Marina Gouchian
Livermore
Summary
As a dynamic leader with Fortune-100 internal audit, big-four audit/assurance and industry experience, I have overseen and built Internal Audit Departments and Risk Governance frameworks, including programs addressing Sarbanes Oxley (SOX), Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, Information Technology, Operational, and Enterprise Risks. My strongest skills outside of technical competence include relationship building, problem solving and out-of-box thinking. I enjoy making presentations, including at local and international conferences and seminars. I have been recognized for resolving complex issues that require strategic thinking, creativity, and strong analytical skills.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Internal Audit
ARC Document Solutions
03.2015 - Current
- Develop strategy and goals for the Internal Audit that transformed the function from mere SOX compliance department into a trusted partner and advisory service.
- Lead Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, internal audit, and risk assessment efforts of the company’s operational and financial practices. Reduced the number of exceptions in controls testing to a minimum by working closely with the operations, finance, IT and other teams.
- Increased external auditors’ reliance on Internal Audit testing from 25 to 75% by actively managing relationships with executives, senior and operational management, outsource providers and external auditors.
- Deliver timely and value-added audit reporting to the functional leaders, senior management, and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
- Provide technical assistance to functional business areas in business process improvements and development, refinement, and documentation of internal controls by participating in all major project implementations.
- Perform other internal control, risk management and process improvement projects as appropriate for the CFO and the Audit Committee.
- Mentor, challenge and empower staff to search opportunities for professional and personal development.
Sr. Manager, Internal Audit
SAFEWAY, INC.
01.2005 - 03.2015
- Developed risk-based audit plan through annual and ongoing risk assessments. Ensured appropriate coverage of the audit universe based on current risk ratings and past performance.
- Facilitated company-wide enterprise risk assessment (ERM) process and ensured the audit plan is in link with top ERM risks.
- Oversaw major financial and operations audits that identified significant cost saving opportunities. Effectively communicated audit results to Senior Management and gained acceptance in sensitive situations to drive change.
- Established and implemented departmental policies and procedures consistent with the IIA International Standards for the professional Practice of Internal Audit.
- Developed and conducted training programs for staff and auditees.
- Provided accounting guidance to various departments in reviewing significant transactions to determine proper accounting.
- Directed, developed, and motivated individuals with long-term potential to progress within Internal Audit and the company.
Assurance Manager
ERNST & YOUNG
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Planned and managed integrated audit engagements (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) including Fortune 500 companies in Biotech (Chiron) and technology (Saba, Synopsis) industries.
- Provided technical accounting guidance to clients in reviewing significant transactions to determine proper accounting.
- Audited and provided comments on Annual Reports (10K’s) and matters concerning status of financial audit. Performed timely reviews of unaudited interim information (10Q’s).
- Regularly interacted with client senior management. Communicated business process improvement opportunities. Assessed client remediation plans to address deficiencies.
- Developed and maintain productive and proactive working relationships with client personnel and assessed clients' satisfaction.
- Developed staff through effective delegation and guidance. Provided performance feedback.
- Assisted in company-wide recruiting and training efforts.
Audit Supervisor
RINA Accountancy
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Planned and managed the largest audit engagements of the firm (clients operating in manufacturing, real estate, professional services, and other industries).
- Supervised, evaluated, and motivated staff members.
- Designed accounting system for clients including selecting and setting up accounting software and training client personnel.
- Actively participated in practice development initiatives of the firm.
- As an A&A representative of the Oakland Office developed and implemented risk-based Audit Watch Program.
- (Regional Public Accounting Firm)
Controller / Grants Administrator
AUAC, an Affiliate of the University of California
01.1995 - 01.2000
- Created and managed the consolidated annual budget for the university operations.
- Supervised and directed the accounting personnel.
- Coordinated the annual audit and compliance with A-133 requirements. Functioned as a primary interface with independent accountants for all audit related issues.
- Administered and implemented all private and federal grants.
- Performed ad hoc analysis and reported results to senior management and the board of directors.
Financial Analyst
KRAFT FOODS INTERNATIONAL
01.1994 - 01.1995
- Responsible for quarterly financial forecasts. Consolidated and analyzed the original budget and quarterly forecasts.
- Prepared commodity purchase performance and position reports.
- Published monthly performance reports for senior management.
- Performed ad hoc cost analysis for management.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Finance and Accounting
American University of Armenia
Yerevan, Armenia01.1993
Bachelor of Arts - Macroeconomics
State Institute of Economics
Yerevan, Armenia01.1991
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Data analytics
- Team building and leadership
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
Affiliations
Professional associations: Served on the Boards of the Northern California - East Bay Chapter and the Institute of Internal Auditors Armenia.
Certification
Passed CISA Exam in June 2011 - sponsored by ISACA, CISA is the globally accepted standard of achievement among information systems (IS) audit, control, and security professionals.
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Russian
Full Professional
Armenian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Head of Internal Audit
ARC Document Solutions
03.2015 - Current
Sr. Manager, Internal Audit
SAFEWAY, INC.
01.2005 - 03.2015
Assurance Manager
ERNST & YOUNG
01.2003 - 01.2005
Audit Supervisor
RINA Accountancy
01.2000 - 01.2003
Controller / Grants Administrator
AUAC, an Affiliate of the University of California
01.1995 - 01.2000
Financial Analyst
KRAFT FOODS INTERNATIONAL
01.1994 - 01.1995
Bachelor of Arts - Macroeconomics
State Institute of Economics
Master of Business Administration - Finance and Accounting
American University of Armenia
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Certifications: Certified Public Accountant (CA License-inactive), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA-inactive)