Laura Blado
Fraud and Tax Professional
North Las Vegas,NV
Summary
Experienced fraud and tax professional who has assisted numerous taxpayers, compliance employees, internal customers, and external customers through my employment with the Internal Revenue Service. My aspiration is to utilize the extensive fraud knowledge and management experience gained throughout my career with the Internal Revenue Service and my pre-government management experience to acquire a supervisory role where I can lead a team of employees and meaningfully contribute to employee advancement, program initiatives, and department success.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Supervisory Internal Revenue Agent
Office of Fraud Enforcement, IRS
12.2024 - Current
- Temporary Supervisory Internal Revenue Agent for the Data Analysis Team under Small Business/Self-Employed Office of Fraud Enforcement
- Directs, plans, and assigns work to team members based on priority levels, difficulty, employee responsibilities, and skill set
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Led change management initiatives to ensure smooth transition during periods or organizational restructuring
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance
- Implemented quality control measures for program deliverables and monitored team member work product
- Point of contact for all inventory data storage, documentation retention, technology-related projects, technological tool development, automated report improvement projects, and requests to obtain access to any software or systems in use by team members
- Identifies areas of risk within the OFE processes or procedures that affect OFE reporting and to formulate suggestions/remedies to the OFE Field Program Manager to mitigate risk
- Spearheaded the development of a new inventory tracking system, intended to improve accuracy and reliability of business metrics
- Identifies opportunities for process improvement, resulting in increased operational efficiency across the organization.
- Facilitated the development of the future data reporting procedures for the OFE Emerging Threats Mitigation Team (EMT)
- Assisted with identifying, posting, and establishing staffing positions for the Stand-up of the Data Analyst Team
- Established performance standards, roles and responsibilities for each staffing position on the team
- Functioned as a coach to new team members
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project goals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Organized professional development programs for staff, leading to improved performance and skill sets.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
Senior Exam Program Analyst
Office of Fraud Enforcement, IRS
06.2024 - 12.2024
- Functions as a Senior Exam Program Analyst under Small Business/Self-Employed OFE Field Staff, which is responsible for data visualization requests, for both Ad Hoc and Standard reporting, in support of OFE Program goals
- Liaison to the OFE Data Team for data-related projects, technological access, data issues, and reporting matters that should be elevated to the OFE Field Staff Program Manager
- Point of Contact for inventory management system usage, as well as a subject matter expert in Field Exam Procedures, providing guidance about the effects of procedures on OFE reporting
- Collaborates with the members of the Data Team when specialized or archived data sources are required, when historical knowledge of the National Fraud Program is needed, or when a complex reporting issue is encountered
- Attends all Data Team monthly calls and provides suggestions based on OFE Program manager priorities
- Gathered, documented and modeled data to identify CI Trends, highlighting Case Successes, and suggesting resolutions for issues/
- Compiled research data and gave professional presentations highlighting finds and recommended optimizations.
- Produced detailed and relevant reports for use in making business decisions related to specific Business Operating Divisions and Nationwide Programs.
- Identified the need to create a inventory management system resources and training, which will help reduce data entry errors.
- Facilitated effective communication between team members, fostering a positive work environment conducive to collaboration.
- Led cross-functional teams in execution of program initiatives, ensuring projects were completed on time and within budget.
- Enhanced program visibility and stakeholder engagement by organizing and leading public forums and workshops.
- Trained team members on new software tools, improving overall productivity and efficiency.
- Enhanced program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing data-driven improvements.
- Conducted thorough reviews of operations to devise and deploy improvement strategies to data quality, data storage, and document retention.
- Conducted comprehensive risk assessments for projects, mitigating potential issues before they impacted program timelines or outcomes.
- Managed cross-functional teams, resulting in successful completion of program objectives.
- Developed detailed project plans outlining tasks, timelines, dependencies, and resource requirements for successful execution of complex initiatives.
