Audit Partner Lead

Owned by Steven Piliero
May 21, 2024
2 min read

Name: Olivia "Liv" Martinez

Age: 45

Education: Master's in Accounting from the University of Southern California, B.S. in Business Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles

Professional Background:

  • 20+ years of experience in public accounting, with a focus on audit and assurance services for large commercial and public sector organizations.

  • Focus areas: Financial statement audits, internal control audits, regulatory compliance audits (SOX, HIPAA, GDPR), and cybersecurity audits.

  • Previous roles: Partner at a Big Four accounting firm, Director of Audit at a national accounting firm, Senior Manager at a regional accounting firm.

  • Special certifications or skills: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Industry: Accounting and Audit

Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage audit engagements, overseeing the planning, execution, and reporting phases.

  • Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor on audit and compliance matters.

  • Provide technical guidance and expertise to audit teams, ensuring adherence to professional standards and regulatory requirements.

  • Review audit findings and recommendations, ensuring they are clear, concise, and actionable.

  • Present audit results to senior management and audit committees.

Goals:

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

  • Build a reputation as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the audit and compliance space.

  • Develop and mentor a high-performing audit team.

  • Contribute to the growth and profitability of the firm.

Challenges:

  • Managing complex audit engagements with tight deadlines and competing priorities.

  • Keeping up with the evolving regulatory landscape and emerging risks.

  • Balancing the need for independence and objectivity with the need to build strong client relationships.

  • Attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.

Motivations:

  • Protecting the public interest by ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting.

  • Helping organizations improve their internal controls, risk management, and compliance programs.

  • Making a meaningful contribution to the accounting profession and the broader business community.

  • Mentoring and developing the next generation of audit leaders.

Tech-Savviness:

  • Highly tech-savvy, with expertise in audit software, data analytics tools, and collaboration platforms.

  • Proficient in using technology to automate audit procedures, analyze large datasets, and identify anomalies.

  • Open to exploring new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness.

Behavioral Traits:

  • Strategic thinker with strong leadership and decision-making skills.

  • Detail-oriented and methodical, with a focus on accuracy and quality.

  • Excellent communicator and relationship builder, able to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.

  • Ethical and principled, with a strong commitment to professional skepticism and independence.

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:

"Our role as auditors is to provide independent and objective assurance that organizations are operating with integrity and transparency. By upholding the highest standards of professionalism and utilizing the latest technologies, we can help our clients achieve their goals and build trust with their stakeholders."