Rafael Nolasco
Missouri City,TX
Summary
Senior audit executive with extensive experience in global internal audit, enterprise risk management, and SOX compliance. Recognized for establishing high-impact audit functions and enhancing internal control environments. Expertise includes data analytics, tech risk management, and delivering actionable insights to executive leadership and Audit Committees.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder & Principal Advisor
RMDJ Compliance Strategies
01.2024 - Current
- Advised nonprofit boards and executive leadership on financial controls and enterprise risk management practices.
- Delivered advisory services to nonprofits and emerging organizations, enhancing governance oversight and risk management practices.
- Developed strategic recommendations for executive operations, increasing effectiveness and risk awareness.
- Led consultations with clients to assess compliance needs and customize solutions accordingly.
- Created reports on compliance risks, providing actionable mitigation strategies to address identified issues.
- Supported organizations in enhancing internal control environments, transparency, and accountability structures.
- Designed internal audit frameworks following industry standards and the three lines of defense model.
- Provided AI governance advisory services, evaluating risks related to emerging technologies and data privacy.
Head of Internal Audit / Director of Internal Audit
Ports America
01.2021 - Current
- Recruited to establish internal audit function for private equity-owned global port and logistics operator.
- Delivered independent assurance on financial, operational compliance, and technology risks, enhancing stakeholder confidence.
- Led team of auditors in executing operational, financial, compliance, and IT audits to ensure alignment with organizational standards.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to translate audit findings into actionable recommendations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Developed audit strategies aligned with industry regulations and organizational objectives.
- Executed risk-based audit strategies addressing business objectives and emerging risks.
- Designed and implemented formal internal audit department with comprehensive governance framework.
- Enhanced risk visibility through data analytics dashboards and continuous monitoring tools.
Senior Director / Director / Internal Audit Manager
Stage Stores
01.2013 - 01.2020
- Established and scaled internal audit functions across large multi-location service organization, enhancing overall governance and risk management.
- Managed comprehensive audit plans targeting financial reporting, operational effectiveness, and compliance.
- Conducted audits of store operations, revenue cycles, inventory, and financial reporting to identify inefficiencies and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Evaluated controls across multi-unit retail locations to identify operational and financial risks.
- Implemented continuous auditing and automated testing, enhancing efficiency and coverage.
- Collaborated with finance and IT during system implementations and digital transformation initiatives.
- Led enterprise risk assessments while supporting SOX compliance efforts.
- Provided leadership with actionable insights on operational efficiency, contributing to shrinkage reduction and strengthened internal controls.
Senior Corporate Auditor
Huntsman Chemical
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Led internal audit initiatives for financial, operational, and IT audits in global chemical manufacturing.
- Performed compliance audits across international manufacturing operations to ensure regulatory adherence.
- Assessed internal control frameworks for financial reporting and procurement processes.
- Evaluated ERP systems and IT general controls, improving accuracy of financial reporting.
- Conducted risk assessments, identifying operational inefficiencies and control deficiencies for remediation.
- Collaborated with finance, IT, supply chain, and operations leaders to strengthen internal controls.
- Provided advisory support for system implementations, enhancing operational processes and control effectiveness.
Earlier Internal Audit & Risk Roles
Group 1 Auto , Lennar Corporation, KPMG
Houston, Texas
01.2005 - 12.2010
- Established expertise in internal audit, financial reporting controls, enterprise risk assessments, and consulting services across energy, automotive, construction, and professional services sectors.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
University of Houston
Skills
- Audit leadership
- Risk-based audit strategy
- Governance and compliance
- Committee and board reporting
- Risk and control assessment
- Financial IT auditing
- Fraud investigations
- Data auditing
- Tech risk management
- Quality assurance
- Performance metrics
- Strategic planning
- Regulatory compliance
- Alignment support
- AI and cybersecurity governance
Earlier Internal Audit And Risk Roles
- Group 1 Automotive
- Lennar Corporation
- KPMG
Certification
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Information Privacy Professional – United States (CIPP/US)
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
• Certified AI Governance Professional (AIGP) - In Progress
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Information Privacy Professional – United States (CIPP/US)
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
• Certified AI Governance Professional (AIGP) - In Progress
Executive Impact And Achievements
- Delivered enterprise-wide risk insights leading to strategic operational improvements and enhanced compliance practices.
- Transformed internal audit functions by integrating data analytics and continuous auditing, increasing audit coverage and early risk detection.
- Strengthened internal controls and governance for complex, multi-entity operations with measurable risk reduction.
- Elevated Audit Committee reporting quality, enabling easier oversight and decision-making.
- Championed culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct across enterprise functions.
Board And Community Governance
- Power on Heels Fund, Board Member & Chief Financial Officer: Provide financial governance, budgeting oversight, and risk advisory support for a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women through education, mentorship, and leadership development.
- ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America), Corporate Advisory Board Member: Advise on professional development initiatives, corporate partnerships, and leadership strategy supporting Latino professionals across industries.
- First Tee – Greater Houston, Parents Advisory Committee President: Provide leadership for volunteer committees supporting youth development programs focused on leadership, character building, and life skills through golf.
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Founder & Principal Advisor
RMDJ Compliance Strategies
01.2024 - Current
Head of Internal Audit / Director of Internal Audit
Ports America
01.2021 - Current
Senior Director / Director / Internal Audit Manager
Stage Stores
01.2013 - 01.2020
Senior Corporate Auditor
Huntsman Chemical
01.2011 - 01.2013
Earlier Internal Audit & Risk Roles
Group 1 Auto , Lennar Corporation, KPMG
01.2005 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
University of Houston