Brian Lesh CPA, CISA

Audit & Risk Management Leader

ad1swm@r.postjobfree.com • 404-***-****

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-lesh-cpa-cisa-1a2a641/ • Roswell, GA 30076

Seasoned professional with a proven track record with extensive experience in leading comprehensive audit programs, conducting in-depth risk assessments, and driving impactful compliance initiatives. Accomplished track record of implementing robust internal audit methodologies and leveraging data analytics for impactful insights. Expertise in creating strategic audit strategies, applying forward-thinking risk advisory practices, and delivering technical solutions for financial and operational improvement. Recognized for navigating challenges at different companies, operating as "roll-up-your-sleeves" leader, providing direction on SOX compliance, and developing high-caliber audit talent. Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills with keen understanding of emerging technologies and their impact on audit practices.

Areas of Expertise

Strategic Audit Leadership

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Technology Integration

IT & Operational Assessments

Comprehensive Audit Programs

Enterprise Risk Management

Stakeholder Communication

Technical Solutions Delivery

Global Team Building & Leadership

Advanced Audit Methodologies

SOX/Operational & IT Audits

Continuous Improvement Initiatives

Key Accomplishments

Orchestrated development and leadership of department comprising 15 direct reports and 35 members within matrixed global organization Walmart.

Cultivated partnerships and relationships with challenging internal and external stakeholders. Successfully garnered support for transformative initiatives and new business strategies.

Attained successive promotions, progressively shouldering greater responsibilities and reaching heightened corporate visibility; oversaw global teams, managed expansive projects, and engaged with extended customer base.

Leveraged professional acumen and leadership proficiency to integrate Walmart's independent IT audit teams globally. Drove seamless collaboration and enhanced cooperation within broader global risk and compliance framework.

Professional Experience

Americold Realty Trust, Atlanta, GA 2020 – Present

Vice President, Internal Audit

Oversee all facets of Internal Audit function, encompassing annual risk assessment, formulation of audit plan, supervision of fieldwork, and comprehensive reporting and tracking of audit issues. Manage and supervise global SOX-related compliance initiatives, ensuring adherence on worldwide scale. Implement and manage regular reporting and communication channels for Company's Audit Committee and Executive Leaders.

Pioneered and directed the establishment of Company's global Enterprise Risk Management program office.

Successfully implemented Company's Enterprise Risk Management Program, enhancing audit output from 12 reports annually to 20 reports annually, and established dedicated audit team in Europe.

Icahn Automotive Group, Atlanta, GA 2018 – 2020

Vice President, Internal Audit

Headed team of five direct reports and managed $1.5M in outsourced internal audit services annually. Directed all facets of Company's Sarbanes-Oxley 404 compliance endeavors, from risk assessment and documentation of in-scope processes to walkthroughs, tests of design and operating effectiveness of controls over financial reporting, and ensuring timely implementation of remediation measures. Collaborated closely with external auditors to ensure effective communication and alignment with audit objectives.

Established and operationalized Data Analytics function within Internal Audit, yielding annual efficiencies exceeding $500K in accounts receivable collection and quarterly recoveries surpassing $200K in identifying and rectifying duplicate accounts payable invoice payments.

oImplemented Company's ERM program, and established data analytics group through employee participation in GA Tech's Data Analytics 6-month certificate program.

Initiated and led corporate-wide Enterprise Risk Management function, fortifying core processes, capitalizing on business opportunities, and addressing identified risks hindering achievement of Company's strategic objectives.

Instituted nightly routine to preemptively identify duplicate payments before processing A/P checks for day.

Citizens Lanier, Atlanta, GA 2015 – 2018

Chief Audit Executive

Oversaw complete management of Internal Audit function, collaborating with key business leaders and providing quarterly audit result reports to Executive Management and Audit Committee. Produced annual risk assessments, crafted yearly audit plans, and directed audit project execution. Delivered recommendations to enhance operational activities, financial processes, and internal controls.

Orchestrated preparation of company for initial public offering (IPO), encompassing compliance with Section 404 regulations.

Led decision-making process to cease Initial Public Offering (IPO) proceedings in response to prevailing financial challenges.

Orchestrated company-wide fraud investigations, resulting in annual recovery of $150K, and implemented vital fraud controls.

Established Company's SOX program, preparing organization to transition to public status.

Walmart, Bentonville, AR 2010 – 2015

Market Lead, Global Financial Controls

Developed and implemented robust monitoring and oversight processes and controls, mitigating anticorruption and competition-related risks. Identified opportunities to encourage local reporting of potential issues. Conducted periodic assessments of FCPA anticorruption and anticompetition compliance to ensure ongoing adherence to regulatory standards.

Elevated to role of FCPA Market Lead, tasked with orchestrating global, cross-functional team to deploy FCPA monitoring and risk assessment program in India and UK.

Recognized for exemplary service with Walmart Champions $10,000 Award for resolving issues related to Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and underscoring organizational commitment.

Senior Director Global Audit

Oversaw all Internal Audit functions pertaining to Global Purchasing/Procurement, Global IT, and Global E-Commerce. Established and strategically led department with direct/indirect reports, ensuring seamless coordination and optimal team performance.

Enhanced global risk and compliance function globally by consolidating resources and applying technological advancements, methodology, professional practices, international reporting, and employee training.

Pioneered and led inaugural audit team dedicated to managing risks in eCommerce at Walmart Labs.

Additional Experience

AVP IT Internal Audit, EQUIFAX, Atlanta, GA 2005 – 2010

Part-Time Instructor, University of Georgia JM Tull Graduate School of Accounting (while working for Equifax) 2007 – 2008

Director/Senior Manager/Manager/Associate - Advisory Services Practice, KPMG LLP, Atlanta, GA 1999 – 2005

Education

Master of Science in Computer Information Systems Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA

Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Certifications & Credentials

CPA – GA022272 CISA – 0436422 CISSP – 22982 (Lapsed)

Lead risk management projects including (but not limited to): perform operational risk activities, conduct Risk and Controls Self-Assessments, participate in change management activities, perform controls assessments and controls testing.

Conduct analyses of the client's risk management framework, operating models, and supporting infrastructure and formulate recommendations and roadmaps to improve the client's risk management capabilities.

Perform risk and controls and risk maturity assessments to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement and advise and execute roadmaps to improve the controls.

Build trusted relationships with clients and work internally across client’s risk advisory teams to help bring our clients the most comprehensive, end-to-end risk management services to effectively address their business challenges.

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