Alison Williams, CIA, CISA
About Alison
Alison is a multi-faceted senior leader specializing in internal audit, regulatory compliance, IT project management, and risk management. She has a proven track record of leading and motivating teams to perform at optimal levels while driving organizational change and transforming strategic plans into operational realities that achieve business objectives. Additionally, Alison is an accomplished instructor, speaker, and lecturer who educates professionals on various topics, including IT auditing, enterprise risk management (ERM), operational resiliency, and leadership development.
Alison’s in-depth audit, compliance, and risk experience originate from senior-level and director positions with a Fortune 100 diversified insurance and financial services firm and a Fortune 1000 bank holding company. Combining her knowledge of the regulated insurance and banking industries with her Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credentials, Alison adeptly designs, redesigns, implements, tests, and reports on corporate governance solutions for organizations at all stages of growth across numerous industries.
With expertise in COSO and control frameworks, risk governance, and third-party oversight, executive leadership and board members rely on Alison to help ensure efficient and effective coverage of current and anticipated critical risks facing their organizations. She can manage governance and operating structures for risk committees, develop and implement risk assessments, policies, and procedures, plan and execute internal and IT audits, and compile and report results and key metrics to internal and external stakeholders and governing bodies.
Alison leads and trains teams to increase their awareness of ERM frameworks and structures and collaborates with risk managers, internal audit personnel, and compliance and due diligence teams to develop, launch, and optimize governance standards, processes, and tools. Her experience includes business process evaluations and improvement recommendations, fraud prevention and detection, automation and data mining, and organizational change management. She has also participated in implementing SAP and performed system migration testing.
A strategic and critical thinker with strong research, problem-solving, and data analysis skills, Alison brings together finance, compliance, and technology into an energetic, proactive approach that results in an environment of continuous improvement with mitigated business risk for her clients.
Industry Experience
Banking, Credit Unions, Financial Services, Government, Higher Education, Information Technology, Insurance, Nonprofit, Pharmaceuticals, Professional Services, Religious Organizations, Software, Start-up Companies
Education
- Bowling Green State University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management Information Systems
Certifications
- CIA – Certified Internal Auditor
- CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor
- COSO Enterprise Risk Management Certificate
- ITIL Foundation Certificate – IT Service Management
- ITIL Practitioner Certificate – Problem Management
Professional Affiliations
- Information Systems Audit and Control Association
- The Institute of Internal Auditors
On a Lighter Note
What was your first job?
My first job was working as a sales clerk in the main barn at a privately held apple orchard and vineyard. It was a great first job because I could use my farming and accountability skills while learning about business operations. My primary responsibilities included providing customer service in the bakery and deli and working the kitchen and press barn operations. The orchard is also where I first met my husband.
Are there any causes you like to support and do you volunteer anywhere?
I like to support causes that build leadership skills and have been able to do so through various volunteer positions, including serving as a committee chairwoman for the Boy Scouts of America, teaching adult classes in my community, and giving lectures at honors colleges. I’m currently active on the Honors College Leadership Council at my alma mater, Bowling Green State University. I also support CHA Animal Shelter in Columbus and have rescued multiple pets.
Have you visited a memorable restaurant?
Yes, my favorite restaurant is Jiko – The Cooking Place. The Florida restaurant is in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and focuses on an African menu and South African wines. The atmosphere is inviting, inspired by an African sunset, and makes you feel like you are at a good friend’s home.