Internal Auditor Audit

ELIZABETH ARGUELLES

***-** **** **** **********, NY 11357

917-***-**** *****.*********@*****.***

QUALIFICATIONS

, Certified Internal Auditor

Accomplished Certified Internal Auditor with 20 years of proven success in auditing proficiency within the retail, banking, insurance, health care, manufacturing, software solutions and non-profit industries. Successfully passed the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Examination in one (1) sitting. Comprehensive knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley, COSO 2013, ITGC Framework, SSAE18, ITIL, NYDFS Regulations, General Data Protection Regulation (EU), NIST Cybersecurity Framework and COBIT. Proficient in applying GAAP to auditing engagements and management reports. Preparing to sit down for CISA examination. Reputation as a meticulous professional with excellent problem solving, communication, and analytical skills. Fluent in English and Filipino. Technically proficient in SAP, NetSuite, JD Edwards, Workday, Audit Board, Salesforce, Great Plains, and Microsoft Office suites. Core competencies include:

Auditing Compliance Internal Controls

Sarbanes-Oxley ITGC Risk Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

G-III Apparel Group, New York, NY July 2024 – January 2025

SOX Auditor

Responsible for the execution of Internal Audit projects and supported all aspects of Internal Audit function from audit planning, execution, and follow-up including delivering insight reports that highlight process gaps, control deficiencies and areas for improvement.

Supported the company’s Compliance efforts including Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, Operational Audit, Investigations and Enterprise Risk Management.

Evaluated control deficiencies for impact and performed root cause analysis to determine appropriate management actions.

Monitored and supported management's remediation efforts to closure, including review of supporting evidence.

Evaluated potential risks associated with new projects from a SOX perspective, identifying key areas of concern that may impact financial reporting.

Developed and assessed necessary controls to mitigate identified risks, ensuring they align with SOX compliance and the organization’s internal control framework.

Provided training and guidance to project teams on SOX compliance and internal control standards, ensuring a culture of compliance throughout the organization.

Monitored ongoing projects and existing controls, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement in compliance processes and risk management strategies.

Environmental Defense Fund, New York, NY December 2022 – July 2024

Manager, Internal Audit

Responsible for the execution of Internal Audit projects and supports all aspects of Internal Audit function from audit planning, execution, and follow-up including delivering insight reports that highlight process gaps, control deficiencies and areas for improvement.

Developed and executed detailed audit plans and maintained documentation of audit work papers, findings and recommendations.

Performed assessments of ITGC and Application controls by testing for Access Control, Change Management, and IT operations in line with COBIT and NIST framework.

Prepared clear and concise audit reports documenting findings, recommendations, and action plans, presenting them to senior management and the Audit Committee.

Monitored the implementation of corrective actions based on audit findings and ensure timely resolution of outstanding issues.

Performed quarterly audit of employee T&E expenses to ensure they comply with company policies and procedures, checked for accuracy of receipts and documentation, identified potential fraudulent or non-compliant spending, and reported findings to relevant stakeholders.

Supported multiple projects simultaneously and effectively managed timelines to deliver high quality work products in a timely and efficient manner.

Continuously expanded knowledge of data analytics to enhance audit testing, identify opportunities for continuous monitoring and repeatable test plans.

Performed special reviews and other related duties as assigned.

Starr Companies, New York, NY October 2015-November 2022

Senior Internal Auditor

Performed financial, operational, and IT audits of Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) and Managing General Agents (MGAs) handling premium and claims on the Company’s behalf.

Drove compliance efforts by efficiently handling the completion of the company’s Model Audit Rule (MAR).

Performed financial, operational and ITGC and compliance audits including audit planning, execution, identifying and defining issues and recommendations, and reporting.

Evaluated average of thirty (30) SOC 1 and 2 reports annually to analyze audit exceptions noted and work with the process owners with the complementary user entity controls.

Expanded business reach by developing working relationships with key stakeholders.

●Streamlined workflow by developing audit plans, test procedures, and risk assessments.

●Optimized processes through identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions.

Developed ITGC Framework based on COBIT, ITIL, NIST Cybersecurity, ISO 27001 and other related frameworks.

Identified opportunities to improve the efficiency of operations and make value added recommendations to improve the control environment.

Communicated and collaborated with management to ensure control concerns and/or operational inefficiencies are appropriately addressed.

Responsible for drafting Audit report and communicating audit results to senior management.

Mentored and provided guidance and training to auditors as needed.

Assisted external auditors as well as external parties in the annual review of financial statements as necessary and regulatory compliance.

WOLTERS KLUWER, INC, New York, NY March 2010 – April 2015

Internal Controls Officer (ICO)

ICO (Consultant) - Astron Consulting Nov 2008 – March 2010

Designed and conducted financial, operational and IT General Controls testing for Sarbanes-Oxley 404 compliance and SSAE18 (formerly SAS70).

Performed financial, control and IT risk assessments for the company to establish a top down, risk-based approach to allow appropriate allotment of resources which resulted in audit efficiencies.

Responsible for the completion of the Company’s SOX compliance efforts.

Developed the annual audit test plan based on risk assessments conducted and created test templates accordingly.

Assessed the design and effectiveness of controls by performing transaction walkthroughs and documenting process narratives flowcharts, flowcharts, test plans, and test results.

Designed adequate testing procedures, performed and reviewed testing, and working with business process owners to remediate deficiencies.

Coordinated SOX testing with various business units and IT department and worked with external auditors.

Saved the company over $55K in annual external audit billable hours by assisting the external auditors in preliminary and year-end field work.

