consultant Audit Director at a technology consulting national accounting firm, IT Auditor Senior Manager at a Big Four regional accounting firm.

  • Special certifications or skills: Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISAPublic Accountant (CPA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control Auditor (CRISCCISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISMFraud Examiner (CFE)

Industry: Depending on the organization's focus (financial services, healthcare, technology, etc.) Accounting and Audit

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure the organization's IT systems and processes comply with relevant regulations, industry standards, and internal policies.

  • Develop and maintain IT policies, procedures, and controls to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.

  • Conduct IT audits and risk assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

  • Implement and monitor IT governance frameworks (e.g., COBIT, NIST).

  • Prepare and submit IT compliance reports to management and regulatory bodies.

  • Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to ensure alignment on compliance requirements.

Goals:

  • Maintain a strong IT compliance program that protects the organization from legal, financial, and reputational risks.

  • Identify and remediate IT compliance gaps and vulnerabilities proactively.

  • Promote a culture of compliance awareness and responsibility within the IT organization.

  • Stay up-to-date with the latest IT compliance regulations Lead and manage audit engagements for large organizations, ensuring compliance with auditing standards and regulatory requirements.

  • Plan and execute audit procedures to assess the fairness of financial statements and the effectiveness of internal controls.

  • Identify and evaluate financial risks, including fraud risks, and communicate findings to management and the audit committee.

  • Provide recommendations for improving internal controls and financial reporting processes.

  • Supervise and mentor audit staff.

Goals:

  • Deliver high-quality audit services that meet or exceed client expectations.

  • Maintain the firm's reputation for independence, objectivity, and professional excellence.

  • Build strong relationships with clients and develop a deep understanding of their businesses.

  • Contribute to the development of auditing standards and best practices.

Challenges:

  • Keeping pace with the constantly evolving regulatory landscape and technology trends.

  • Translating complex IT compliance requirements into practical actions and controls.

  • Balancing the need for security and compliance with business agility and innovation.

  • Gaining buy-in and support for IT compliance initiatives from other departments and stakeholdersMaintaining independence and objectivity while building strong client relationships.

  • Managing complex audit engagements with tight deadlines and demanding clients.

  • Staying current on evolving accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

  • Attracting and retaining top audit talent in a competitive market.

Motivations:

  • Protecting the organization from cyber threats and data breaches.

  • Ensuring the integrity and reliability of IT systems and data.

  • Promoting a culture of security and compliance within the IT organization.

  • Building a successful career in IT compliance and risk managementpublic interest by ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting.

  • Helping organizations improve their financial reporting and internal control processes.

  • Making a positive impact on the accounting profession.

  • Mentoring and developing the next generation of auditors.

Tech-Savviness:

  • Highly tech-savvy with deep IT systems, infrastructure, and security expertise.

  • Proficient in using various IT compliance and risk management tools, such as GRC platforms, vulnerability scanners, and SIEM systems.

  • Able to understand and interpret technical security and compliance documentationexpertise in audit software, data analytics tools, and financial reporting systems.

  • Comfortable with using technology to automate audit procedures and improve efficiency.

  • Open to exploring emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain for audit purposes.

Behavioral Traits:

  • DetailAnalytical and detail-oriented and methodical, with a strong focus on accuracy and thoroughnessprecision.

  • Analytical and problem-solving mindset, able to effectively identify and address IT compliance issues.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for explaining technical compliance requirements to non-technical stakeholdersSkeptical and inquisitive, always seeking to understand the underlying reasons behind financial transactions and events.

  • Strong communicator, both written and verbal, able to explain complex accounting and audit concepts to non-experts.

  • Collaborative and team-oriented, willing able to work with others to achieve compliance goals.Ethical and principled, with a solid commitment to integrity and doing the right thingeffectively with clients and colleagues.

Sources of Information:

  • Regulatory agency websites and publications Professional auditing standards and guidelines (e.g., NIST, HIPAA, PCI DSSPCAOB, AICPA).

  • Industry-specific IT compliance resources and newsletters.IT compliance and risk management conferences and workshopspublications and research on accounting and auditing.

  • Regulatory updates and guidance from relevant agencies (e.g., SEC, PCAOB).

  • Networking with other IT compliance professionalsauditors and attending professional development events.

Quote:

"IT compliance is not just about following rules; it's about protecting the organization's assets and reputation by ensuring that our technology systems and processes are secure, reliable, and compliant with relevant regulations and standardsExternal auditors play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of financial markets and protecting the interests of investors. By upholding the highest standards of professionalism and independence, we can provide assurance that financial statements are fair and accurate, and that organizations are operating with effective internal controls."