Patricia Kingston
Beltsville, MD 20705
240-***-**** (cell)
***************@*****.***
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Seasoned audit and financial professional with 35+ years of experience in compliance auditing, financial reporting, internal controls, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance in federal, private, and local government sectors.
Expertise in audit planning, risk assessment, variance analysis, internal control evaluations, and financial statement preparation under GAAP, IFRS, and statutory regulations.
Extensive experience auditing tax-exempt organizations, governmental entities, retirement plans, and employee benefits for compliance with ERISA and IRS regulations.
Strong background in identifying noncompliance issues, implementing corrective action plans, and advising on best practices to mitigate financial and operational risks.
Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, conduct performance reviews, and develop training programs to improve audit quality and operational efficiency.
Skilled in data analysis, financial reconciliations, process improvements, and leveraging technology for fraud prevention, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.
Adept at managing stakeholder relationships, including senior leadership, regulatory agencies, and external auditors.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Revenue Agent – Tax-Exempt & Government Entities Division
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Baltimore, MD July 2024 – Present
Audit employee benefit plans for compliance with ERISA and IRS regulations, ensuring tax-exempt and government entities meet tax law requirements.
Review Plan and Trust documents, Form 5500 filings, employee census reports, and participant contribution records to assess eligibility, coverage, and vesting accuracy.
Analyze highly compensated employee contributions for discrimination issues and ensure equitable plan participation.
Collaborate with Department of Labor and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to ensure regulatory compliance.
Identify areas of noncompliance, develop corrective strategies, and assist entities in achieving compliance.
Manager, Accounting Operations
Legal & General America, Inc. (LGA) Frederick, MD June 2008 – June 2024
Led financial operations for 16 LGA-related companies, ensuring compliance with GAAP, IFRS, and statutory reporting standards.
Managed internal and external audits, preparing audit documentation, responding to findings, and implementing corrective action plans.
Conducted variance analysis (actual vs. budget) and provided strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Reviewed and approved bank reconciliations for 31 accounts and intercompany account reconciliations.
Designed and implemented fraud prevention measures, including positive pay, dual custody wire approvals, and vendor risk assessments.
Ensured compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) controls and financial reporting best practices.
Managed financial reporting, tax compliance, and investment risk strategies, interfacing with internal and external stakeholders.
Senior Financial Analyst
Legal & General America, Inc. Frederick, MD Nov 1999 – June 2008
Prepared financial statements for 10 LGA-related companies, ensuring compliance with GAAP and IFRS.
Conducted financial analysis, variance reviews, and compiled board reports for strategic decision-making.
Led compliance audits for employee benefit plans, ensuring accurate Form 5500 filings and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Assisted in the preparation of external audit workpapers and responses to auditor inquiries.
Senior Auditor / In-Charge Associate
Reznick, Fedder & Silverman Bethesda, MD Nov 1997 – Nov 1999
Conducted financial audits for private sector and governmental clients, including HUD programs.
Reviewed internal controls, identified weaknesses, and provided recommendations for operational improvements.
Prepared and reviewed complex federal and multi-state tax returns for individuals, partnerships, and corporations.
Led audit engagements, supervised staff, and ensured adherence to General Accounting Standards.
Senior Auditor
Williams, Adley & Company, LLP Washington, D.C. Jan – Nov 1997
Performed government audits for the IRS and USDA, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
Conducted field audits for USDA’s Food Stamp operations, identifying program inefficiencies and recommending corrective actions.
Assessed internal controls, developed audit procedures, and provided formalized recommendations for operational improvements.
Audit Supervisor
NYC Board of Education Brooklyn, NY May – Dec 1996
Analyzed payments to private contractors to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies.
Identified overpayments and underpayments, developed corrective action plans, and ensured proper fund allocation.
Senior Auditor
Gregory K. Washington, CPA Landover, MD Jan 1994 – Jan 1996
Conducted compliance audits for D.C. Lottery and private-sector clients, ensuring adequacy of internal controls.
Provided recommendations for internal control improvements, operating efficiencies, and regulatory compliance.
Internal Auditor
NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Manhattan, NY June 1988 – Dec 1993
Audited payroll, timekeeping records, employee benefits, and unemployment claims, ensuring accurate financial reporting.
Developed internal audit procedures for payroll and employee leave balances.
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration (MBA) University of Maryland Global Campus 2011
Bachelor of Science in Accounting Brooklyn College, City University of New York 1993
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Continuing Education in Life Insurance, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), IFRS, and Risk Management
Expertise in GAAP, IFRS, SOX Compliance, and Internal Control Auditing
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Audit & Compliance Tools: IRS Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System, Accurint, Modernized e-File System
Financial Systems: Epicor, DocStar
Microsoft Office Suite: Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP), Word, PowerPoint, Outlook