Trained, mentored and supervised interns and line staff and evaluated employee performance.

Developed and managed the Business Continuity Program and worked extensively with all the service teams ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

Provided overall governance and direction setting of the BCM program on an ongoing basis.

Ensured accurate and timely reporting of control activities to the Director of Internal Controls over Financial Reporting and to business stakeholders.

Administered continuous audits, evaluating the operating effectiveness of controls leading to increased assurance of controls in place and reduced risks.

Acted as a liaison between various levels of management and the audit team/external auditors to discuss audit plans, results and solutions to remediate audit issues.

Interacted proactively with business process owners to gather information for testing of identified key controls and make recommendations for business and process improvement.

Worked with controls projects and performed other duties as assigned.

UBIX CORP., Philippines Nov. 2007 – June 2008

Internal Audit Manager

Worked closely with the Senior Management to deliver an assessment of business risks, managing the planning, design, coordination and delivery of structured audit.

Lead Internal Audit team to execute Internal Auditing within the company activities.

Produced audit report and maintained report systems across management and report to the Audit Committee and to Board of Directors.

Assisted the external auditors in the annual audit of the financial statements of the company.

Performed integrated information systems technology audits.

Responsible for assisting the company in its efforts to achieve SOX compliance including all aspects of planning, documentation, maintenance, testing program design, results of testing and conclusion reporting.

Kept abreast of best practices in the industry and changes in statutory guidance including changes in SOX compliance requirements.

Reviewed and approved individual commitment plan and the accomplishment of the audit.

staff directly being supervised.

Lead internal audit team to conduct the regular internal audit and follow up activities in

an effective, professional and timely manner.

Developed audit program, guide/procedures and internal control function for internal.

auditors to implement and reviewed existing audit program and procedures/guides to meet

newly established system in the company.

Acted as a liaison between various levels of management and the audit team to discuss audit plans, results and solutions to correct audit issues.

Assisted Chairman of Audit Committee to conduct internal audit committee meeting quarterly.

Participated during meeting of the Board of Directors.

Reviewed and approved individual commitment plan and the accomplishment of the audit

staff directly being supervised.

Performed special projects at the request of Senior Management.

Assisted Chairman of Audit Committee to conduct internal audit committee meeting quarterly.

Participated during meeting of the Board of Directors.

AMALGAMATED SPECIALTIES CORP., Philippines Dec. 2003 – Jan. 2007

Internal Audit Manager

Verified company’s financial status and operating procedures through a systematic program of audits and ensured strict compliance to overall policies, controls and standards.

Spearheaded the execution of financial, operational, and information technology audits of the company and its subsidiaries in accordance with the established Annual Audit Plan.

Responsible for the design of Internal Audit Department policies, procedures and protocols and ensured adherence to departmental and professional quality standards.

Responsible for the SOX 404 documentation and the implementation of self assessment of the company’s business operations and report to the Director.

Coordinated with the external auditors for SOX 404 testing with respect to the business operations.

Presented audit reviews, analysis and recommendations to management and other key participants.

Developed new audit programmes in response to changing risk environments.

Conducted operational, compliance, financial and investigated audits; as assigned by management.

Identified opportunities for internal controls and business processes improvements.

Has knowledge of SAP system, internal control requirements and processes.

Responsible for the ongoing auditing of the design and operating effectiveness of SAP system controls.

Coordinated the periodic testing of all SAP application security controls.

LE VIEN HOMES INC., Lakewood, CA November 2000 – June 2003

Accountant

Ensured integrity and adequacy of recording all aspects of the company’s financial information in

accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Maintained the monthly General Ledger accounts and related activities for the production of financial

statements and reports.

Reviewed, analyzed, interpreted and published accurate and timely periodic financial reports for both.

external and management reporting purposes.

Performed various accounting functions ensuring that areas of responsibility are maintained and reported

accurately.

Monitored monthly billings, collections, expenses and budget variances and responsible in preparing

the annual budget, regulatory and informational reports; and carried out special projects.

Monitored departmental spending adherence to approved budget.

Developed accounting control procedures to maintain accuracy in reporting.

Responsible for the payroll, accounts payable, billings, collections and inter-company transactions.

Strengthened internal control functions while simplifying and speeding up processes.

Researched investment and acquisition opportunities to meet company growth requirements.

Managed external audits and performed internal audits.

Performed other various projects as assigned.

UNITRUST DEVELOPMENT BANK, Philippines February – August 2000

Audit Officer

Managed the Audit Department in planning, coordinating and implementing audits of head office and

Branches; Examined bank records and policies ensuring compliance with appropriate laws and regulations.

Conducted final audit finding review with branch and department managers.

Analyzed reports and working papers to ensure appropriate preparation, completion, conformance with audit

department requirements, and accomplishment of audit objectives.

METROPOLITAN AND TRUST COMPANY, Philippines January 1994 – June 1999

Bank Examiner/Senior Auditor

Applied GAAP principles, led the audit team in conducting head office and branch examinations.

Conducted IS audits as an interrelated part of the total audit.

Conducted initial reviews of audit findings with branch/department managers.

Prepared preliminary and comprehensive final audit reports, recommending internal control improvements.

Recommended new audit techniques to improve audit procedures.

CARLOS J. VALDES, CO., CPA, Philippines December 1991 – 1993

Junior Examiner

Conducted external financial audits of diverse clientele.

EDUCATION

DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY, Philippines

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, 1990

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 1990

AFFILIATION

PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, Member

INSTITUTE OF INTERNAL AUDITORS – New York, Member

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