Management and Program Analyst
Office of Fraud Enforcement, IRS
02.2023 - 06.2024
- Functioned as a Management and Program Analyst in the Data Team, which is responsible for all data visualization and reporting for the Office of Fraud Enforcement to multiple customers and BODs within the IRS
- Translated complex business needs, requirements and strategy, multiple data sets, and other data points into conceptual, relevant, and reports/charts solutions
- Completed courses to develop a knowledge of innovative business intelligence, statistical graphics, and timely delivered data visualization solutions which are automated and sustainable
- Collaborated within the senior members of the Data Team to translate and understand abstract information and connection points among a variety of data sets, enabled the creation of accurate, clear, concise, and cross-functional reporting to drive strategic decision-making and formal business actions
- Utilized prior experience as an Fraud Enforcement Advisor and OFE Group manager to study the business function, gather information, and evaluate output requirements to understand IRS and OFE business strategies and objectives
- Learned to develop creative mockups to visualize insights and elicit feedback to ensure visualizations meet business needs and requirements
- Functioned as the Data Team Exam Inventory Management System Specialist for internal customer inquiries and Executive Management
- Assisted with AD Hoc and Monthly Standard Reporting
- Created training and conducted research into the Common Inventory Management System Errors and provided presentations to all members of OFE Field Staff
- Identified multiple areas of risk within software that have a direct effect on reporting
Fraud Enforcement Advisor Manager
Office of Fraud Enforcement, IRS
04.2022 - 07.2022
- Temporary Role as a Fraud Enforcement Advisor Manager for a group of 13 Revenue Agent and Revenue Officer Fraud Enforcement Advisors
- Conducted workload reviews, met with employees to discuss their performance, and addressed matters related to the union contract
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities, mentoring team members employees, and located career development opportunities
- Led managerial initiatives (inventory evaluations, FEA area assignments) and provided feedback on proposed changes to OFE forms, policies, and procedures
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Developed and maintained relationships with peers and internal; customers through rapport development.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Approved, assigned, and tracked all Criminal Referrals to the Criminal Investigation Division
- Generated monthly managerial reports for use by the Deputy Director and Director of OFE
- Implemented IRS Agency policies that relate to Travel, Health and Safety, Leave, Time and Employee Benefits
- Implemented Internal Controls that apply to Security, Outside Employment, Ethics, and Computer Software Access
- Functioned as the point of contact for inquiries by Criminal Investigation and IRS Business Operating Divisions
- Composed and expedited a time-sensitive staffing positions for the acquisition of an Examination FEA to resolve a shortage of staffing
- Proposed a revision to the IRM procedures regarding the reporting of fraud penalties, as required by my managerial commitments
- Spearheaded transition from remote work to a return to office during global health crisis, ensuring business continuity and employee safety.
Revenue Agent Fraud Enforcement Advisor
Office of Fraud Enforcement, IRS
06.2021 - 02.2023
- Functioned as a Revenue Agent Fraud Enforcement Advisor which provides civil and criminal case fraud development guidance, as a fraud subject matter expert
- Managed a portfolio of cases for 5 states through monthly discussions, provides case fraud development plans of action, reviews documentation, monitors statutes and evaluates in-depth income probes necessary to identify individual and/or corporate fraud
- Functioned as OFE Digital Asset subject matter expert and Bank Secrecy Act subject matter expert
- Functioned as an coach for a new hire
- Responsible for identification and development of potential fraud (Title 26, Title 31 & Title 18); provides guidance on the gathering and/or the collection of evidence; assists in the development and review of potential criminal fraud referrals and the approval/application of the civil fraud penalty
- Created, coordinated, and/or taught fraud training and CPE to compliance individuals, management, and executives
- Monitored the timetable of cases referred to Criminal investigation, coordinates required conferences, consults with other internal Partners and seeks assistance from Fraud Counsel, as needed
- Mentored Revenue Agents new to the department, fostering a supportive learning environment and promoting professional growth.
- Identified common fraud trends in industries, discusses areas of non-compliance among practitioners/tax preparers, notes emerging issues among coverage areas, suggests areas of specific training needs and develops and/or presents the training
- Consulted with Revenue agents and Management on the procedures associated with civil fraud cases, which includes the Civil Restitution of Criminal Fraud Case
- Informed internal customers on research tools that are available
- Served as a Summary and Expert Witness in criminal fraud cases, will serve as an expert witness (as needed) on Civil fraud cases
- Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail in reviewing financial records, ensuring accurate determination of taxable income and liabilities for assigned cases.
- Leveraged strong analytical skills to identify potential tax evasion schemes, supporting enforcement efforts against non-compliant individuals or entities.
- Coordinated with national fraud counsel on complex cases requiring litigation support or expert testimony during court proceedings.
