Sara Williams
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic auditing and accounting professional based in Chicago, specializing in forensic analyses, compliance and financial audits, business performance evaluation, fraud investigations, and litigation consulting support. Extensive public accounting experience includes significant contributions to complex client matters, such as preparing expert reports and exhibits for litigation and expert testimony. Proven track record involving conducting detailed financial reviews and transaction tracing as well as consistently delivering high-quality data analytics under tight deadlines. Committed to leveraging analytical expertise and a deep understanding of financial reporting and accounting standards to drive value in high-stakes business environments.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Auditor
EFPR Advisory Group LLC
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Worked detailed audit plans, reviewing key risks and working through testing procedures.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify cost-saving opportunities for clients.
- Assessed client financial situation by gathering information regarding investments, asset allocation, savings and tax planning.
- Interviewed clients by telephone or in-person to gather financial information.
- Reduced audit risk by meticulously reviewing financial statements and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.
- Analyzed financial statements for accuracy, providing actionable insights to improve operational efficiency.
- Led financial audits, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
Forensic Accounting Consultant
Crowe LLP
01.2023 - 06.2025
- Provided support to the Audit business unit during peak busy seasons in 2024 and 2025, contributing to audits for clients across diverse industries. Rotated to the Forensic Services team, where responsibilities included conducting forensic analyses related to fraud investigations, interviews of company assets for research and information gathering, business performance analysis for income loss remediation insurance claims, financial reporting reconciliations and analyses, regulatory compliance, payroll review, merger & acquisitions disputes consulting and EBIDTA/Earnout calculations, and complex litigation support matters involving employee fraud, vendor fraud, employee theft, CEO/CFO investigations, intellectual property disputes, divorce valuations, financial institution litigation, family money disputes, and more. Performed detailed reviews of financial statements, transaction tracing, and quantification of economic damages in sectors such as healthcare, education, and real estate. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to prepare expert reports, exhibits, and client deliverables used in litigation and arbitration contexts.
Forensic Accounting Consultant (Intern)
Crowe LLP
04.2022 - 02.2023
- Supported forensic accounting investigations using advanced analytics in Excel, various Accounting and Reporting systems, and source documents provided, resulting in enhanced litigation consulting engagements. Streamlined financial analyses and data reviews, improving company protocols and reducing financial risk. Prepared exhibits and reports that streamlined legal and regulatory processes, leading to more impactful presentations.
Audit Staff Intern
Crowe LLP
01.2023 - 06.2025
- Executed external audits for various clients across industries, ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial reporting. Assisted with testing of internal controls and substantive testing, improving audit documentation quality and reliability. Performed year-end confirmations, testing, and auditing of all areas including but not limited to Cash, Controls, Systems Access, IT, AP, AR, Revenue, Fixed Assets, Leases, Depreciation, Amortization, Inventory, Payroll, Stock Compensation, Bonuses, Income/Expense Flux analyses, and preparation of financial statements and disclosures. Managed and organized workpapers using firm tools and software under audit managers' supervision, enhancing workflow efficiency. Mentored and helped train incoming interns and first year staff in 2025 Audit rotation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accountancy
DePaul University
12.2023
Skills
- Skills/Systems: Audit workpaper systems, Internal control audit templates, Accounting systems used for AP/Revenue/Payroll and other functions, AI, CaseWare, Clear background reporting, Confirmations systems, Data Tools/Analytics, File Conversion tools- Excel, Able2Extract, Alteryx, pdf converter, General Ledger and Financial Reporting systems, LexisNexis, MS Excel and add-ins such as ASAP Utilities, MS Office/Copilot/Teams, Quickbooks, Share File, shared drives, file sharing systems, Yardi or Lease Query
- Client Focus Services: Public Accounting, Audit, Financial Reporting, Fraud & Regulatory Investigations, Forensic Investigations, Business Loss Remediations, Post-Acquisition Disputes, Litigation Consulting Support, Financial Regulatory Investigations, GAAP Standards and Research, Financial Performance Analysis and Projections
- Industries: Construction, Financial Institutions, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Public Sector/Government, Retail Auto Dealerships, Hospitality & Restaurants, Hotel & Resort Management, Insurance, Private Equity, Education, and Real Estate
Timeline
Senior Auditor
EFPR Advisory Group LLC
09.2025 - 12.2025
Forensic Accounting Consultant
Crowe LLP
01.2023 - 06.2025
Audit Staff Intern
Crowe LLP
01.2023 - 06.2025
Forensic Accounting Consultant (Intern)
Crowe LLP
04.2022 - 02.2023
Bachelor of Science - Accountancy
DePaul University