Kari Lowry Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, US

Melbourne, Victoria, AU

• Drove improved performance of Information Technology (IT) spend across the business through analysis and insight on cost performance and improvement opportunities. Managed planning, forecasting, and reporting of IT.
• Partnered with Chief Information Officer, IT Lead Team, and Business Units, identifying and implementing cost savings for reducing overall operating expenditure, including complete deconstruction of IT costs incurred.
• Oversight of $50M outsourced IT service contract, including analysis of monthly volumes, management of annual purchase order process, and resolution of any payment process issues.
• Served as financial lead on significant IT projects, including decision analysis and financial support on additional outsource arrangements, telecommunications transformation, and implementation of new ERP system.
• Managed Australian outsourced accounting and reporting functions, including oversight and governance of 3rd party service provider while completing review of entire 3rd party outsource contract (accounting and.
• Selected as participant in Emerging Leaders Essentials program for further skills development and executive succession planning within the company.

Melbourne, Victoria, AU

• Insourced and set up North American Internal Audit function, including establishment of effective audit presence throughout all companies. Enhanced international business experience through projects in Australia.
• Developed annual audit plans, including budgets, by working directly with senior executives, determining key risks and areas of concern.
• Planned projects within annual audit plan, ensuring proper allocation of resources (internal or external consultants) and completion of all projects within the fiscal year.
• Provided effective insight to staff, management, and senior management on audit findings and performance issues as well as resolution by supplying comprehensive recommendations and process improvements for mitigating.
• Reported audit findings and performance issues to stakeholders and executives through written reports and oral presentations, incorporating face-to-face engagement with stakeholders and executives, facilitating timely.
• Assisted in preparation / coordination of documentation for periodic reporting to Audit and Risk Committee, highlighting projects completed, audit issues identified, and risk impact to business.

London, GB

• Planned, performed, and completed successful audits on clients in various manufacturing and financial industries. Prepared financial statements, including drafting statements and footnotes, and supporting documentation.
• Completed audit procedures using analytical and qualitative skills as well as conducted meetings with client personnel, audit committee members, and board of directors, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted.
• Reviewed process documentation, key controls, and control testing, confirming compliance with Sarbanes Oxley Act.
• Communicated effectively with clients and team members, facilitating timely resolution of audit related issues.
• Performed research on various technical matters, ensuring accounting matters were accurately reported and specific accounting guidance applied by clients.
• Participated in recruitment of new professionals, identifying quality candidates for hire and office mentoring program, supporting successful development of staff and senior auditors.