Adolfo Cruz
Santa Ana,CA
Summary
Results-driven auditing professional with significant experience in internal control assessment and process improvement. Known for collaborative teamwork and delivering impactful solutions in dynamic environments. Possesses skills in financial analysis, risk management, and regulatory compliance, with reliable and adaptable approach.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Internal Auditor
Pacific Premier Bank
Irvine, California
11.2020 - Current
- Contributed to over 30 internal audits in compliance with IIA Standards, supporting risk assessments across financial, operational, and compliance areas
- Assisted in audit planning by identifying key control points using AuditBoard, Excel, and Auditor Assistant
- Performed SOX compliance testing and maintained accurate workpapers to support timely audit reporting
- Discovered $100K duplicate wire transfer undetected for nearly 1 year, preventing further losses through control enhancement
- Reviewed audit workpapers and recommended process improvements adopted across departments
- Led walkthrough meetings and audit status calls with stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely follow-ups
- Documented recommendations to improve internal controls.
- Reviewed and identified risks, analyzed controls and tested compliance.
- Provided ongoing support to management by offering guidance on internal control design and ensuring timely resolution of audit findings.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies through meticulous audits and effective communication with management.
- Managed multiple complex audit projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines and budget constraints.
Fraud Analyst II
Unify Financial Credit Union
Los Angeles, California
01.2019 - 11.2020
- Conducted detailed reviews of member accounts to detect signs of fraud, abuse, or negligence
- Prepared reports on fraud trends using Excel, supporting proactive fraud prevention initiatives
- Managed the implementation of new fraud detection platforms to improve real-time monitoring
- Developed tracking tools to classify and monitor fraud cases, enhancing reporting accuracy
- Advised business units on risk mitigation strategies through consultations and assessments
- Collaborated with Internal Audit and Compliance to strengthen fraud controls and align with regulatory standards
Branch Manager / Supervisor / Sr. Rep / MSR
Unify Financial Credit Union
ORANGE COUNTY, CA
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Oversaw daily balancing of ATMs and cash machines, ensuring secure handling of negotiable instruments
- Resolved escalated member issues and ensured quality service delivery
- Mentored and trained staff, resulting in multiple internal promotions
- Maintained strong audit readiness by enforcing security and operational controls
- Conducted internal reviews on loans and data changes to ensure compliance
- Investigated suspicious accounts and recommended controls in coordination with Loss Prevention
- Reported operational performance to management and identified areas for process improvement
Member Service Associate
Kinecta Federal Credit Union
Fountain Valley, California
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Opened new accounts and conducted mini-financial needs analyses to match members with appropriate products
- Managed assigned member portfolios and drove growth through referrals and outreach
- Generated memberships and loans via employer group relationships and outbound efforts
- Documented account activity and maintained compliance with credit union policies
- Assisted members with correcting account, service, and system issues by educating on required forms and technical processes.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA05.2024
B.A. - Business Administration, Marketing
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA05.2016
Skills
- Internal Audit & Compliance: IIA Standards, SOX testing, control evaluation
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Operational, financial, and compliance risk analysis
- Fraud Detection & Prevention: Investigation, escalation, and fraud risk controls
- Audit Tools: AuditBoard, Auditor Assistant, Microsoft Excel, Symitar
- Reporting & Documentation: Workpapers, trend analysis, executive presentations
- Communication: Bilingual (English & Spanish), walkthrough leadership, stakeholder collaboration
Accomplishments
- Identified and facilitated the recovery of a $100K duplicate wire transfer in 2024, preventing financial loss and strengthening internal controls at Pacific Premier Bank.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Unify FCU 2019 MVP Award Winner
- McGruff Award Recipient
- Branch OPS Lead Trainee Program Graduate
Certification
- CIA Certificaiton - In progress
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Sr. Internal Auditor
Pacific Premier Bank
11.2020 - Current
Fraud Analyst II
Unify Financial Credit Union
01.2019 - 11.2020
Branch Manager / Supervisor / Sr. Rep / MSR
Unify Financial Credit Union
01.2016 - 01.2019
Member Service Associate
Kinecta Federal Credit Union
01.2014 - 01.2016
MBA - Business Administration
California State University, Fullerton
B.A. - Business Administration, Marketing
California State University, Fullerton
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