Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Maria Godwin

Irving,TX

Summary

Strategic and accomplished Internal Audit & SOX leader with over 15 years of experience in internal auditing, risk management, and SOX compliance. Demonstrated track record of delivering risk-based assurance and advisory services, optimizing operational efficiencies, and aligning audit strategies with organizational objectives. Adept at cultivating strong relationships with management at all levels to enhance governance and compliance frameworks.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Sr. Director, Internal Controls & Enterprise Risk

Caliber Collision
10.2020 - Current
  • Conducted thorough financial, operational, and IT audits for various departments, identifying weaknesses in controls and providing recommendations for improvements.
  • Oversaw end-to-end SOX compliance, including risk assessments, control testing, and remediation strategies, achieving timely completion of annual audits
  • Presented testing results, risk insights, and actionable recommendations quarterly to Audit Committee and Board of Directors
  • Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
  • Increased transparency within organization by designing clear communication channels for reporting audit results to stakeholders at all levels of management.
  • Assisted senior management in developing risk management strategies by presenting findings from internal audits and recommending corrective actions.
  • Supported efficient resource allocation by prioritizing high-risk areas for auditing based on an ongoing assessment of organizational needs and objectives.
  • Increased transparency within the organization by designing clear communication channels for reporting audit results to stakeholders at all levels of management.

Manager, Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk

GameStop
07.2017 - 10.2020
  • Directed financial and operational audits for a $5B business, addressing 10+ high-risk areas annually
  • Managed business process SOX testing, ensuring compliance with the COSO framework and identifying control improvements
  • Implemented a streamlined audit planning process, reducing preparation time by 20%
  • Delivered comprehensive audit reports to senior leadership, highlighting 15+ control improvements per cycle
  • Managed SOX testing for Business Process (Bp) and IT general controls (ITGCs), contributing to a 98% compliance rate during external reviews
  • Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve project goals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
  • Demonstrated excellent remote work capabilities by managing virtual teams and collaborating across time zones

Internal Audit Manager

PwC
09.2015 - 12.2016
  • Spearheaded SOX compliance initiatives for Fortune 500 clients, achieving 100% adherence to COSO standards
  • Collaborated with management to develop action plans to address identified issues, fostering a proactive approach to risk management.
  • Managed cross-functional teams in conducting complex audits across various departments, ensuring accurate results and recommendations.
  • Worked in PwC’s Center of Excellence to develop internal audit best practices, firm methodologies, and internal audit playbooks

Internal Audit Supervisor

RSM
03.2014 - 08.2015
  • Managed execution of 20+ audits annually, focusing on compliance, risk management, and operational efficiencies
  • Streamlined audit workflows, increasing team productivity by 10%
  • Performed QBR reviews to ensure that clients' internal audit practices and documentation aligned with IIA standards
  • Worked in RSM’s Center of Excellence to develop internal audit best practices, firm methodologies, and internal audit playbooks

Senior Internal Auditor

Redbox
07.2012 - 03.2014
  • Optimized internal controls, identifying and mitigating $2M in financial risks
  • Assisted in the preparation of annual risk assessments and developed appropriate audit programs in response to identified risks.
  • Presented clear, concise audit findings to senior management, offering actionable recommendations for improvements.

Senior Internal Auditor

Ernst & Young
09.2007 - 07.2012
  • Managed multiple complex audit projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines and budget constraints.
  • Provided ongoing support to management by offering guidance on internal control design and ensuring timely resolution of audit findings.
  • Performed internal audits of financial and departmental operations, developing risk assessments and conducting process walkthroughs for compliance with documented processes.

Education

MBA - Accounting

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI
05.2007

Bachelor of Science - Finance

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI
06.2004

Skills

  • Internal Audit & Risk Management
  • Financial, IT & Operational Audits
  • SOX Compliance & COSO Framework
  • Team Leadership & Mentorship
  • Process Optimization & Risk Mitigation
  • Audit Strategy & Methodology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Change Management
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Project Management
  • Policy development
  • Culture transformation
  • Collaborative leadership

Certification

  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
  • COSO Enterprise Risk Management Certificate (IIA)

Timeline

Sr. Director, Internal Controls & Enterprise Risk

Caliber Collision
10.2020 - Current

Manager, Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk

GameStop
07.2017 - 10.2020

Internal Audit Manager

PwC
09.2015 - 12.2016

Internal Audit Supervisor

RSM
03.2014 - 08.2015

Senior Internal Auditor

Redbox
07.2012 - 03.2014

Senior Internal Auditor

Ernst & Young
09.2007 - 07.2012

MBA - Accounting

Wayne State University

Bachelor of Science - Finance

Wayne State University
Maria Godwin