C.V.

Audit & Finance | Risk Management | Blockchain DLT Networks

Prof. Rod Brennan, a well recognized luminary and leader with blockchain, bitcoin, risks, and internal control topics, serves as a senior advisor and consultant to both the global investigations and internal audit practices, as well as to the executive office.

Highly accomplished and dynamic Financial Management Executive with a successful 30-year track record developing and administering effective organizational policies and procedures in a high-performance environment. Proficient project leader who aligns financial initiatives to achieve strategic objectives and makes sound judgments based on clear goals of the objectives. Proven strategic thinker who implements training programs and business action plans through effective communication and commitment to integrity. Experience includes strategic and tactical financial management, audit (incl: blockchain / smart contracts / analytics /etc.), finance, IT, risk management and graduate level academic audit teaching & research. Experienced in cross functional leadership bringing strategic focus, technical competence, organizational development and energy to produce bottom line results.

• Public Reporting (GAAP, IFRS)
• SAP Legal Consolidation
• Strategic Planning & Analysis
• SAP Implementation
• Operational Management
• SOC 1 & 2 Type 2 Prep & Reviews
• Team Leadership/ Project Mgmt.
• Audit & Business Development
• Tax Planning & Compliance
• International Business/Turnarounds
• IPO’s/Structured Financing
• IT Governance
• Monitoring/SOX Compliance
• Blockchain/Crypto Assets
• Treasury/Risk Management

Key Achievements

• Design / Build automated analytics for block chain & smart contracts providing audit and assurance on private and public distributive ledgers. SOC 1 & 2 (Type 2) preparation and audit support for Fin. Tech Firms
• Published researcher (i.e. AICPA “Pink Book”, Info Sys. Control Journal) and graduate level teaching (Rutgers MBA Program) advanced analytic methods for auditing and business process monitoring.
• Developed and implemented a best in class risk management and internal control process for Siemens Corp. in NA – leveraging ERM to mitigate risks and embrace opportunities.
• Directed worldwide integrated continuous auditing (audit automation) practice for Siemens AG focused on process, culture and technology change leveraging automation to increase impact, detect/prevent fraud and reduce compliance effort/costs.
• Established successful IT Audit Practice in North American for Siemens Corporation. Developed and helped implement continuous auditing research and technology at Siemens in cooperation with Rutgers Univ Continuous Auditing Laboratory (CAR-LAB).
• Created, employed and managed a successful SAP Competency Center serving the Americas for Siemens in support of Legal Consolidation and Management Reporting (SAP BW-BCS). Delivered financial expertise on US / German GAAP consolidations, M&A integrations, SAP consulting, systems support and training.
• CFO for a German Owned manufacturing firm. Successfully led the firm through a major ERP systems installation (SAP system was installed on budget and on time!), full scope audit, year-end closing (US and German GAAP), M&A due diligence, and grooming of incumbent in-house CFO. Initiated and led business development projects to increase sales and EBIT including EXIM bank A/R and sales support, sales & use tax reductions.
• Served part time as Virtual CFO for “The Lightstone Foundation” (non-profit) structuring equity funding models for small businesses in the Appalachian Valley. Developed equity funding methodologies, valuation models and business consulting (Business Plans, Pro-Forma Financials, Grant Applications, etc.) for diverse small businesses in the Appalachian Valley region of the USA.
• Delivered functional integration and process redesign for successful SAP (FI/CO, HR, & Logistics) implementation for a fortune 500 corporation. Provided functional support for $300 million site with 350 employees — including process definitions for several critical legacy system interfaces.
• Managed Accounting and IT functions as Controller for successful business turnarounds and redesigns in manufacturing facilities around the US for a fortune 500 entity – P&L responsibility for up to $300M.
• Controller and Operations manager for high tech directive warehouse and samples and merchandizing systems manufacturing facility with full operations responsibility for 120 union and management personnel as part of a rapid turnaround through “employee involvement”, TOC, Lean, etc.
• Accounting Supervisor and Analyst / Programmer in RPG II design, developed, implemented, and tested financial and production systems used around the world for fortune 500 firm.
• P. Finance for special projects with a startup regional jet manufacturing company: Developed interactive financial planning model for rapid strategic scenario planning and capital funding. Developed IPO implementation strategy (with Big 4 Firm) including: Pro-Forma projections, comprehensive self-audit process, cash management plan, lease financing. Raised commitments for 480 million dollars in first stage funding infusions from around the world. Developed relationships with, Angels, VC’s, Investment Banks and high net-worth private equity investors.

C.V.

Audit & Finance | Risk Management | Blockchain DLT Networks

Rod, a well recognized luminary and leader with blockchain, bitcoin, risks, and internal control topics, serves as a senior advisor and consultant to both the global investigations and internal audit practices, as well as to the executive office.

