Name: David "Dave" Kim Emily Davis
Age: 38 39
Education: Master's in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignCybersecurity from Georgia Tech, B.S. in Accounting Computer Science from Indiana University of Maryland
Professional Background:
1215+ years of experience in public accounting, focusing on audit and assurance services for large commercial and public sector organizationsIT security, with a focus on threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management.
Focus areas: Leading audit teams, managing client relationships, developing audit plans, executing audit procedures, and reviewing workpapersCybersecurity strategy, security operations, risk management, compliance, and security awareness training.
Previous roles: Audit IT Security Manager at a Big Four accounting firm, Senior Associate at a national accounting firm, Staff Accountant at a regional accounting firmlarge financial institution, Security Analyst at a cybersecurity consulting firm, Security Engineer at a technology company.
Special certifications or skills: Certified Public Accountant (CPAInformation Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Internal Auditor Ethical Hacker (CIACEH), Project Management Professional (PMPSANS GIAC certifications (e.g., GCIH, GCIA)
Industry: Accounting and Audit Varies depending on the organization's focus
Responsibilities:
Plan and execute audit engagements, overseeing the work of audit teams and ensuring adherence to professional standards and deadlines.
Manage client relationships, addressing client concerns and questions, and providing updates on audit progress.
Review audit work papers for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with auditing standards.
Identify and assess audit risks and control deficiencies, and develop recommendations for improvement.
Mentor and develop junior audit staff, providing guidance and feedback on their work.
Goals:
Deliver high-quality audit services that meet or exceed client expectations and regulatory requirements.
Build strong relationships with clients and colleagues, fostering trust and collaboration.
Develop and mentor a high-performing audit team.
Advance within the firm and take on increasing levels of responsibility.
Challenges:
Balancing multiple audit engagements with tight deadlines and competing priorities.
Managing and motivating audit teams, especially during busy season.
Staying up-to-date on evolving auditing standards and regulatory requirements.
Communicating complex audit findings and recommendations to clients in a clear and concise manner.
Motivations:
Solving complex problems and uncovering the "truth" behind financial information.
Helping organizations improve their internal controls and financial reporting processes.
Building a successful career in public accounting and becoming a trusted advisor to clients.
Mentoring and developing junior audit staff and contributing to their professional growth.
Tech-Savviness:
Proficient in using audit software, data analytics tools, and collaboration platforms.
Comfortable with leveraging technology to automate audit procedures and streamline workflows.
Open to exploring new technologies that can enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness.
Behavioral Traits:
Detail-oriented and organized, with a strong focus on accuracy and quality.
Analytical and critical thinker, able to identify potential risks and weaknesses in financial information.
Excellent communicator and collaborator, able to build rapport with clients and team members.
Decisive and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Sources of Information:
Professional auditing standards and guidelines (e.g., PCAOB, AICPA).
Industry publications and research on audit and compliance (e.g., The Journal of Accountancy, Compliance Week).
Regulatory updates and guidance from relevant agencies (e.g., SEC, PCAOB).
Networking with other audit professionals and attending industry events.
Quote:
...
Develop and implement the organization's cybersecurity strategy and policies.
Oversee security operations, including threat monitoring, incident response, and vulnerability management.
Manage security tools and technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits.
Develop and deliver security awareness training to employees.
Goals:
Protect the organization's critical assets and sensitive data from cyber threats.
Detect and respond to security incidents quickly and effectively.
Build a strong security culture within the organization.
Stay ahead of emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
Maintain compliance with relevant security standards and regulations.
Challenges:
Keeping up with the rapidly evolving threat landscape and sophisticated attack techniques.
Balancing security needs with business requirements and user experience.
Securing adequate resources and budget for cybersecurity initiatives.
Attracting and retaining skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Motivations:
Protecting the organization's reputation and customer trust.
Making a real difference in preventing cyberattacks and mitigating their impact.
Building a high-performing security team that is respected and trusted.
Staying at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation and best practices.
Tech-Savviness:
Highly tech-savvy with deep expertise in cybersecurity tools, technologies, and methodologies.
Proficient in using various security information and event management (SIEM) systems, threat intelligence platforms, and vulnerability scanners.
Able to analyze complex security data and identify potential threats.
Behavioral Traits:
Proactive and vigilant, always looking for ways to improve the organization's security posture.
Analytical and problem-solving mindset, able to quickly assess and respond to security incidents.
Strong communicator, able to explain technical security concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Collaborative and team-oriented, able to work effectively with other IT and business teams.
Sources of Information:
Threat intelligence feeds and cybersecurity news sources.
Industry reports and research on cybersecurity trends and best practices.
Security conferences and workshops.
Networking with other cybersecurity professionals.
Quote:
"Cybersecurity is not just about technology; it's about people, processes, and a culture of security awareness. By working together, we can create a resilient security posture that protects our organization from even the most sophisticated threats."