Open to opportunities

Lauren Gessner

@laurengessner

Message

I deliver internal audit and tax expertise to strengthen SOX-ready controls.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role where I can own SOX/internal controls and compliance deliverables end-to-end—testing, documenting, and driving remediation—while improving processes with strong analytics and clear stakeholder communication.

I’m an Audit Associate with experience across SOX walkthroughs, control testing, and compliance programs—bringing disciplined documentation, clear risk/control thinking, and ownership of audit deliverables from evidence collection through reporting. I’ve supported audit evidence tracking, maintained documentation for audit conclusions, and performed tests of design to evaluate key control effectiveness.

In my current role, I take ownership of PBC requests and sampling, manage issue tracking and remediation ownership using AuditBoard (now Optro), and help drive rollout through RCM updates and control page population. I also lead risk-focused work such as planning and performing UK SAO tax audit activities and preparing compliant submissions for HMRC.

Earlier, I strengthened my compliance foundation through tax-focused work as an Experienced Tax Associate and tax internships, including apportionment tie-outs, variance resolution, and accurate multi-jurisdiction filings. I enjoy blending analytical rigor with practical process improvements—whether rebuilding a tax model, accelerating filings, or supporting internal investigations that translate findings into executive-ready timelines and next steps.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Remote Audit Associate

Current

Veeam

May 2022 - Present (4 years 1 month)

Led and participated in SOX walkthroughs, identifying key risks/control gaps and performing design and operating effectiveness testing while documenting processes via narratives and flowcharts. Owned PBC requests, supported AuditBoard (Optro) rollout with RCM/control updates and issue remediation tracking, and managed annual/new-hire compliance training and sales sub-certifications for 3,000+ empl

SOX Controls AuditBoard Control Documentation (Narratives Flowcharts)Internal Investigations Docusign

Experienced Tax Associate

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Jul 2020 - Apr 2022 (1 year 9 months)

Owned apportionment data tie-outs and resolved variances with targeted adjustments, improving accuracy and accelerating completion for 10% of state filings through enhanced organization and process efficiency. Prepared and reviewed corporate and partnership tax filings (including amended/unitary returns, estimates, and extensions) across multiple jurisdictions and investigated state tax notices by

State And Local Tax (SALT)Corporate Tax Compliance Unitary Returns Amended Returns Tax Notice Resolution

Tax Intern (Mars)

Mars, Inc

Jun 2018 - May 2020 (1 year 11 months)

Prepared and analyzed IRS audit support materials and summaries across multiple entities, including Federal Form 1120 filings and foreign entity reports presented to the Board of Directors. Supported quarterly cash summaries and contributed to federal and state tax return filings, including apportionment ratio calculations.

Audit Support 1120S Tax Returns Foreign Entity Reporting Board Reporting State Tax Returns

Tax Intern (Johnson & Johnson)

Johnson & Johnson

Jun 2017 - Aug 2017 (2 months)

Validated summarized tax data by comparing it to historical records, reporting discrepancies to management and supporting accurate quarterly federal and state tax calculations. Completed weekly training on tax procedures and compliance to apply correct calculation methods and reporting practices.

Compliance Management Reporting