Sean McConnell

Internal Audit

Boston,MA

Summary

Internal Audit Executive with global business experience in financial, information systems, operational and regulatory auditing, Sarbanes-Oxley 404 compliance, business process evaluation and design, ERP system implementation, and fraud investigation. Strong strategic and critical thinking skills, with a focus on enhancing governance, risk management, and operational efficiency in a multinational context .Recognized as having adopted broad and progressive role for Internal Audit.

Work History

Vice President – Internal Audit

AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION

Boston, MA

04.2007 - 07.2024

Served as Vice President of Internal Audit, reporting directly to the Chief Audit Executive, with responsibility for overseeing SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) compliance, IT audits, U.S. Tower audits, and India auditing operations.
Developed and implemented a five-year strategic plan for internal audit, aligning the function’s goals with the company’s broader business objectives.
Implemented the COSO 2013 framework, strengthening the company’s internal control environment and ensuring alignment with industry best practices.
Implemented AuditBoard audit software in 2013, enhancing audit management, tracking, and reporting capabilities across the organization.
Played a key role in acquisition integration efforts, including consulting and audits, ensuring seamless transitions and adherence to company standards.
Advised the business on increasing efficiency through the use of global business services and consolidation, contributing to cost savings and streamlined operations.
Enhanced governance frameworks, risk management processes, and control environments, driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
Partnered with Deloitte, the external auditor, to ensure alignment between internal and external audit activities, driving efficiencies and enhancing audit effectiveness.

Director – Internal Audit

USA MOBILITY, Inc. - (formerly Arch Wireless, Inc.)

Westborough, MA

04.2000 - 07.2005

Lead the internal audit, SOX 404, and corporate security functions for USA Mobility Inc., a $750M mobile information company providing wireless messaging and other wireless products and services to business and individual subscribers
Responsible for developing and executing an internal audit plan, providing support for developing corporate policies and procedures, managing corporate security, and advising senior management on control related integration issues
Continuously provided feedback and recommendations to senior management and the Audit Committee on business risks and improving operational efficiencies
Lead Sarbanes-Oxley 404 implementation and certification process
Transformed management’s perception of internal audit from a traditional compliance reporting organization to a consultative process improvement team
Identified over $40M in annual cost savings related to audits performed.
Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.

Manager - Management Assurance Services

KPMG LLP

Boston, MA

04.1999 - 04.2000

Managed out-sourced internal audit and consulting work that included the development and administration of an audit plan and project budget, scheduling staff, and managing client expectations
Perform business risk assessments and facilitate control self-assessment workshops
Directed out-sourced audit work for two telecommunications companies
Performed a business risk assessment and developed a 3 year risk based audit program that was presented to the audit committee of an electric utility company
Developed risk based audit plans for two telecommunications clients.
Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.

Education

Master of Business Administration -

Babson College, F. W. Olin Graduate School of Business

12.1996

Bachelor of Arts in Economics -

Providence College

05.1989

Skills

Team Leadership
Relationship Building
Innovative and Visionary
Analytical and Critical Thinker
Complex Problem-Solving
Strategic Thinking

Risk Management
Negotiation and Persuasion
Process Optimization
Coaching and Mentoring
Verbal and Written Communication

Certification

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), 1999
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), 1999

Timeline