Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

J. Marcela Sanchez

Miami

Summary

With almost 30 years of experience in global audit management, risk assessment, internal controls, and operational efficiency, this accomplished and results-driven finance leader possesses proven expertise in managing complex audits across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Deeply understanding cross-cultural business dynamics, excels at partnering with C-suite executives and the Audit Committee to drive strategic initiatives aligning audit activities with business objectives and corporate governance. Throughout the career, successfully transformed internal audit teams, implemented data analytics to enhance audit processes, and drove operational efficiencies across the organization. Additionally, strong background in developing and mentoring talent has allowed to create high-performing teams and foster a diverse, results-oriented culture within the audit function. As a trusted advisor, possesses the ability to influence at all levels of the organization by delivering value through business process improvements and effective risk management. Fluent in Spanish and with significant international experience since 1996, brings a unique perspective having worked across various regions and industries.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Global Head – Chief Internal Auditor

Fortune Brands Innovations - FBIN
11.2013 - Current
  • Company Overview: $5.5 Billion Organization
  • Lead the global internal audit department, overseeing operations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, ensuring comprehensive risk management and compliance for a $5.5 billion organization
  • Re-engineered the audit function to align with strategic business goals, corporate governance, and risk management, improving operational efficiency and effectiveness at a global scale
  • Spearheaded the consolidation of global audit processes, significantly enhancing coordination and driving efficiencies across regional teams
  • Developed and implemented a robust risk assessment methodology, addressing risks in financial reporting, compliance, and IT systems, ensuring comprehensive and actionable insights for senior leadership
  • Partnered with C-suite executives and the Audit Committee to deliver clear and impactful audit findings, risk assessments, and recommendations for enhancing internal controls and optimizing operational processes
  • Directed key strategic initiatives, including SOX compliance, enterprise risk management (ERM), and internal control assessments, ensuring alignment with business objectives and minimizing operational risks
  • Managed the annual global audit plan, focusing on financial controls, operational performance, and IT security, driving consistent improvements and value delivery
  • Built and led a high-performing, diverse audit team, fostering a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and talent development across multiple regions
  • Enhanced departmental performance by integrating data analytics into the audit process, streamlining audits, and delivering actionable insights to continuously improve internal controls and operational processes
  • $5.5 Billion Organization

Director of Internal Audit

Fortune Brands Innovations - FBIN
11.2013 - 02.2016
  • Company Overview: $5.5 Billion Organization
  • Directed and expanded the internal audit function across financial reporting, operational processes, and IT systems in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America
  • Pioneered the use of data analytics in the audit process, improving risk assessment accuracy, audit efficiency, and the quality of audit reports
  • Led a team of global audit professionals, promoting a high-performance culture, professional development, and cross-functional collaboration
  • Drove the implementation of SOX compliance, enterprise risk management (ERM) programs, and internal controls assessments, mitigating risks and ensuring organizational alignment
  • Executed the annual audit plan, identifying high-risk areas and driving improvements in financial controls, operational processes, and security measures
  • Enhanced audit processes and reduced cycle times, delivering increased value and actionable insights to the executive team
  • $5.5 Billion Organization

Senior Manager, Audit – Global Operations & IT Integration

RR Donnelley
11.2009 - 11.2013
  • Company Overview: $12 billion organization with a presence in North America, China, Europe, Latin America, and Canada
  • Led global audit operations for a $12 billion organization with a presence in North America, China, Europe, Latin America, and Canada
  • Collaborated with senior leadership to define the strategic direction of the internal audit function, optimizing processes to improve global audit efficiency and effectiveness
  • Developed and implemented a sustainable risk assessment model to assess financial, operational, and IT risks across dynamic business units and regions
  • Managed global audits with a focus on SOX compliance, financial reporting, and operational processes in shared services centers across Poland and India
  • Prepared and presented audit findings to Executive Management, the Audit Committee, and external auditors, providing actionable recommendations for process improvements
  • Led a global audit team of 15, fostering cross-cultural communication and driving a collaborative environment to improve audit effectiveness
  • $12 billion organization with a presence in North America, China, Europe, Latin America, and Canada

Audit Manager, Corporate Audit Department

Kraft Foods Inc.
10.2005 - 12.2008
  • Led global audits across North and Latin America, ensuring comprehensive risk assessments, strengthened internal controls, and operational improvements
  • Managed audit teams focused on manufacturing, procurement, distribution, and treasury, identifying and mitigating high-risk areas and process inefficiencies
  • Led SOX compliance assessments, improving internal controls, and ensuring timely delivery of audit reports to senior management
  • Coordinated audit efforts with senior management and local affiliates, ensuring proactive identification and mitigation of risks

Senior Financial Accountant

The Hilco Organization
06.2003 - 09.2005
  • Managed month-end close and consolidated financial statements for 12 operating entities, overseeing $250 million in annual sales
  • Streamlined financial processes, reducing month-end close time by nearly 50%, increasing efficiency and reducing operational delays

Senior Auditor and Tax Consultant

Arthur Andersen LLP
09.1996 - 06.2001
  • Led audit and tax projects for key clients such as Johnson & Johnson, Banco Santander, and Accenture, delivering comprehensive audits and tax compliance assessments
  • Create and implement new tax compliance procedures for Andersen’s Colombia office

Education

BSBA - Accounting

Universidad Externado de Colombia
01.1999

Skills

  • Financial Control Management
  • Efficiency Enhancement
  • Project Execution Oversight
  • Enterprise Risk Management
  • Consulting
  • Global Business Strategy
  • Audit and Risk Assessment
  • Compliance
  • Internal Controls & Compliance
  • Planning and analysis
  • Sox
  • IT Integration & Auditing

Certification

  • Certified Public Accountant, Colombia, 01/01/99
  • Tax Professional, H&R Block, 01/01/02

Timeline

Global Head – Chief Internal Auditor

Fortune Brands Innovations - FBIN
11.2013 - Current

Director of Internal Audit

Fortune Brands Innovations - FBIN
11.2013 - 02.2016

Senior Manager, Audit – Global Operations & IT Integration

RR Donnelley
11.2009 - 11.2013

Audit Manager, Corporate Audit Department

Kraft Foods Inc.
10.2005 - 12.2008

Senior Financial Accountant

The Hilco Organization
06.2003 - 09.2005

Senior Auditor and Tax Consultant

Arthur Andersen LLP
09.1996 - 06.2001
  • Certified Public Accountant, Colombia, 01/01/99
  • Tax Professional, H&R Block, 01/01/02

BSBA - Accounting

Universidad Externado de Colombia
J. Marcela Sanchez