Testimonial - Collect and embed testimonials in minutes

Tomas Abrman

SOX / Accounting Compliance Manager

I had the pleasure of participating in the DRIVE Data Analytics training delivered by Jim Tarantino in June 2025. I intentionally waited before writing this testimonial to assess the real impact on my professional work - and I’m very happy to say the value has been tremendous. As a SOX and Internal Audit professional, I already had a solid foundation in data analytics, but Jim’s training provided an exceptionally holistic and well-structured view of data analytics across the entire audit lifecycle. It enabled me to connect the dots at a strategic level - to elevate my analytical mindset and to design a high-impact, value-adding data analytics framework - while also diving deep into practical execution through real-world scenarios, business cases, and the latest trends, including AI. I continue to reference the materials and insights from the training, which reflects both the depth of the content and its direct, ongoing applicability to real audit and risk environments that I am facing. Thank you, Jim, for delivering such a high-quality, practical, and genuinely value-creating program. Tomas Abrman

Dec 26, 2025

Kim Sievert

IT Audit Manager

I initially joined the Internal Audit Collective to participate in their Data Analytics DRIVE accelerator program, and it has proven to be a valuable professional investments I've made in my internal audit career. The accelerator program allowed me to build upon my existing data analytics experience while discovering new methodologies and identifying opportunities to mature our program and expand our use cases. What I didn't expect was how much value I would gain from the broader Internal Audit Collective community that came with my membership. The community offers networking opportunities through roundtables and focused discussions with industry peers on the most pressing and emerging topics facing internal audit today. I particularly appreciate the community forum, where I can gain insights from other professionals who understand the unique challenges we face. Having a dedicated space that's specifically tailored to internal audit professionals means the discussions are always relevant and timely to what's happening in our field right now. What sets this community apart is its focus on practical, actionable insights that I can immediately apply in my role. The peer-to-peer learning environment has been invaluable, and I've found myself better equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of internal audit. I would highly recommend the Internal Audit Collective to other internal audit professionals, particularly managers, directors, and CAEs who want to make a meaningful impact within their organizations and position their internal audit teams for future success. The combination of structured learning programs and ongoing community engagement creates a powerful platform for professional growth and industry connection.

Sep 10, 2025

Jamie Howard, CPA, CIA, CISA, CRMA

Experienced Audit & Risk Executive | Actively Seeking Head of SOX/Internal Audit Role

I’ve been a proud member of the Internal Audit Collective since April 2025. When Tom O'Reilly first invited me to join, I was hesitant. With so many platforms already in my daily mix—Teams, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Nextdoor, not to mention all the kid-related portals—it felt like just one more thing to keep up with. I wasn’t sure I needed another space to manage. But I’m so glad I took the leap. What I’ve found in the Internal Audit Collective is so much more than another online platform. It’s a vibrant, inclusive community of internal audit professionals who are genuinely passionate about advancing our field. It’s a safe, collaborative space where we can ask questions, share insights, and exchange ideas without judgment. What’s been most valuable to me is the sense of connection and support. Internal audit teams can often feel siloed, especially when navigating complex issues without a broad network to turn to. The Internal Audit Collective bridges that gap by offering a trusted space to get real-time, actionable feedback and to learn from the diverse experiences of peers across industries. As part of the Internal Audit Collective, I’ve participated in CPE-eligible webinars, focused roundtables, and one-on-one mentoring, and I’ve truly appreciated the professional camaraderie that comes from engaging with others who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of our role. Joining the Internal Audit Collective has been a refreshing and rewarding experience—one I wholeheartedly recommend to any internal auditor looking to grow, connect, and thrive.

Jun 2, 2025

Derek Dominguez

Internal Audit & SOX Professional | SOX, ERM, and Audit plan strategy implementations CIA Candidate and IIA Member

I'm excited and grateful I decided to join as a founding member of the Internal Audit Collective and its valuable role within the Internal Audit industry. 🙌 One of the many reasons is the various series of conversations facilitated that include various IA professionals 👔 across industries and levels. Today I’m amped to join a discussion hosted by Casey Atwater, CPA and CISA around the use of Generative AI 🤖 to help make SOX and Internal Audit work more efficient and effective. Let’s face it... AI is here and.... who doesn’t like to work smarter not harder. This is the case for Internal Audit Professionals as well. I'm curious to hear the outcomes, ideas, and brainstorming on how to make the IA industry AI savy. 🤓 I’d highly recommend joining the collective. ✅ It’s personally aided my technical and leadership development, industry best practices, and networking! To learn more about the Internal Audit Collective and to join, visit our website at www.InternalAuditCollective dot com.

May 27, 2025

Rob Allen

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

This is Rob Allen, Director of Internal Audit at Steel Dynamics. Our department's primary focus is SOX controls testing and our department recently completed the SOX Base Camp Program. Given the current pipeline of talent entering the internal audit field, we are hiring more and more auditors out of college or with limited public accounting experience. Many of our new hires have limited experience with SOX, COSO and internal controls in general. These are concepts with terminology that may be second nature to experienced auditors and it's easy to forget that it's new for some staff members. The course did a nice job of providing an overview of COSO principles and how they form the backdrop for the internal controls we test. From there we looked at the elements of internal controls, how they are designed, and what makes a good control, as well as questions we as auditors should ask when testing. The breakout activities worked well to apply the material and provide opportunities for all to participate. My staff members in attendance ranged from one year out of college to seasoned veterans and there were takeaways for all. Whether you are early in your career and looking to learn or someone needing a refresher, this course is a good investment.

May 27, 2025

Veronica Vazquez, CFE, MBA

Senior Manager, SOX Compliance at Vistra Corp.

I recently joined the Internal Audit Collective led by Tom O'Reilly, and it has been one of the best investments of my time this year. After transitioning from EY to an Internal Audit role in industry a little over a year ago, I needed to expand my network of like-minded professionals facing similar challenges to drive change in their SOX programs. The first cohort of the SOX Accelerator Program provided me with this opportunity to join a network of high-quality Internal Audit professionals across various industries. Each training class and interactive cohort session offered us the chance to openly discuss our questions, challenges, and share best practices, all in a safe environment. Tom and Priscilla Serrano did a wonderful job in scheduling the meetings and moderating the discussions. I am impressed with the level of commitment from each member of the Collective to support one another and advance our profession. I highly recommend considering joining us at the Internal Audit Collective. Additionally, I am grateful to my boss, Abe P., for investing in my professional growth and giving me the opportunity to join this program.

May 22, 2025