Elsa Ansani

Experience

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  Arthur Andersen, LLP

  Jan 1998 - Jan 2001

  Auditor

  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of client business processes, information flows, and key risk factors.• Executed risk control tests and reduced residual risks in critical process domains such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, revenue, reserves, claims, and underwriting.• Supported precision and compliance of annual and quarterly financial statements for SEC and statutory reporting clients.

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  Sears Holdings Corporation

  Jan 2001 - Oct 2016

  • Streamlined electronic payment acceptance, optimizing debit, credit, and electronic check processes.• Identified and executed strategic initiatives aimed at reducing the overall cost of acceptance, resulting in improved operational efficiency and increased profitability.• Secured contract compliance, Service Level Agreement adherence, and incentives settlements while renewing contracts.• Led a 30-member offshore team to streamline and optimize chargeback operations, resulting in enhanced overall performance.• Appointed as a representative for Sears on the Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX) Board.• Accomplished a $6M reduction in chargebacks in the 1st year via trend analysis, operational improvements & monitoring controls.• Identified and addressed payment processing gaps, providing strategic direction and overseeing projects in IT, e-commerce, and Retail, resulting in a $3M annual interchange expense reduction.• Managed a multi-year EMV project, delivering significant corporate impact worth millions of dollars and overseeing a budget of over $1 million in IT expenditures Show less • Championed the management of the company's credit and leasing products, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.• Improved existing processes and implemented best practices within corporate and field operations.• Orchestrated issue resolution, pinpointing root causes, delivering solutions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.• Cultivated and influenced vendor partnerships, for both ongoing operations and new ventures.• Initiated the introduction of retail leasing products, leading the design of checkout experiences and essential business prerequisites• Established processes, operating standards, and SLAs for the introduction of the new Barclays retail credit product.• Initiated the termination and wind-down activities of HSBC credit and GE installment loan products in various retail formats. Show less • Supervised a 20-member team in executing operational, financial, and compliance audits across diverse formats.• Devised, scheduled, and executed the annual audit plan through a continuous risk-based methodology.• Delivered audit findings to senior leadership, facilitating decision-making and strategic improvements within the organization.• Identified pharmacy operations control weaknesses and gift card fraud, resulting in over $1M in expense savings.• Received department recognition, including the Project of the Year Award, for value-added compliance, operational optimizations, and system-related findings in the Pharmacy Operations Audit.• Presented at MIS Training Institute SuperStrategies Audit Best Practices Conference on Vendor Management Process Auditing. Show less • Coordinated and led audit teams on simultaneous engagements, including audits of third parties, store systems and processes, human resources, marketing, accounts payable, procurement, and vendor allowance/subsidy• Evaluated control design and operational efficiency, offering valuable process enhancement recommendations.• Initiated the incorporation of Sarbanes-Oxley Act requirements, defining the Internal Audit framework and scope. Provided guidance on documentation standards, tools, and test strategies for internal controls and financial reporting compliance.• Recognized with the Excellence in Auditing Award for identifying over $500K in cost-saving opportunities during the Travel Expense Audit and uncovering working capital improvement possibilities exceeding $3M in the Marketing Agency Audit. Show less

  • Director, Payment Acceptance

    Jul 2013 - Oct 2016

  • Credit Operations Manager - Financial Services

    Jan 2011 - Jun 2013

  • Audit Manager

    Jan 2008 - Jan 2011

  • Audit Senior and Project Leader

    Jan 2001 - Jan 2008
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  U.S. Cellular

  Oct 2016 - May 2020

  Senior Manager Product Management

  • Managed strategic lifecycle of device services portfolio, ensuring achievement of revenue and cost targets, covering Device Protection, Trade-in, and Warranty/Buyers’ Remorse programs.• Achieved over 50% growth in service program revenue, exceeding a net revenue forecast of approximately $160M, enhancing key performance indicators such as attach rate, sales mix, and compliance rate.• Supervised the launch of a new device trade-in program, establishing vendor partnerships, and devising training and performance reporting, resulting in substantial program growth.• Conducted an RFP for the device protection program leveraging industry and customer insights, extensive vendor review, vendor selection, and contract negotiation, leading to improved economics, product enhancements, and favorable contractual terms.• Enhanced processes, compliance, costs, and customer experience through strategic product and operational redesigns.• Facilitated collaboration among team members by communicating complex and legal matters to executive leadership. Show less

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  TDS®

  May 2020 - Jun 2024

  Director Internal Controls and Audit Services

  • Spearheaded financial and operational internal audit activities and managed the SOX 404 Compliance program for TDS Enterprise.• Operated as the Sarbanes Oxley expert for TDS Enterprise, leading team members, and initiatives to maintain high-quality internal control and audit services provided to the TDS Enterprise.• Fostered transparent relationships between Internal Audit and TDS leaders, facilitating regular communication with senior management, the Audit Committee, and external auditors.• Guaranteed requirements were met for successful audit execution, SOX compliance, and the delivery of high-quality audit reports.• Directed the Annual Risk Assessment process and Audit Plan development, adjusting the plan and priorities based on evolving risks and business conditions.• Evaluated new pronouncements, emerging risks, and control standards, determining their impact and potential implementation.• Executed as a trusted advisor to the Vice President of Internal Control and Audit Services, contributing to the vision and strategic direction of the Internal Audit function. Show less

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  Telephone and Data Systems

  May 2024 - now

  Vice President Internal Audit