James Kasten Email & Phone Number

Overall responsibility for the Internal Audit and SOX function providing independent assurance to support global operations. Executes a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls, and financial reporting processes. Fosters culture of control awareness and integrity.• Develop and timely execute the annual internal audit plan for global financial, operational, IT, and compliance processes in response to my enterprise risk assessment• Interact regularly with stakeholders at all levels of the company and advise control owners and leadership on internal control requirements and process improvements• Present overall SOX, IT and audit results and open issues to the Audit Committee quarterly• Evaluate and test key financial SOX, IT, and operational controls; identify control deficiencies; and partner with finance, operations and IT owners to implement remediation activities• Primary liaison with external auditors to facilitate the annual financial statement audit• Advise on cross-functional committees: enterprise risk, cybersecurity, financial disclosures, and whistleblower response

Responsible for providing risk-based audit and assurance leadership in a newly created position over fast growing West Coast beverage and beer operations. Build and maintain relationships with key operations and finance leaders while advancing audit team’s reputation through collaborative and value-added audit results and improvement recommendations. • Co-develop and execute the annual risk assessment and internal audit plan with coverage across business units • Plan and manage operational and compliance audits focused on inventory, supply chain, and safety processes• Guide and educate acquired companies to adopt corporate and business-unit best practices and standard procedures• Communicate audit findings and negotiate proposed recommendations with local and corporate management

New Albany, Oh

Advancement of audit team's maturity from compliance and controls-based projects to integrated operational audits of international processes. Build trusting and collaborative relationships with global associates and senior leadership. Participate in cross-functional COVID, transformation, and improvement committees with practical, risk-based, controls-driven, and analytical approach. Audit projects have resulted in real and prospective savings and opportunities valued up to $10M. - Plan and execute integrated operational audits and special projects across brands and international processes (including action plan remediation) - Communicate and negotiate audit results with senior leadership - Conduct risk assessments with global senior leadership to develop an annual audit plan with coverage across enterprise risk factors - Partner with and support cross-functional teams to address global compliance requirements and fraud investigations - Introduce and apply data analytics and visualization to refine scope and provide impactful results and storytelling to leadership - Supervise, train, and mentor team members by providing timely constructive coaching and performance reviews - Support preparation of audit committee materials including executive summary of reports and dashboard of metrics - Coordinate and manage work performed by external subject matter experts and SOX efficiencies with external auditors

Madison, Wisconsin Area

Managed and executed cross-business unit integrated audits of an operational and strategic nature aligned with risk assessment priorities. Supervised teams of geographically dispersed staff and senior auditors. Demonstrated enthusiastic and pragmatic customer focus while maintaining appropriate levels of independence, confidentiality and integrity. - Collaborated with audit leadership to execute annual risk assessment and internal audit plan - Managed and executed technical audits and special projects across business units; communicated and presented results with senior leadership. - Developed risk-based operational audit programs from-scratch; ensured key risks and SOX controls were addressed. - Demonstrated knowledge and application of company policies and Institute of Internal Audit (IIA), GAAP, COSO, and various IT frameworks - Supervised and developed team members by establishing objectives, providing constructive coaching and feedback, and conducting performance evaluations - Investigated fraud and abuse allegations; prepared evidence and reported on results and recommendations - Performed acquisition target due diligence procedures and consulted on post-acquisition transition activities

Madison, Wi

Greater Milwaukee Area

Executed financial statement audits and reviews of local and national manufacturing companies and commercial businesses. Supervised multiple concurrent audits while focusing on client-specific needs and topics and developing team members. - Planned and supervised financial statement and employee benefit plan audits (401k, pension, VEBA) for privately held, national and local companies within manufacturing, financial, pharmacy, and realty industries. - Prepared, analyzed, and reviewed financial statements and audit documentation according to U.S. GAAP, industry standards, and company policies. - Consulted, performed testing, and prepared system documentation for Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance and risk assessment activities. - Supervised, developed, and mentored peers, staff accountants, and interns.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Supplier Resolution Coordinator for ManpowerGroup: Managed discrepancy resolution process between Manpower and its subcontractors. Researched and resolved payment inquiries and errors, and timely communicated resolution to appropriate subcontractor and internal personnel.Accounts Payable contractor for Time Warner Cable (through ManpowerGroup): coded and entered invoices for payment, communicated with internal and external contacts.