RYAN J. STAAK
Atlanta,GA
Summary
17 years of internal audit and risk management experience serving public and private companies in multiple industries, including paperboard and packaging, manufacturing, consumer goods, logistics, and supply chain.
Proven leader in directing teams to analyze data and assess risks to identify control and process deficiencies, operational inefficiencies, fraud, and non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
Extensive experience building, transforming, and enhancing Internal Audit and Sarbanes-Oxley programs to support sustainable, long-term business objectives.
Recognized as a high-performing leader with strong business acumen and strategic vision, skilled in partnering with stakeholders and motivating teams to deliver meaningful, value-driven results.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Internal Audit
Graphic Packaging International
Atlanta, GA
03.2019 - Current
- Provides leadership over the global Internal Audit function, overseeing audit services, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, and advisory activities across financial, operational, technology, strategic, and compliance risks.
- Leads the enterprise Sarbanes-Oxley program, including control design, risk assessment, scoping, annual testing, deficiency evaluation and Audit Committee reporting.
- Develops, executes, and continuously refines a risk-based, flexible audit services plan, dynamically adjusting coverage based on emerging risks, strategic initiatives, system implementations, acquisitions, and management requests.
- Continuously enhances the SOX and audit execution model by strengthening internal controls, improving audit efficiency, and identifying opportunities for process standardization and automation.
- Oversaw Internal Audit department budget, optimizing mix of full-time employees and external partners to ensure audit quality and maintain global reach.
- Advanced targeted insourcing strategy, expanding full-time audit capabilities and reducing dependence on external partners while enhancing institutional knowledge.
- Partnered with senior leadership and key business stakeholders on strategic initiatives, assessing risk and advising on control design for system implementations and acquisitions.
- Leads, mentors, and develops a multidisciplinary internal audit team, fostering a high-performing culture focused on professional growth, accountability, and value-added assurance.
- Serves as a key liaison to senior management and external auditors, supporting effective coordination, reliance strategies, and transparent communication.
Director Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk
KPMG LLP
Atlanta, USA
01.2008 - 03.2019
- Directed multi-million dollar internal audit and Sarbanes-Oxley engagements for global companies consisting of large multi-disciplinary and international teams.
- Led fully outsourced and co-sourced internal audit programs including the design and development of risk-based audit plans and the delivery of data and risk driven audit programs.
- Executed and managed risk-based audits including process assessments, operational and site audits, anti-bribery and corruption reviews, and strategic evaluations over key business risks.
- Transformed internal audit programs for companies by implementing continuous risk assessments, dynamic planning, and technology-enabled execution in high-impact areas.
- Managed and led multiple SOX Program Optimization projects leading to a reduction in key controls and better alignment with business objectives and processes.
- Oversaw global SOX compliance programs, ensuring effective scoping, evaluation, and reporting of results to meet regulatory requirements.
- Delivered SOX readiness engagements for both tuck-in acquisitions (10+ acquisitions) and major business combinations and mergers exceeding $1 billion in revenue (5+ engagements) and 200 locations.
- Led Enterprise Risk Assessments including quarterly risk reporting and the development of Enterprise Risk Management functions.
- Presented audit results, recommendations, and action plans to executive senior management and developed quarterly Audit Committee materials to enhance strategic oversight.
- Led KPMG's Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk Intelligent Automation for the Southeast.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Finance And Marketing
University of Georgia
GA12-2007
Skills
- Internal controls
- Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Compliance
- SOX Readiness and Optimization
- Enterprise Risk Assessments and Management (ERM)
- Operational auditing
- Integrated auditing
- Project management and multitasking
- Risk assessments and critical thinking
- Special investigations
- IIA Standards and COSO
- Strong business acumen and interpersonal skills
- Training, mentoring and resource development
- Integrity and dedicated work ethic
- Excellent communication skills
Timeline
Vice President, Internal Audit
Graphic Packaging International
03.2019 - Current
Director Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk
KPMG LLP
01.2008 - 03.2019
Bachelor of Science - Finance And Marketing
University of Georgia