RANDY LAFOREST
*** ********* ******** *****: 519-***-**** (home)
Windsor, Ontario 313-***-**** (cell)
N9G 2M4 E-Mail: abmq9p@r.postjobfree.com
A dedicated professional committed to continuous learning and improvement,
desiring to employ my skills and experience to lead a professional team in
delivery of world class internal audit, information technology, accounting
and financial services.
Master of Business Administration, University of Windsor, completed June
2010.
Bachelor of Commerce, Honors Business Administration, University of
Windsor, completed April 1992.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), conferred November 2005.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), conferred November 2005.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), conferred October 2003.
Ashland Inc. Columbus, OH August 2009 to present
IT Audit Project Leader
o Planning and management of global information technology audit projects
to achieve quality, timing and budget objectives. Project scope includes
systems development, IT processes, data centers, ERP controls and
networks.
o Assessment of design and operating efficiency and effectiveness of SAP
and Hyperion applications, UNIX operating system, Oracle database and GRC
tools such as Compliance Calibrator and Access Enforcer.
o Department manager for planning, testing and reporting of company-wide
SOX 404 ITGC and application controls. Responsibilities include
development and modification of audit programs, oversight and evaluation
of audit personnel during fieldwork phase, monitoring of SOX project
budget to ensure timely completion and documentation of fieldwork and
identified deficiencies, and completion of audit reports.
o Project manager for two global SAP system implementations, including data
conversion and validation assessment, integration testing, change
management, system interface, end user training, role mapping and post
implementation support areas. Responsibilities include audit planning
and development of audit program, supervision and evaluation of team
personnel during fieldwork phases, and completion of interim and final
audit memorandums.
o Effective usage of Lotus Notes database, specifically AutoAudit for
workpaper documentation purposes.
o Practical knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, MS Project and
Visio software.
o Practical usage of generally accepted IT audit and security standards,
statements and best practices in development of audit programs,
specifically COBIT framework.
o Assistance in the development of Ashland's 2010 IT audit plan, based on
identification of Ashland's audit universe and performance of risk
analysis and assessment. .
o Support in the hiring, training and evaluation of IT audit staff.
TRW Automotive Livonia, MI February 2008 to February
2009
Audit Manager
o Leadership for efficient and effective execution of financial, SOX 404,
IT and operational audits for global TRW locations, ensuring audit
objectives were met and were consistent with professional standards
throughout the planning, fieldwork, reporting and remediation stages.
SOX audit oversight includes assessment, coordination and implementation
of compliance in accordance with SOX 404 standards.
o Project manager for establishment and ongoing improvement of global
compliance risk management assessment programs for TRW's corporate,
divisional and unit levels, including an integrated control framework and
process for maintaining risk controls, an ongoing key risk monitoring
process and global audit risk assessment functionality.
o Project manager for establishment, implementation and continual
enhancement of planning and fieldwork tools for TRW's overall audit
process.
o Development and ongoing enhancement of the SOX reporting process.
o Development and distribution of comprehensive audit reports with insight
to emphasize maximum financial, information systems and operational
improvements.
o Development of strong relationships with key business stakeholders to
gain a thorough understanding of TRW's risk profile and core business
processes and controls.
o Management and execution of fraud investigations.
o Support in the hiring and continual development and evaluation of audit
staff.
o Assistance in the development of TRW's 2009 audit plan and monthly audit
staff budgeting requirements, through usage of TeamSchedule for efficient
scheduling and tracking of audit resources.
o Effective usage of audit programs and tools, including Microsoft Office
programs, CCH TeamMate, ACL and Visio.
o Strong understanding of ERP systems including SAP, QAD and PeopleSoft.
o Thorough knowledge of generally accepted financial and IT audit and
security standards, statements and best practices.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Detroit, MI January 2005 to February 2008
Senior Associate (Project Manager) - Internal Audit Services
o Management of various professional audit teams, providing co-sourced
Sarbanes Oxley 404 compliance and ITGC control testing services to Delphi
Thermal & Interior Division headquarters in Troy, Michigan. Responsible
for all aspects of internal audit service, including project planning,
project management of PwC and client based US, European and Asian audit
teams, and audit report generation for Delphi Corporate headquarters.
o Project manager for various audit related projects, including management
of personnel, budgets and project timelines to ensure that testing and
deficiencies were timely completed, accurately reported, and adequately
remediated. Project management functions included Sarbanes Oxley 404
compliance engagements, operational and financial audits, information
technology general computer controls and fraud risk assessments.
Functional management responsibilities varied among diverse multinational
corporations (ArvinMeritor, Hayes Lemmerz, CMS Energy, BorgWarner,
Autoliv, Lear Corporation, Flagstar Bank, LaSalle Bank) that encompassed
manufacturing, utility and financial industries. International audit
management experience included direct interaction with senior management
and remotely located audit staff based on business travel to various
European and Latin American (including Mexico) site locations.
o Project manager for the analysis of Delphi's global financial reporting
structure and system interfaces for subsequent SOX testing purposes.
o Project management involving the divestiture of fixed assets relating to
Delphi's Steering Division. Project activities included analysis of fair
market values as well as confirmation of physical existence and accurate
financial reporting of current net book values.
o Proven experience with financial and ITGC controls pertaining to SAP,
QAD, MFG/Pro, JD Edwards, Oracle and Hyperion systems.
o Technical knowledge and formal training relevant to SAP implementation,
module application and report generation.
o Participation in campus recruitment for the firm, including the interview
and hiring decision process for experienced and campus recruit candidates.
