Kezia Lowery

As a dedicated audit liaison professional with extensive experience in managing and responding to audit requests, I excel in establishing efficient processes and communication channels to ensure the seamless flow of information across teams. Serve as the primary point of contact for all external audit activities, including engagements with Independent Public Auditors (IPA), specified Federal Audit Agencies, and the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Acted as the point of contact between the organization and the audit team, scheduling and coordinating audit planning meetings, quality control testing of sample requests, and follow-up meetings. Facilitated access to the necessary information and resources for the audit, PBC, NFR, and related items to the audit team. Reviewed audit findings and recommendations (NFRs) with management, assisting in developing corrective action plans (CAPs) to address identified issues. Served as the primary quality control reviewer, verifying the accuracy and completeness of samples selected for audit. Assured appropriate sample size and validated the selection process as random or systematic, evaluating the completeness and accuracy of supporting documentation. Communicated discrepancies or issues with the sample selection process to the audit team and recommended corrective actions as necessary. Demonstrated knowledge of federal accounting and auditing standards related to federal financial statement auditing, internal controls, audit liaison, financial reporting, financial business process reengineering, and data analytics. Collaborated with multiple business units to establish risk-based analytics methodology, fiscal strategy, and operations. Possessed a thorough knowledge of process improvement in areas such as shared services and outsourcing, finance transformation, performance management, financial systems optimization, and talent management, specifically in Procurement (Procure-to-Pay) and assistance in Accounts Payable, IT, and Financial Reporting. Implemented policies and procedures within the agency related to the financial statement audit and material business unit assets. Designed internal controls and provided feedback via observations and written reports, including recommendations for management consideration. Developed and managed project plans, task trackers, and schedules in compliance with internal SOPs. Performance Work Statements (PWS), and Work Breakdown Structures (WBS). Oversaw and directed the team to ensure alignment of all procurement activities with organizational goals and standards. Analyzed detailed finance and accounting processes to identify control gaps and improvement opportunities with proven success. Experienced with OMB and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for conducting internal control assessments, specifically: FISCAM, OMB Circular A-123, and the 'Green Book' for federal internal controls. Prepared SES, headquarters, and similar executive-level briefs, white papers, and memos to support system program contract structure recommendations. Excelled in audit planning, performing tests of controls and balances, and actively addressing client needs during discussions and meetings, preparing concise and accurate documents. Fostered a positive team environment by monitoring workloads while meeting client expectations, keeping leadership informed of progress and issues. Reported status of task order projects and modifications, evaluating established performance measurement baseline metrics to assure effectiveness in execution.

Throughout the FY 19, 20, 21, and partial 22 audit cycles, developed corrective action plans (CAPs) for new deficiencies, providing regular updates to process owners to resolve issues. Reviewed critical OHR business processes, identified gaps, developed new process narratives, and guided improvements, testing, and auditability. Executed complementary User Entity Control (CUEC) process improvements/reviews, focusing on tests of effectiveness (TOE) and tests of design (TOD). Orchestrated comprehensive plans for overall audit and quality control functional areas, enhancing team competencies through exercises in root cause analysis (RCA), critical and strategic thinking, and risk identification. Crafted audit procedures ranging from entrance conferences to report writing, effectively translating audit requirements to process owners to clarify their roles and support non-auditors during the audit cycle. Enhanced the audit team's understanding of technical terminology, milestones, and finalizing remediation packages, contributing to overall expertise. Conducted weeks of training on CAPs, assigning Military Service teams to assess, research, and determine internal dependencies within their respective audit areas. Demonstrated proficiency in analytical, organizational, interviewing, creative thinking, and written and verbal communication skills, enabling effective interactions with team members and stakeholders. Exhibited effective leadership abilities, guiding personnel through audit planning, execution, and reporting, fostering a collaborative environment. Briefed internal senior management and external company executives on audit findings, impacts, and recommendations to address concerns within the DIA OHR client context and enhance operational systems.

Led audit planning processes, providing guidance during research and survey phases by independently identifying specific audit areas and refining audit objectives, scope, criteria, and methodology. Directed the team through the fraud risk assessment process, ensuring comprehensive risk evaluations are performed. Independently coordinated the development of segments of the audit program guide addressing key audit objectives and standards. Executed audit fieldwork leadership, identifying sources and gathering sufficient and appropriate evidence to support findings. Demonstrated critical thinking by conducting relevant and reliable analyses within agreed timeframes to substantiate conclusions and recommendations. Maintained comprehensive audit documentation that supports the auditors’ judgments and conclusions, preparing work papers that met agency standards and requirements. Supported management by coordinating, delegating, and reviewing team members’ assignments, providing strategic advisement and identifying opportunities for improvement in processes and outcomes. Led the preparation of audit findings, ensuring completeness and accuracy in the draft reports, communicating results through briefings and written documents to internal and external stakeholders.

Processed transactions for broker/dealer clientele through trade instructions, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Facilitated domestic and foreign settlements, internal and external wire transfers, and currency movements in adherence to established protocols. Executed timely advising, issuance, and verification of letters of credit and amendments, examining documents presented, and processing payments appropriately. Reviewed incoming letters of credit and amendments for conformity to applicable standard banking practices and operating procedures using the Global Trade System (GTS) and/or Documentary Credit System (DCS). Conducted timely examinations of documents while leveraging departmental guidelines and resolving inconsistencies with relevant parties. Managed priority assignments according to departmental guidelines, maintaining professional communications with all relevant parties. Processed payments associated with letters of credit, escalating potential issues or unusual transactions to the Production Coordinator, and ensuring compliance with approval guidelines regarding document examination processing.

Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge in delivering federal, state, and international tax business compliance services while assisting with the day-to-day delivery of financial planning services to clients. Prepared fiduciary income tax returns with an emphasis on the compliance aspects of the client service relationship, ensuring accuracy in reporting. Managed year-round account maintenance for trust accounts, providing detailed preparation of estimated taxes and compliance forms. Assembled, reviewed, and printed detailed 1099s, K-1s, 1041s, 5227, and 990/PF tax documents for clients, ensuring adherence to reporting requirements. Organized client data based on taxability and regulatory obligations, collaborating closely with clients to maintain appropriate reporting structures and compliance regulations. Participated as a team member, fostering a positive collaboration environment by building solid relationships with team members and contributing to team success. Actively sought clarification and feedback to enhance understanding and compliance in tax maintenance and filing processes, offering mentorship to less-experienced staff. Collaborated daily with tax practitioners and business managers, including partners and directors, ensuring comprehensive oversight of client tax needs. Applied fundamentals and principles related to fiduciary income tax returns, focused on compliance with service level agreements. Delivered federal and state tax business compliance services alongside large-scale outsourcing solutions, demonstrating technical expertise in tax research and tax provisions, including knowledge of FAS 109.