Nicole Stepansova, CPA, MBA
Blackheath,NSW
Summary
CPA-qualified risk and audit professional with Big 4 experience specializing in internal and external audit, process documentation, control testing, and risk assessments. Experienced in performing process walkthroughs, developing risk and control matrices (RCMs), testing control design and operating effectiveness, identifying control deficiencies, and supporting remediation efforts. Strong understanding of risk management, compliance, and financial reporting processes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Analyst - Internal Controls Advisory
Deloitte Australia
Sydney, NSW
05.2026 - Current
- Support clients in strengthening internal control environments through framework development, risk assessments, compliance activities, and testing of high-risk controls
- Assess control design and operating effectiveness and translating findings into practical actions and improvement opportunities
- Manage key engagement responsibilities, including planning and scheduling, client communications, meeting facilitation, documentation, and preparation of deliverables to support timely and effective outcomes.
Audit Senior
Ernst & Young
San Diego, CA
11.2024 - 12.2025
- Assisted a public biotechnology company with improvement of technical accounting and internal control framework, improving audit quality through a reduction in misstatements
- Conducted process walkthroughs and risk assessments to analyse the client's business processes and provide recommendations for improvement of risk management
- Assessed the public biotechnology company's compliance with US GAAP, ensuring they accurately reported and disclosed financial information
- Coordinated communications with the client, core engagement team, and the offshore team to certify a smooth audit filing process with an early filing deadline
Audit Senior
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
San Diego, CA
05.2024 - 10.2024
- Led audit engagements for retail clients, improving audit efficiency by 30% through team leadership and effective planning
- Coordinated multiple specialist teams by facilitating communication and collaboration, ensuring alignment of audit objectives, and integrating specialized knowledge to address complex issues
- Drove a significant reduction in deficiencies and misstatements for a retail client by identifying high-risk areas and internal control weaknesses and managing the client's development and implementation of corrective actions
Audit Senior Assistant
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
San Diego, CA
06.2023 - 05.2024
- Supported implementation of ASC 842 lease accounting for multiple consumer and technology companies, ensuring accurate presentation, reporting, and compliance of financial statements
- Improved the accuracy and completeness of financial statements through evaluation of compliance with proper ASC 606 revenue accounting standards
- Analysed financial data to identify inconsistencies and potential control weaknesses, contributing to more effective internal control evaluations and enhanced risk identification
Audit Assistant
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Los Angeles, CA
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Conducted data analysis to identify trends, discrepancies, and anomalies, providing insight that supported the audit process and informed decision-making
- Supported walkthroughs for a public IT consulting client, documenting control design and identifying potential gaps in risk and control frameworks
Summer Audit Intern
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Los Angeles, CA
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Organized and reconciled data sets via excel, improving efficiency and accuracy of audit procedures
Education
Masters - Business Administration
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah09-2025
Bachelor of Science - Professional Accountancy and Business Honors
CSU, Northridge
Northridge, CA05-2022
Skills
- Internal Audit and Risk Advisory
- Process Walkthrough and Documentation
- Control Deficiencies and Remediation
- Highly proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office
- Detailed-oriented
- Eager to learn
- Risk and Control Matrices
- Control Design and Operating Effectiveness Testing
- Data and Audit Analytics
- Experience with internal audit software
- Efficient and Organized
- Team player and leader
Certification
Certified Public Account (CPA) - License Number: 155234
LANGUAGES
English, Russian
Timeline
Senior Analyst - Internal Controls Advisory
Deloitte Australia
05.2026 - Current
Audit Senior
Ernst & Young
11.2024 - 12.2025
Audit Senior
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
05.2024 - 10.2024
Audit Senior Assistant
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
06.2023 - 05.2024
Audit Assistant
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
09.2022 - 06.2023
Summer Audit Intern
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
06.2021 - 08.2021
Masters - Business Administration
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science - Professional Accountancy and Business Honors
CSU, Northridge