Comerica Bank Detroit, MI August 2003 to January 2005
Audit Supervisor
o Supervised staff on a project level basis, by providing hands-on training
to team members and evaluating their performance. International audit
supervisory experience included direct interaction with senior management
and audit staff based on business travel to the company's Mexico City and
Toronto locations.
o Functioned as an integral liaison with department management, by
providing review of audit work papers and advice for improvement of audit
programs.
o Provided audit support for departmental audits and projects which
encompassed financial and operational aspects, with a primary focus
toward Sarbanes Oxley 404 compliance, IT general controls and fraud risk
assessment.
o Reported the results of audit assignments to senior audit management
along with constructive recommendations for issue resolution.
o Maintained primary contact with client management; promoted their
understanding, cooperation and acceptance of the audit function.
o Participated in developing and enhancing audit services in response to
changes in the client's business and objectives, as well as changes in
current audit technology.
o Developed specialized knowledge of business practices and operations of
assigned departments.
o Expressed an opinion and made recommendations on the following criteria
for all areas reviewed in a high-quality, professional manner, including
the adequacy of internal controls, the reliability of accounting
information, the quality of ongoing operations of the areas reviewed, the
compliance with applicable regulations and standards, and the
preparedness of computer system conversions.
City of Detroit Detroit, MI June 2001 to August 2003
Internal Auditor
o Interacted with department heads, administrators and financial management
staff related to the auditing process.
o Functioned as team leader for performance and financial related audits,
including the improvement of profitability and organizational efficiency.
o Advised management on financial and operational improvements, and
recommended the implementation of policies and procedures to minimize
risk.
o Managed the audits and analysis of accounts pertaining to transactions of
City departments and agencies.
o Conducted on-site audits pertaining to the strengthening of the control
environment and the streamlining of departmental processes.
o Reviewed, tested, and evaluated internal accounting controls,
administrative systems and procedures.
o Prepared audit work papers and collected evidence to support audit
findings, conclusions and recommendations.
o Wrote audit reports which explain audit findings and provided
recommendations to upper management.
o Assisted in the design and installation of new accounting and/or cash-
handling systems for various departments and agencies.
o Assisted in the detection, development and management of controls for
fraud protection.
o Assisted in performing separate audits to fulfill grantor-imposed audit
requirements, which included review of financial statements, evaluation
of internal controls and program compliance.
o Assisted in the annual reviewing and analyzing of the Mayor's proposed
City budget.
Lambton Financial Credit Sarnia, ON January 1997 to June 2001
Union
Branch Manager
Managed and developed commercial and personal credit portfolio valued in
excess of $100 million, including solicitation of new business, full credit
risk analysis and decision making, and ongoing administration, monitoring
and collection of commercial and retail accounts. Particular emphasis on
financial statement analysis and financial planning functions. Directly
responsible for increasing total credit portfolio by over $25 million for a
4 year period. Directly responsible for consistently maintaining
uncollectible accounts at less than .25% of the total credit portfolio.
Managed a successful group of four personal credit officers in all aspects
of credit decision-making and collection procedures. Supervisory
responsibilities included the monitoring, development, performance
management and conflict resolution duties of a highly motivated staff.
Managed and administered complete credit union portfolio of mutual funds,
including budgeting, marketing, and implementation of policies and
procedures. Responsible for increasing company's asset portfolio by
personally initiating and implementing all aspects of the mutual fund
program into the credit union structure.
Managed three mutual fund representatives in all aspects of mutual fund
account management, including ongoing training and support, financial
analysis and financial reporting.
Managed a group of six individuals for administration and provision of the
branch's banking products and services.
Support in the hiring and continual development and evaluation of audit
staff.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Windsor, ON September 1993 to January
Commerce 1997
Commercial Account and Investment Manager
Managed and developed portfolio consisting of over 150 commercial and
personal accounts, including financial statement analysis, credit
investigation, and company business plan assessment and review.
Solicited new commercial and personal credit and investment business.
Executed cross-selling of various investment products.
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Columbus OH Chapter.
Institute of Internal Auditors, Columbus OH Chapter.
Information Systems and Control Association, Columbus OH Chapter.
Windsor South Canadian Little League T-Ball (Team Manager).
Fluent in the English and French languages, written working knowledge of
the Spanish language.
Option Strategies Course, completed 2002.
Futures Licensing Course, completed 2001.
Options Licensing Course, completed 2001.
Derivatives Fundamentals Course, completed 2001.
Conduct & Practices Course, completed 2001.
The Branch Manager's Course, completed 2000.
Canadian Securities Course, completed 1996.
Investment Funds in Canada, completed 1994.
Languages and Professional Development
Education
Professional
Credentials
Professional
Experience
Memberships and Volunteer Work