Open To Work
Brian Fischer
Camas,WA
Work Preference
Summary
Transformational Audit and Risk Leader with a focus on aligning risk management with organizational goals. Developed risk-based frameworks that enhance controls and drive decision-making, fostering collaboration across finance, IT, operations, and governance. Led initiatives to transition internal audit functions in-house, improving audit coverage and organizational effectiveness.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
BUSINESS RISK MANAGER
Cascade Corporation
Fairview, Oregon
05.2021 - 01.2026
- Developed and executed enterprise-wide risk and internal control strategies across global operations, aligning audit focus with key organizational risks and priorities
- Designed and implemented risk-based frameworks to evaluate financial, operational, and project-level risks, enabling leadership to proactively mitigate exposures
- Led the transformation of the internal audit function by transitioning from outsourced to in-house, increasing audit coverage, reducing costs, and improving visibility into risk
- Established internal audit capabilities in-house, enabling more agile, risk-focused audit planning and execution
- Partnered with cross-functional leaders (Finance, Legal, Operations, IT) to strengthen governance, improve control environments, and support strategic initiatives
- Advised leadership on risk implications of business initiatives and systems implementations to inform strategic decision-making
- Reduced control deficiencies by 50%, significantly strengthening financial integrity and operational reliability
- Developed global policies to standardize governance and improve compliance across business units
GENERAL AUDITOR III
NW Natural
Portland, Oregon
07.2018 - 05.2021
- Led risk-based audit planning and execution across financial, operational, and compliance areas
- Advised business leaders on translating audit findings into practical, actionable recommendations that enhanced operational effectiveness
- Leveraged data analytics to identify trends and improve audit coverage, supporting more proactive risk management
- Assessed evolving risk landscapes and organizational priorities to enhance continuous audit planning
- Communicated audit results and systemic risks to senior leadership, influencing decision-making and driving process improvements
- Re-engineered audit processes, improving efficiency and reducing project timelines by approximately 45%.
- Led development of a data analytics program enabling continuous monitoring and more effective financial oversight.
EXPERIENCE SENIOR CONSULTANT
Protiviti, Inc.
Seattle, Washington
07.2015 - 06.2018
- Managed engagement teams, budgets, and timelines to deliver high-quality financial and risk advisory services that met client expectations.
- Advised clients across multiple industries on financial controls, risk management, IT general controls and operational improvements.
- Conducted risk assessments and supported financial reporting and compliance initiatives, including SOX programs.
- Partnered with client leadership to implement process improvements and strengthen financial and operational controls.
- Supported clients in building internal audit functions and aligning audit strategies with organizational risk priorities to enhance compliance and governance.
- Developed internal audit functions that established strategic partnerships within client organizations, fostering collaboration and improving risk management.
- Selected for leadership development initiatives, supporting team growth and client delivery excellence.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration – Finance
University of Colorado At Denver
Denver, COBusiness Administration - Management
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NMSkills
- Audit strategy
- Global risk assessment
- Audit transformation
- Audit committee reporting
- Controls governance
- Data analytics
- Cross-functional advisory
- Stakeholder management
- Project coordination
- Change management
- IT management
- SAP software
- ACL tools
- AuditBoard platform
- Team leadership
- Strategic decisions
Affiliations
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Candidate, Parts 1 & 2 Passed
- CISA Candidate
- Member, Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
Accomplishments
Academic All-American (Football)
Additional Capabilities
- Risk-Based Audit Strategy & Planning
- Audit Committee and Executive Reporting
- Internal Audit Transformation and Modernization
- Data Analytics and Continuous Monitoring
- Global Risk Assessment and Control Environments
- Internal Controls and Governance Frameworks
- Cross-Functional Advisory
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Team Leadership and Capability Building
Core Capabilities
- Experience supporting global operation and cross-functional teams across multiple business units
- Collaborated with diverse stakeholders including finance, legal and operational leadership to align risk and control priorities
- Exposure to complex regulatory and operational environment through consulting and corporate roles
Timeline
BUSINESS RISK MANAGER
Cascade Corporation
05.2021 - 01.2026
GENERAL AUDITOR III
NW Natural
07.2018 - 05.2021
EXPERIENCE SENIOR CONSULTANT
Protiviti, Inc.
07.2015 - 06.2018
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration – Finance
University of Colorado At Denver
Business Administration - Management
New Mexico State University