Program Specialist Project Coordinator

RUSSELL E. NEEDLER, CPA, CIA, CGAP

312-***-**** ***********@*****.***

OVERVIEW: Dynamic, dedicated and results-driven Certified Public Accountant with comprehensive expertise in the audit sector. Highly knowledgeable and experienced in technical accounting, audits and inspections, data analytics and quality control within the public sector. Excellent communicator, team leader and project coordinator who excels at managing multiple assignments simultaneously, collaborating cross-functionally, ensuring client satisfaction, and achieving company goals. Seeking to expand accounting expertise and leadership capabilities into new businesses beyond current employment.

SKILLS & • Financial Auditing • Process Management & Improvement • GAAP and GAAS

EXPERTISE: • Training & Mentorship • Financial Statements & Reporting • Project Management

• Account Reconciliation • Interpersonal Communication • Consulting

• Team Leadership • Policy Analysis & Research • Data Analytics

• Regulatory Compliance • Microsoft Office 365 Suite • Quality Assurance

EXPERIENCE: OFFICE OF THE COUNTY AUDITOR 2023 to Present

Audit Manager Chicago, IL

Provide independent and objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve

the County’s operations while promoting transparency and accountability in government. Conduct financial, management and performance audits of all Cook County departments, offices, boards, activities, agencies

and programs and any government entity that is funded in whole or in part by the County. Aid the County

in accomplishing its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of countywide risk management, control, and governance processes.

•Audit Planning: Aid the County Auditor in conducting the annual risk assessment and developing

the risk-based annual audit plan in cooperation with County management.

•Compliance & Internal Controls: Analyze internal controls to improve accountability and transparency,

ensure adherence to policies and procedures, minimize risks, and protect assets. Conduct contract

compliance audits to verify performance by third party vendors. Conduct performance audits to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Completed internal reviews to ensure compliance with rules, regulations, and laws.

•Assurance Services and Special Projects: Perform special projects and management requests in

partnership with Cook County leadership and the Board of Commissioners

CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT 2011 to 2022

Director Of Audit Chicago, IL

Developed the audit function for CPD. Wrote a comprehensive Audit Charter to meet auditing standards.

Established the reporting structure to insure independence. Created and defined the form and function

of the Audit Management Committee to work cooperatively with CPD management to improve efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, and accountability. Reported audit results to top levels of CPD management.

•Audit Planning: Conducted annual risk assessments and developed the risk-based annual audit plan in

cooperation with CPD management.

•Compliance & Internal Controls: Analyzed internal controls to improve accountability and

transparency, assure adherence to policies and procedures, minimize risks, and protect assets.

Conducted contract compliance audits to verify performance by third party vendors. Conducted

performance audits to improve efficiency and effectiveness of CPD operations. Completed internal

reviews to ensure compliance with rules, regulations, and laws.

•Assurance Services and Special Projects: Performed special projects and management

requests including financial reviews, analysis of third-party financial statements and revenue streams, and analysis of performance by not-for-profit partners. Reviewed park utilization patterns to provide staffing recommendations. Performed compliance reviews for permitted vendors operating on CPD property.

•Reporting & Presentation: Presented audit and review findings at monthly meetings of the Audit

Management Committee comprised of top-level CPD management. Worked with management at all

levels to assure compliance with recommendations and achievement of desired outcomes.

•Staff Management and Training: Participated in hiring staff and provided training and guidance to help

develop staff skills and meet auditing standards

.

Highlights

Conducted financial analyses and provided a framework for CPD partnership with

producers of large-scale events including Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, and Pitchfork Music Festivals that increased revenues to CPD by more than $5 million per year

Provided a road map for CPD to emerge from Shakman Decree hiring requirements,

resulting in cost savings and a streamlined hiring process

Helped safeguard a $2 million grant for the CPD Summer Food Program by

providing recommendations to improve data collection and reporting procedures

RUSSELL E. NEEDLER, CPA, CIA, CGAP

OFFICE OF CITY AUDITOR 2006 to 2011

Assistant City Auditor Austin, TX

Planned organized, directed, and performed a wide variety of professional auditing duties to assess the

effectiveness and efficiency of operations, reliability of financial reporting, and compliance with regulations.

• Operations Auditing: Prepared and reviewed reports to ensure that key operational,

financial or compliance risks and issues were sufficiently supported and documented.

• Quality Standards Development: Recommended approaches to interpreting and

implementing legal and regulatory requirements, administrative requirements, and

policies and procedures regarding engagement and implementation.

• Presentation: Conducted oral presentations to elected officials, management and employees,

reviewed written presentations and recommends improvements in organization, logical

presentation, and clarity as well as content.

Highlights

Established an audit presence at Austin Energy and conducted audit projects that

improved operations and provided cost savings

Performed a comprehensive audit of Austin Police Department operations, resulting

in over 100 recommendations to improve operations and provide cost savings

Completed a comprehensive risk assessment of the Austin Fire Department in

cooperation with senior management.

Analyzed citywide street repair and preventative maintenance activities to improve

efficiency and provide cost savings.

Completed a comprehensive analysis of costs and revenues for the Solid Waste

Services Department to help management determine how to best utilize resources

TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION 2004 to 2006

Program Specialist Austin, TX

Provided information to the Texas Legislature, Workforce Commission, and the Legislative Budget Board concerning workforce and welfare related issues and legislation.

OFFICE OF CITY AUDITOR 2002 to 2004

Auditor Austin, TX

Analyzed city programs and departments. Made recommendations for improvements in efficiency effectiveness, transparency and accountability of city government. Worked with auditors and city staff to aid in the implementation of audit recommendations. Reported findings to the city council, city management and the public, both verbally and in writing.

EDUCATION: INDIANA UNIVERSITY Bloomington, IN

Bachelor of Science - Business

AFFILIATIONS: • Institute of Internal Auditors

• Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants

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