Philip Lam, CPA, CISA, CFE

Experience

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  Grant Thornton LLP

  Jan 2003 - Jan 2008

  Senior Advisory Associate

  Experience includes SOX readiness for pre-IPO clients. Knowledgeable in planning and supervising internal control audit procedures, including initial client implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.

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  Aramark

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2016

  Director, SOX Compliance and Internal Audit

  Aramark is a publicly traded Fortune 200 company.As Director, I oversaw and executed the full compliance cycle, including risk assessments, planning, reviewing test work, and reporting findings and recommendations to leadership for SOX and business requirements. My scope of responsibility included managing and performing IT controls testing.I designed and executed operational and statutory audits to achieve business and operating goals, including adherence to policies and procedures. I provided controls guidance for company projects and business process changes, such as the creation of two Shared Service Centers. I updated audit strategy and test plans as multiyear business transformation projects were executed.I managed the implementation of risk management software (Riskonnect).I managed compliance efforts with external auditors (KPMG) and focused on reducing excessive testing, eliminating duplication of effort, and improving the efficiency of the audit to minimize the burden on the company. Show less

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  Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

  Jan 2016 - Jan 2018

  Senior Director, Internal Audit

  Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE: ARE) is an S&P 500 REIT. In my role as Senior Director, Internal Audit, I managed the SOX requirements, including determining strategy for financial governance, risk assessments and scoping, timelines, resources, phases of test work, and coordination with department leaders and external auditors (E&Y).I worked closely with the external auditors under the direct assistance model to ensure maximum efficiency and reliance on testing performed by the Internal Audit team. I managed IT risks and controls testing using a third party service provider and partnered with management to remediate findings and implement opportunities for process improvement.I managed the implementation of audit and risk management software (AuditBoard) and reported to the Audit Committee and CFO. Show less

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  WASH

  Jan 2018 - Jan 2021

  VP, Internal Audit

  WASH is an EQT portfolio company.As VP, Internal Audit, I created the internal audit and enterprise risk management function to improve the control environment, optimize processes, and prepare the company to be SOX ready in preparation for an IPO or strategic exit. My responsibilities included performing an enterprise risk assessment then implementing an internal audit program that addressed financial, IT, compliance, and operational risks and controls, including creation of a loss prevention program. I added value by providing recommendations for data analysis, standardization, process improvement, and risk mitigation between three lines of businesses.I worked with the accounting and business functions to remediate control deficiencies (material weaknesses and significant deficiencies) previously identified by the external auditors.I led investigations into violations of company policy and/or fraud, including partnering with the General Counsel, HR, and third-party forensic experts.I worked on special projects with consultants (Boston Consulting Group, Alvarez & Marsal). In addition, I managed the annual audit requirements and the relationship with external auditors (E&Y) to ensure deadlines were met. I reported to the Audit Committee and CFO. Show less

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  Interior Logic Group, Inc.

  Jan 2021 - Jan 2024

  Head of Internal Audit

  Interior Logic Group is a Blackstone portfolio company.As Head of Internal Audit, I created the internal audit function and prepared the company to be SOX ready for an IPO. My responsibilities included performing an enterprise risk assessment and creating an internal audit program that covered enterprise wide, financial, operational, and IT risks and controls.I added value by highlighting risks, control gaps, process improvement and standardization opportunities, and providing recommendations for remediation. I worked with functional leaders and their teams on training and requirements as part of remediation plans.In addition, I managed the Whistleblower Hotline with the General Counsel and performed operational audits and investigations into violations of company policy, procedure, and/or fraud, including partnering with the General Counsel, HR, and third-party law firms.I partnered with the General Counsel to scope and create a framework for company wide compliance initiatives that were the focus of a newly created Compliance Committee (Board level committee).I reported to the Audit Committee and CFO. see less Show less

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  Orange County Employees Retirement System

  Jan 2024 - now

  Head of Internal Audit