Mary has led over 300 audit seminars for a variety of audit teams. She is an audit leader who has worked in challenging, diverse and fast-paced environments collaborating with business leaders in public and private industries.
She has evaluated and recommended control improvements to align with requirements for SOX, HIPPA, GAAP, GAGAS, GAAS, COSO, GLBA, and NIST.
COUNTY AUDITOR, One of the Largest Counties in the US
May 2020–Current
- Provided guidance and collaborated across the organization on the allocation of $3.1B ARPA/CARES/ERA funds to ensure compliance with Federal regulations.
- Responsible for directing, defining and implementing the internal audit vision, strategy and risk-based internal audits in alignment with County and State ordinances and laws.
- Presented to the Board of Commissioners the results of the County’s annual risk assessment, audit plan, status of open recommendations and results of engagements completed under my authority.
- Compiled the annual operating and capital budgets based upon staffing for each fiscal year.
- Lead teams in strategic assurance and advisory audits within the County, Health System and Forest Preserve.
- Enhanced transparency with release of timely audits and communications.
- Due to hiring challenges, realigned internal position job descriptions, salaries and responsibilities to rebuild the Office.
- Provided on-going training to finance and executive management on new federal compliance requirements for proper use and implementation of grants and reporting standards.
INTERNAL AUDIT DIRECTOR, Regional Public Transit Authority/Valley Metro
Phoenix, Arizona | April 2017–February 2020
- Established the Authority’s’ first Internal Audit department, including developing the charter, mission and vision to ensure strong internal controls and compliances with FTA, State and partner regulations.
- Recommended to the Audit Committee a staffing structure and funding requirements. Upon approval, created the job descriptions, recruited and mentored staff to fill open positions.
- Implemented the process to assess the organizations risk and ensured GAAP is utilized in posting/reporting financial transactions and quarterly reporting requirements.
- Communicated to the partner agencies where opportunities for improvement could be enhanced.
- Increased transparency by creating departmental web page to publish internally and externally produced audit reports.
- Advised management on areas to enrich organizational policies such as Ethics, Code of Conduct, Procurement, Credit Card Usage, Non-revenue fleet usage, Whistleblower, Retaliation, Signature and Delegation Authority.
DIVISION CHIEF, AUDITOR, Alameda County
Oakland California | September 2012–April 2017
- Implemented a three-year rotating control self-assessment (CSA) process, electronic work papers using Microsoft Office, deficiency follow-up system and Agile audit processes.
- Opened the lines of communication and training with the departments and agencies to reduce the number of SEFA findings year-over-year to decrease the entities’ risk factor.
- Influenced others through a variety of approaches to create a mutually beneficial situation while remaining sensitive in leading people from different functions and cultures.
Other Relevant Former Experience
- The Institute of Internal Audit (Lake Mary, FL), Facilitator for Adult Learners
- Saddleback Communications (Scottsdale, AZ), Former Board of Director
- Protiviti (Phoenix, AZ), Manager
- Arizona Financial Credit Union, (Phoenix, AZ) Former Audit Committee Chair
- Motorola (Schaumburg IL), IT Auditor
- Enterprise Systems, Inc. (Wheeling, IL) (now known as McKesson), Implementation Project Manager
- John Muir Medical Center (Walnut Creek, CA), Non-stock/Med-Surg Buyer
- Stuart Drug and Surgical Supply (Hayward, CA) (now known as Owens & Minor), Customer Service/Inside Sales
Education
Northern Arizona University, Master of Education – Leadership
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Arts – Business Administration
Contact Information
E-mail: MModelski@YMail.com
(480) 227-5752
Connect with Mary on LinkedIn
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