Global Director, Internal Audit
In connection with the Quaker Chemical and Houghton International combination in August 2019, I accepted the leadership of the Internal Audit function of Quaker Houghton, integrating the Internal Audit functions of the 2 multinational corporations. Due to SOX challenges identified prior to the combination at the predecessor entity, we decided to re-implement the SOX program. I led our SOX testing in 2020, which successfully remediated one of the 2019 Material Weaknesses, partial remediation of a second Material Weakness, and all Significant Deficiencies. To support the remediation of the Material Weaknesses, I initiated the following formalized Risk Assessments – • Enterprise Risk Assessment – I initiated this assessment and supported the implementation of responsive Enterprise Risk Management initiative. I crafted and delivered a survey for the newly combined Management Team, composed of 475 members of Executive Leadership, Global Management, and key business-line & support Management, to support a comprehensive approach to considering and addressing / mitigating / accepting risks.• Fraud Risk Assessment – I initiated this enhanced fraud assessment in response to the COVID environment. I conducted one-on-one interviews with 35 global leaders to identify fraud risk concerns / potential weaknesses, in light of the COVID environment (remote workforce, supply chain, cyber and global economic considerations). Based on the resulting discussions, I created a Risk Register and mapped to the Risk & Control Matrices to highlight gaps.Both assessments were critical components of remediating the Material Weaknesses.To further streamline the administrative side of the Audit function, I successfully implemented ALIGN 2020 (SOX / GRC-light tool) to support the rollout of new Risk & Control Matrices globally, while automating quarterly Control Certifications, population / documentation requests (PBCs), and linking Issue Management to SAD reporting – all in place for 2021!