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Audit Manager, Gabriela Caspe, Sen. Internal Audit Specialist, Megon Humes, Internal Audit Specialist and Debora Brusaporco, Audit Intern.
Whether they are handling the books at base or travelling, this group does get around for their annual accumulation of 20-plus audits, spending a quarter of their working days abroad in 26 countries where the company carries out its businesses.
“We evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal control processes. This provides members of the boards and senior management with assurance of how well the systems and processes designed to keep the organi- zation on track are working. We are the third line of defense, as Senior Management is responsible for implementing internal control measures, as well as monitoring/detective controls,” Cadien-Miller explains.
Essential to the auditing process, Cadien-Miller also noted were qualified, curious, skilled and experienced people with the ability to work in accordance with the Code of Ethics and the international standards.
“We are independent from the operations we evalu- ate, which allows us to be objective when executing reviews and, unlike external auditors, we look beyond the financial risks and statements to consider wider issues such as the organization’s reputation, growth, its impact on the environment and the way it treats
employees,” Cadien-Miller pointed out.
A major benefit of the IAD’s function is continuous improvements to the company’s system of controls and risk management. This is achieved by advising, coaching and facilitating to ensure that the respon- sibility of management is not undermined.
In the meantime, since the merger in 2012, the organization has been through many changes that have affected persons contrastingly. The IAD has been fortunate because of its independence, which postures the team as a change agent and not a threat.
Overall, the company is in a rebuilding stage in the area of camaraderie and great progress has been made in sales and marketing. Senior management has taken an all-inclusive approach to achieve the same environment in all areas to make JWN ‘a great place to work’. This thrust, along with our core values of passion, integrity, pragmatism and togetherness, will nurture and solidify the foundation of internal controls.
“Remember that controls are only as strong as the persons executing it,” said Cadien-Miller.
“Our objective is to keep all stakeholders happy while using our limited resources,” she concluded.
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