Name: Eleanor Katherine "EllieKate" ThompsonJohnson
Age: 55 58
Education: MBA from Harvard Business SchoolWharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, B.AS. in Accounting from the New York University of Pennsylvania
Professional Background:
2530+ years of experience in professional services firms, with a focus on audit and assurance, risk management, and compliancefinance and accounting, including executive roles at publicly traded companies.
Focus areas: Leading large-scale audit and compliance engagements, developing new service offerings, building client relationships, and managing partner teamsFinancial reporting, internal controls, risk management, corporate governance, and audit committee oversight.
Previous roles: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at a technology company, Audit Committee Chair at multiple public companies, Partner at a Big Four accounting firm, Managing Director of Risk Advisory Services, Head of Compliance Practice.
Special certifications or skills: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
Industry: Accounting and Consulting
Responsibilities:
Oversee the firm's audit and compliance practice, setting strategic direction and ensuring quality service delivery.
Build and maintain relationships with key clients, including C-suite executives and board members.
Lead business development efforts, identifying new opportunities and expanding the firm's client base.
Manage partner teams, providing mentorship and guidance, and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
Represent the firm at industry events and conferences, building thought leadership and brand awareness.
Goals:
Grow the firm's audit and compliance practice, increasing revenue and market share.
Establish the firm as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the industry.
Attract and retain top talent, building a high-performing team.
Maintain the firm's reputation for quality, integrity, and independence.
Challenges:
Navigating a complex and evolving regulatory landscape.
Managing client expectations and balancing competing priorities.
Maintaining profitability and managing costs in a highly competitive market.
Attracting and retaining top talent in a rapidly changing industry.
Motivations:
Making a positive impact on clients' businesses by helping them improve their risk management and compliance programs.
Building a thriving and successful practice that delivers exceptional value to clients.
Developing the next generation of leaders in the audit and compliance field.
Upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
Tech-Savviness:
Highly tech-savvy, with a deep understanding of the role of technology in audit and compliance.
Proficient in using audit Management Accountant (CMA), extensive experience serving on audit committees.
Industry: Varies depending on the organization's focus (publicly traded companies)
Responsibilities:
Serve as a member of the organization's audit committee, providing independent oversight of financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management.
Review and approve the organization's financial statements.
Oversee the work of the internal and external auditors.
Assess the effectiveness of the organization's whistleblower program and ethics hotline.
Provide guidance to management on financial reporting and internal control matters.
Goals:
Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the organization's financial reporting.
Identify and address financial risks and control weaknesses.
Promote strong corporate governance and ethical practices.
Protect the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders.
Challenges:
Balancing the need for oversight with the need to avoid micromanagement.
Understanding complex accounting and financial reporting issues.
Staying informed about emerging risks and regulatory changes.
Building effective working relationships with management and auditors.
Motivations:
Contributing to the organization's long-term success and sustainability.
Protecting the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders.
Upholding high standards of corporate governance and financial reporting.
Sharing knowledge and experience to help the organization improve.
Tech-Savviness:
Comfortable with financial reporting software, data analytics tools, and collaboration platforms.
Understand the importance of technology in financial reporting and internal controls.
Open to exploring learning about new technologies , such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, to enhance audit and compliance processesthat can enhance audit committee oversight.
Behavioral Traits:
Strategic thinker Independent and objective, with a strong business acumen and leadership skillscommitment to integrity and ethics.
Excellent communicator Inquisitive and relationship builder, able to connect with clients and colleagues at all levels.
Results-oriented and driven to achieve ambitious goals.
Passionate about audit and compliance and committed to delivering high-quality servicesskeptical, always asking probing questions.
Experienced and knowledgeable in financial matters.
Collaborative and respectful in interactions with management and auditors.
Sources of Information:
Financial statements and regulatory filings.
Audit reports from internal and external auditors.
Industry publications and research reports (e.g., The Journal of Accountancy, Compliance Week).Professional conferences and events (e.g., AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE, ISACA Conference)on financial reporting and corporate governance.
Networking with other professionals in the audit and compliance field.Client feedback and surveyscommittee members and financial professionals.
Quote:
"Our firm's success is built on trust, expertise, and a commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients. By staying at the forefront of industry trends and embracing new technologies, we can help our clients navigate complex challenges and achieve their strategic objectivesThe audit committee plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting, which is essential for maintaining investor confidence and protecting the interests of all stakeholders."