LAURA R. GOMEZ
WHITTIER,CA
Summary
Senior Auditor professional with 12+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, data analytics, risk management, financial accounting, governance, and litigation. A team player and proactive problem solver with the highest level of professional integrity. Team player and ability to work independently under pressure.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Auditor
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation, LACMTA
08.2018 - Current
- Conducts complex operational, compliance, financial, and information systems audits per yellow (GAGAS) and red (IIPF) book standards
- Interviews process owners and conduct data gathering to identify internal controls, deficiencies, gaps, and high-risk areas to understand business process
- Verifies control design and plans audit tests to evaluate adequacy of internal controls
- Collaborates with colleagues and internal stakeholders/management to perform risk assessments and develop audit programs to validate internal controls
- Prepares clear, concise, and consistent documentation to support controls, testing, conclusions, and findings
- Maintains and develops existing client relationships and contributes to developing new business opportunities
- Ensures project quality control and oversight from start to finish by setting accountability and expectations for project; conducts weekly meeting to learn about project progress and address any roadblocks
- Mentors staff and motivates them to stay on schedule by creating supportive working environment
- Reviews auditor's working papers and provides feedback to ensure accuracy, completion, and compliance with standards
- Utilizes advanced knowledge of technical expertise of Microsoft Office Suite and other business and audit-related software to conduct data analytics using computer-assisted auditing techniques, such as ACL, IDEA software
- Follows up on opened recommendations to verify whether management addressed corrective action
- Collaborates in developing Quality Assurance Improvement Program (QAIP) for internal audit department.
- Accomplishments: introduced automated system that led to 40% increase in efficiency and effectiveness resulting in $30,000 cost savings.
Auditor
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation, LACMTA
06.2016 - 07.2018
- Examined records and interview workers to ensure recording of transactions and compliance with laws and regulations
- Evaluated internal controls and operations for Transportation agency with approximate annual budget of $7 billion
- Determined audit criteria to build audit program used during fieldwork phase
- Used risk assessment standards to conduct and participate in audits about internal controls efficiency and risk reduction
- Presented results to senior management
- Tested internal controls and operational procedures to ensure compliance
- Improved internal control efficiency and risk reduction by presenting valuable findings.
- Performed observations and evaluated supporting documents to supplement audit findings
- Identified control gaps in processes, procedures and systems through in-depth research and assessment and suggested methods for improvement
- Accomplishments: saved taxpayers dollars, increase revenue, established processes and system enabling compliance with applicable policies, plans procedures, laws, rules, regulations, and contracts.
Assistant Auditor
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation, LACMTA
09.2013 - 06.2016
- Identified and reported risk management and control deficiencies
- Developed and implemented audit objectives, strategies, programs, and procedures
- Conducted night inspections of Red Line tunnel for fieldwork test
- Utilized IDEA/Excel software tools for data analytics
- Used VISIO Software tool to create process flow-chart to identify gaps, and internal control weaknesses.
Administrative Analyst
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation, LACMTA
07.2013 - 11.2014
- Assisted management and audit services with administrative tasks, such as budget preparation and administration, contract observation, and personnel supervision
- Researched, compiled, and analyzed data, prepared reports, and forecasted analyses and studies
- Designed program management, data tracking, and various software applications
- Held responsibility in implementing records maintenance and analysis systems
- Closely monitored projects and programs; and served as department representative in meetings, committees, conferences, which involved preparing minutes and establishing agendas
- Carried out financial, administrative, policy, and organizational assessment and rendered valuable recommendations
- Provided suggestions to management and staff involving performance and funding concerns.
Paralegal
The Law Office of Beatriz Pelayo
01.2012 - 02.2013
- Prepared and drafted motions, pleadings, judgments, statements, documents, and other correspondence (e.g., debt and asset lists, witness affidavits, child support worksheets, responsive pleadings, etc.)
- Performed legal research
- Scheduled appointments, court appearances, and mediation/deposition hearings Served as liaison between client and attorney, conducting client interviews
- Prepared and reviewed discovery packages, including disclosure statements, answers to interrogatories, and production requests
- Investigated facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases
- Gathered and analyzed research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
Registrar Assistant
Los Angeles City College
01.2006 - 12.2009
- Receive payments and post amounts paid to customer accounts.
Paralegal
The Nielsen Firm
01.2003 - 12.2004
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
Education
ABA-Approved Paralegal Certificate, Legal Studies -
UCLA Extensions
12.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Chicano Studies/Political Science
UCLA
06.2010
Associate of Arts - General Study
Los Angeles City College
05.2008
Skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Collaboration
- Data Analytics
- Risk Management
- Compliance
- Detail Oriented
- Technical, Documentation
- Process evaluations
- Compliance Monitoring
- Process Mapping
- Root-Cause Analysis
- Internal Controls
- Government Auditing Standards
- Annual Audit Plans
- Risk Assessment
- Client relationship management
Timeline
Senior Auditor
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation, LACMTA
08.2018 - Current
Auditor
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation, LACMTA
06.2016 - 07.2018
Assistant Auditor
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation, LACMTA
09.2013 - 06.2016
Administrative Analyst
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation, LACMTA
07.2013 - 11.2014
Paralegal
The Law Office of Beatriz Pelayo
01.2012 - 02.2013
Registrar Assistant
Los Angeles City College
01.2006 - 12.2009
Paralegal
The Nielsen Firm
01.2003 - 12.2004
ABA-Approved Paralegal Certificate, Legal Studies -
UCLA Extensions
Bachelor of Arts - Chicano Studies/Political Science
UCLA
Associate of Arts - General Study
Los Angeles City College
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