Audit and Assurance Professional

Persona: Audit and Assurance Professional

Name: Lisa Thompson

Age: 34

Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) credentials.

Professional Background:

  • Eight years of experience in auditing and assurance, focusing on the retail industry.

  • Previous roles included being an external auditor at a Big Four accounting firm and an internal auditor at a retail corporation.

  • Extensive experience in financial auditing, internal controls, and compliance assessments.

Industry: Retail

Responsibilities:

  • Conducting internal and external audits to ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal policies.

  • Evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management processes.

  • Preparing audit reports and presenting findings to management and stakeholders.

  • Advising on improvements in compliance practices and risk mitigation.

  • Staying updated on changes in accounting standards and compliance regulations.

Goals:

  • To provide thorough and accurate assurance of company compliance with financial and operational standards.

  • To enhance the company's internal control systems and risk management strategies.

Challenges:

  • Adapting auditing practices to a rapidly changing retail environment, including e-commerce.

  • Balancing thoroughness with efficiency in the auditing process.

  • Keeping up-to-date with evolving accounting standards and compliance regulations.

Motivations:

  • A commitment to upholding financial integrity and transparency in the retail sector.

  • A passion for identifying and addressing potential areas of improvement in financial and operational processes.

Tech-Savviness:

  • Proficient in auditing software and tools like ACL, IDEA, or SAP Audit Management.

  • Familiar with ERP systems and data analysis tools for comprehensive audits.

Behavioral Traits:

  • Highly detail-oriented with a critical and analytical approach.

  • Strong communication skills for effectively presenting findings and recommendations.

  • Ethical and objective in evaluating and reporting on compliance and financial matters.

 

Quote: "In auditing, every detail tells a story about a business's financial health and integrity."