Name: Eleanor Patricia "ElliePat" ThompsonMitchell
Age: 55 45
Education: MBA from Harvard Business School J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, B.A. in Accounting from the University of PennsylvaniaPolitical Science from Wellesley College
Professional Background:
2518+ years of experience in professional services firms, with a focus on audit and assurance, risk management, and compliancelegal and compliance roles within regulated industries (financial services, healthcare).
Focus areas: Leading large-scale audit and compliance engagements, developing new service offerings, building client relationships, and managing partner teamsRegulatory compliance, risk management, policy development, internal audits, and compliance training.
Previous roles: Partner Senior Compliance Officer at a Big Four accounting firm, Managing Director of Risk Advisory Services, Head of Compliance Practicemajor financial institution, Legal Counsel at a healthcare organization, Compliance Manager at a pharmaceutical company.
Special certifications or skills: Certified Public Accountant (CPARegulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISCPrivacy Professional (CIPP/US)
Industry: Accounting and Consulting Financial Services (or Healthcare, depending on the organization's focus)
Responsibilities:
Oversee Develop and implement the firmorganization'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 software, data analytics tools, and collaboration platforms.
Open to exploring new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, to enhance audit and compliance processes.
Behavioral Traits:
Strategic thinker with a strong business acumen and leadership skills.
Excellent communicator 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 services.
Sources of Information:
Industry publications and research reports (e.g., The Journal of Accountancy, Compliance Week).
Professional conferences and events (e.g., AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE, ISACA Conference).
Networking with other professionals in the audit and compliance field.
Client feedback and surveys.
Quote:
...
comprehensive compliance program.
Oversee regulatory compliance activities, including monitoring, reporting, and risk assessments.
Draft and update internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
Manage internal audits and investigations of potential compliance violations.
Provide guidance and training to employees on compliance-related matters.
Goals:
Maintain a robust compliance program that effectively mitigates legal and financial risks.
Foster a culture of compliance awareness and ethical behavior throughout the organization.
Build strong relationships with regulators and industry stakeholders.
Stay ahead of emerging regulatory trends and ensure the organization's compliance program remains current and effective.
Challenges:
Keeping pace with the constantly evolving regulatory landscape.
Balancing the need for compliance with business objectives and operational efficiency.
Securing adequate resources and budget for compliance initiatives.
Communicating the importance of compliance to all levels of the organization.
Motivations:
Protecting the organization's reputation and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Making a positive impact on society by promoting ethical business practices and compliance with the law.
Building a high-performing compliance team that the organization respects and trusts.
Staying intellectually challenged by the complexities of regulatory compliance.
Tech-Savviness:
Comfortable using compliance management software, legal research databases, and data analytics tools.
Open to exploring new technologies to enhance compliance processes and improve efficiency.
Understand the importance of data security and privacy in compliance.
Behavioral Traits:
Detail-oriented and methodical, with a strong focus on accuracy and thoroughness.
Ethical and principled, with a strong commitment to integrity and fairness.
Strong communicator and collaborator, able to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Risk-averse and proactive in identifying and mitigating potential compliance issues.
Sources of Information:
Regulatory agency websites and publications.
Industry-specific compliance resources and newsletters.
Legal counsel and compliance consultants.
Networking with other compliance professionals.
Quote:
"Compliance is not just a checklist; it's a mindset. By fostering a culture of compliance awareness and ethical behavior, we can protect our organization, customers, and reputation."