Jessica LaHoud, CPA
Champlin,MN
Summary
Dynamic leader with over 15 years experience at UnitedHealth Group, excelling in risk assessment, audit planning, and navigation of a highly complex organization. Proven track record in enhancing audit processes and fostering relationships across teams. Adept at driving process improvements and delivering actionable solutions, while effectively communicating with stakeholders to achieve corporate objectives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President, Internal Audit & Advisory Services
UnitedHealth Group
02.2024 - Current
- Manage and oversee a team of 50+ individuals executing audit and risk management activities for UHG, Optum, and UHC in accordance with IIA standards by gaining deep understanding of business processes and risks.
- Develop an annual audit plan for UHG, Optum, and UHC using defined risk-based methodology, and lead the development of quarterly reporting to the UHG Audit Committee, focusing on clear and effective communication.
- Interim Head of Internal Audit for Optum Bank, responsible for preparing and presenting audit findings to executive management and the Optum Bank Audit Committee.
- Coordinate with external auditors and help manage internal controls over financial reporting audits (ICFR).
- Participate in the planning, design, development, and implementation of major business processes and strategic initiatives to help determine whether adequate controls are incorporated in the systems / processes, thorough testing is performed at appropriate stages, and documentation is complete and accurate.
- Design audit and reporting processes that clearly identify audit scope, audit findings, management response and corrective actions taken to resolve identified business control weaknesses.
- Maintain effective relationships with all levels of management to foster a collaborative atmosphere through proactive communication. Understand the business impacts of audit findings and coordinate with the appropriate management team to develop practical and actionable business solutions in a timely, cost-effective manner.
- Design and maintain internal reporting systems to measure, monitor, and track progress toward department goals and objectives. Help develop and manage departmental budgets including forecasting and variance analyses.
- Provide leadership, vision, and direction for assigned teams, including determining team priorities, developing, coaching, and motivating others to take actions that support and reflect the core values and desired future state.
- Foster high performing teams by engaging team members through open communication, recognition of achievements, and encouraging active sharing of ideas and opinions.
Senior Director, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
02.2022 - 02.2024
Director, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
03.2019 - 02.2022
- Managed and oversaw audit and risk management activities for Optum and developed audit plans using an appropriate risk-based methodology, including any risks or control concerns identified by management and the Audit Committee.
- Responsible for the oversight of the strategic, financial, operational, and compliance audits and advisory projects that assessed the existence, effectiveness, and efficiency of the business controls, financial information, and compliance with laws and regulations.
- Coordinated with external auditors and managed internal controls over financial reporting audits.
- Executive sponsor for various department initiatives focused on recruitment, employee engagement, risk assessment, and business partner relationships.
Associate Director, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
02.2018 - 03.2019
Manager, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
02.2014 - 02.2018
- Responsible for managing all internal audit, Sarbanes-Oxley testing, and risk management consulting activity for the UHC Employer and Individual (E&I) business.
- Participated in risk assessment processes led by the Audit Management Team to ensure that audit plans cover higher risk areas. For all audit projects within UHC E&I, developed / approved the project risk assessment, audit objectives, scope, and audit program.
- Led a team of 4-5 direct reports and additional individuals through project work, provided staff with professional and technical expertise and guidance to ensure that audit objectives and scope were satisfied.
- Created, reviewed, and approved pertinent audit workpapers and communications of audit results with high quality.
- Scheduled and deployed resources effectively across audit engagements.
Consultant, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
02.2013 - 02.2014
Senior Audit Analyst, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
02.2012 - 02.2013
Audit Analyst, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
06.2010 - 02.2012
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN
05-2010
Skills
- Team leadership
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
- Risk assessment
- Process improvement
- Effective communication
- Organizational agility
Accomplishments
- Next Gen Advisory Board Fellow
- Hudson Core Coaching Certification (UHG internal coach)
- Leading Through Innovation (UHG leadership program)
- Emerging Leaders (UHG leadership program)
Certification
Certified Public Accountant - MN
Timeline
Vice President, Internal Audit & Advisory Services
UnitedHealth Group
02.2024 - Current
Senior Director, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
02.2022 - 02.2024
Director, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
03.2019 - 02.2022
Associate Director, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
02.2018 - 03.2019
Manager, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
02.2014 - 02.2018
Consultant, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
02.2013 - 02.2014
Senior Audit Analyst, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
02.2012 - 02.2013
Audit Analyst, IAAS
UnitedHealth Group
06.2010 - 02.2012
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN
Similar Profiles
Amanda BurbankAmanda Burbank
Senior Provider Relations Advocate, Account Manage at UnitedHealth Care, UnitedHealth GroupSenior Provider Relations Advocate, Account Manage at UnitedHealth Care, UnitedHealth Group
Fawn DillonFawn Dillon
Clinical Transformation Manager at UnitedHealth Group- UnitedHealth Care DivisionClinical Transformation Manager at UnitedHealth Group- UnitedHealth Care Division
Vikas KansalVikas Kansal
Senior Director Digital Product at UnitedHealth Care, UnitedHealth GroupSenior Director Digital Product at UnitedHealth Care, UnitedHealth Group
Erin BrookinsErin Brookins
Quality Assurance and Auditor at UnitedHealth GroupQuality Assurance and Auditor at UnitedHealth Group
MARIA BARBARA REEDMARIA BARBARA REED
Sr Financial Analyst at SCHWING AMERICASr Financial Analyst at SCHWING AMERICA