Highly accomplished and dynamic Financial Management Executive with a successful 30-year track record developing and administering effective organizational policies and procedures in a high-performance environment. Proficient project leader who aligns financial initiatives to achieve strategic objectives and makes sound judgments based on clear goals of the objectives. Proven strategic thinker who implements training programs and business action plans through effective communication and commitment to integrity. Experience includes strategic and tactical financial management, audit (incl: blockchain / smart contracts / analytics /etc.), finance, IT, risk management and graduate level academic audit teaching & research. Experienced in cross functional leadership bringing strategic focus, technical competence, organizational development and energy to produce bottom line results.

• Public Reporting (GAAP, IFRS)
• SAP Legal Consolidation
• Strategic Planning & Analysis
• SAP Implementation
• Operational Management
• SOC 1 & 2 Type 2 Prep & Reviews
• Team Leadership/ Project Mgmt.
• Audit & Business Development
• Tax Planning & Compliance
• International Business/Turnarounds
• IPO’s/Structured Financing
• IT Governance
• Monitoring/SOX Compliance
• Blockchain/Crypto Assets
• Treasury/Risk Management

Key Achievements

• Design / Build automated analytics for block chain & smart contracts providing audit and assurance on private and public distributive ledgers. SOC 1 & 2 (Type 2) preparation and audit support for Fin. Tech Firms
• Published researcher (i.e. AICPA “Pink Book”, Info Sys. Control Journal) and graduate level teaching (Rutgers MBA Program) advanced analytic methods for auditing and business process monitoring.
• Developed and implemented a best in class risk management and internal control process for Siemens Corp. in NA – leveraging ERM to mitigate risks and embrace opportunities.
• Directed worldwide integrated continuous auditing (audit automation) practice for Siemens AG focused on process, culture and technology change leveraging automation to increase impact, detect/prevent fraud and reduce compliance effort/costs.
• Established successful IT Audit Practice in North American for Siemens Corporation. Developed and helped implement continuous auditing research and technology at Siemens in cooperation with Rutgers Univ Continuous Auditing Laboratory (CAR-LAB).
• Created, employed and managed a successful SAP Competency Center serving the Americas for Siemens in support of Legal Consolidation and Management Reporting (SAP BW-BCS). Delivered financial expertise on US / German GAAP consolidations, M&A integrations, SAP consulting, systems support and training.
• CFO for a German Owned manufacturing firm. Successfully led the firm through a major ERP systems installation (SAP system was installed on budget and on time!), full scope audit, year-end closing (US and German GAAP), M&A due diligence, and grooming of incumbent in-house CFO. Initiated and led business development projects to increase sales and EBIT including EXIM bank A/R and sales support, sales & use tax reductions.
• Served part time as Virtual CFO for “The Lightstone Foundation” (non-profit) structuring equity funding models for small businesses in the Appalachian Valley. Developed equity funding methodologies, valuation models and business consulting (Business Plans, Pro-Forma Financials, Grant Applications, etc.) for diverse small businesses in the Appalachian Valley region of the USA.
• Delivered functional integration and process redesign for successful SAP (FI/CO, HR, & Logistics) implementation for a fortune 500 corporation. Provided functional support for $300 million site with 350 employees — including process definitions for several critical legacy system interfaces.
• Managed Accounting and IT functions as Controller for successful business turnarounds and redesigns in manufacturing facilities around the US for a fortune 500 entity – P&L responsibility for up to $300M.
• Controller and Operations manager for high tech directive warehouse and samples and merchandizing systems manufacturing facility with full operations responsibility for 120 union and management personnel as part of a rapid turnaround through “employee involvement”, TOC, Lean, etc.
• Accounting Supervisor and Analyst / Programmer in RPG II design, developed, implemented, and tested financial and production systems used around the world for fortune 500 firm.
• P. Finance for special projects with a startup regional jet manufacturing company: Developed interactive financial planning model for rapid strategic scenario planning and capital funding. Developed IPO implementation strategy (with Big 4 Firm) including: Pro-Forma projections, comprehensive self-audit process, cash management plan, lease financing. Raised commitments for 480 million dollars in first stage funding infusions from around the world. Developed relationships with, Angels, VC’s, Investment Banks and high net-worth private equity investors.

Education & Credentials

• BS University of Maryland School of Business, BS (Emphasis in Finance)
• MBA Governors State Univ. University Park ILL
• PhD. Management Information Systems, Kennedy Western Univ, 2004 – PhD. thesis “ENABLING CONTINUOUS AUDITING WITH INTELLIGENT SOFTWARE” Developed a prototype continuous auditing solution with Rutgers Univ Continuous Auditing Laboratory (CAR-Lab).
• CFE Certified Fraud Examiner (ACFE)