Zahid Syed
Stephenson,VA
Summary
Results-driven Senior Auditor and Risk Management Executive with 17+ years of experience leading comprehensive audit engagements across healthcare and federal sectors. Proven track record of recovering $6M+ in revenue, managing $10B+ in assets, and improving operational efficiency by 30%. Expert in enterprise-wide risk assessments, regulatory compliance, and delivering actionable audit findings to executive leadership.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Founder & Operations Lead
Brushes & Scrolls LLC
01.2021 - Current
- Co-manage creative home décor business specializing in laser-cut wood and acrylic products
- Apply audit methodologies and risk management practices to streamline operations and quality control
- Oversee financial record maintenance, tax compliance, and regulatory requirements
- Manage product development, marketing strategy, and multi-platform client engagement
Senior Auditor & Contracting Officer Representative (COR)
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
02.2020 - 05.2025
- Delivered high-impact risk-based audits aligned with OMB A-123 and SOX compliance standards
- Improved audit cycle efficiency by 30%, earning executive recognition for performance excellence
- Identified $1.5M in compliance risks and ensured successful resolution through strategic recommendations
- Supervised junior auditors and maintained quality assurance standards across all audit documentation
- Conducted root cause analysis and assessed internal control effectiveness to enhance organizational performance
- Delivered comprehensive audit reports with actionable findings and tracked corrective action implementation
- Led special audit engagements addressing regulatory changes and medical audit priorities
Auditor
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2018 - 02.2020
- Conducted independent healthcare and administrative audits to assess operational efficiency and risk exposure
- Reviewed federal compliance with established policies and recommended internal control enhancements
- Prepared executive-level audit reports with clear findings and strategic recommendations
- Collaborated with healthcare administrators on compliance improvement initiatives
- Performed comprehensive follow-up assessments to ensure implementation of audit recommendations
IT Auditor
U.S. Department of State
02.2018 - 08.2018
- Led independent IT audits for international medical and financial programs
- Conducted cybersecurity assessments and IT compliance evaluations
- Applied data analytics to evaluate IT risks and developed audit remediation strategies
- Collaborated with legal and IT departments on complex security assessments
Regulatory Auditor
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
01.2008 - 02.2018
- Conducted comprehensive regulatory audits across healthcare imports and pharmaceutical sectors
- Developed innovative risk-based audit methodologies using advanced data analysis techniques
- Received multiple performance awards for outstanding audit leadership and results
- Mentored junior auditors and maintained audit documentation aligned with federal standards
- Led complex trade compliance and customs compliance assessments
Education
Master of Science - Accounting
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ05.2008
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Stockton University
Pomona, NJ12.2004
Skills
- Regulatory & Compliance: SOX OMB A-123 GAAP GAGAS COSO FAR Risk-Based Auditing Internal Control Framework
- Technology & Analytics: Power BI Tableau SQL SAP Microsoft Excel Teammate ACE SharePoint Database Management
Awards
Multiple performance awards from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for outstanding audit excellence, Recognized across federal agencies for independent audit leadership and exceptional results, Consistently acknowledged for delivering complex audit engagements with minimal supervision
Timeline
Co-Founder & Operations Lead
Brushes & Scrolls LLC
01.2021 - Current
Senior Auditor & Contracting Officer Representative (COR)
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
02.2020 - 05.2025
Auditor
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2018 - 02.2020
IT Auditor
U.S. Department of State
02.2018 - 08.2018
Regulatory Auditor
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
01.2008 - 02.2018
Master of Science - Accounting
Rider University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Stockton University
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