Senior Internal Revenue Agent
Small Business/Self-Employed, IRS
06.2009 - 06.2021
- Conducted several hundred independent general program, cooperating agent, and related employment tax investigations of individual (Sole-proprietor, High-wealth/high-asset taxpayers, Sensitive cases) and business taxpayers (Corporations, Fiduciaries, S Corporations and Partnerships) for compliance with the Internal Revenue Code (Title 26), Federal Regulations, and Revenue Procedures
- Investigated cases that involve multi-tiered entities, Trusts, Nominees/Alter-Ego, and Structured transactions that involve the most complex tax issues
- Conducted case assignments that require an analysis of accounting systems, bank records, business operations, accounting theory and practices to determine the proper treatment of financial transactions and whether accurately reported
- Developed relationships with third party case contacts to obtain relevant evidence to detect concealed income and assets to support the development of Civil and Criminal Tax Fraud
- Participated in Tax Court as needed for cases previously audited
- Evaluated taxpayer documentation, ensuring adherence to relevant regulations and laws.
- Consults with Counsel on complex tax issues
- Conducted field visits to gather critical information needed for accurate tax assessments.
- Utilized indirect and has developed unique income reconstruction methods to calculate concealed unreported income
- Developed strong investigative and interview skills
- Developed strong communication skills and the ability to identify locate concealed income and assets
- Improved departmental knowledge by staying up-to-date on changing tax regulations and sharing updates with colleagues.
- Negotiated payment plans with taxpayers, facilitating the resolution of outstanding liabilities in a timely manner.
- Identified potential areas of non-compliance by analyzing financial statements and related documents.
- Provided training to new Internal Revenue Agents on best practices and procedures for efficient tax audits.
- Managed multiple audit cases simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency in case resolution.
- Supported the development of internal policies by providing expert input on taxation matters in meetings and discussions.
- Built strong relationships with taxpayers through professional communication and timely responses to inquiries.
- Served as a mentor to junior agents by offering guidance on complex technical issues during audits.
- Assisted taxpayers with understanding complex tax laws, providing clear explanations and guidance.
- Collaborated with a team of agents to investigate cases of suspected tax fraud, leading to successful resolution.
- Recognized for consistently meeting or exceeding performance metrics related to case closures, audit adjustments, and overall job effectiveness.
- Enhanced tax compliance by conducting thorough research and analysis of financial records.
- Developed comprehensive reports detailing audit findings and recommendations for corrective actions.
- Utilized data analytics tools for detecting patterns indicative of noncompliance or potential fraud.
- Responded to taxpayer questions and helped individuals complete and file tax documentation.
- Processed tax payments, set up payment plans and worked with delinquent taxpayers to resolve issues.
- Professionally negotiated and dealt with taxpayers in confrontational situations.
- Interpreted and applied federal and state tax codes for personal, business and corporate taxes.
- Reviewed established accounting systems and historical information to identify strengths and weaknesses of existing methods and controls.
Education
Master’s of Business Administration -
Keller Graduate School of Management
12.2010
Bachelor’s of Business Administration -
University of Phoenix
05.2005
Skills
- Auditing techniques
- Data interpretation
- Accounting principles
- Interviewing techniques
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Leadership skills
- Public speaking
- Decision-making skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Task prioritization
- Interpersonal skills
Certification
- Certified Fraud Examiner
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Supervised team of 13 staff members.
- Documented and resolved 290 delinquent cases in 60 days which led to departmental compliance.
- Collaborated with team of 15 in the development of "bots" to automate data quality.
- Achieved vital inventory management software upgrades through effective project management of cross-functional teams.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Awards
- IRS Office of Fraud Enforcement Fraud Merit Award 2024
- Department Of Justice Tax Special Contribution National Award 2017
- Department Of Justice Tax Special Contribution National Award 2019
- Keller Graduate School of Management Outstanding Graduate Student Award 2010
Affiliations
- Las Vegas Chapter of Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeContract WorkWork Location
RemoteHybridOn-SiteImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionPaid time offPaid sick leave401k matchTimeline
Supervisory Internal Revenue Agent
Office of Fraud Enforcement, IRS
12.2024 - Current
Senior Exam Program Analyst
Office of Fraud Enforcement, IRS
06.2024 - 12.2024
Management and Program Analyst
Office of Fraud Enforcement, IRS
02.2023 - 06.2024
Fraud Enforcement Advisor Manager
Office of Fraud Enforcement, IRS
04.2022 - 07.2022
Revenue Agent Fraud Enforcement Advisor
Office of Fraud Enforcement, IRS
06.2021 - 02.2023
Senior Internal Revenue Agent
Small Business/Self-Employed, IRS
06.2009 - 06.2021
Bachelor’s of Business Administration -
University of Phoenix
Master’s of Business Administration -
Keller Graduate School of Management
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