Funmi Abubakare

About Funmi Abubakare

Strategic Audit Leader | SOX & Risk Management | Elevating Controls Through Practical, Insight-Driven Audit ExecutionI’m a senior internal audit leader with 15+ years of experience leading financial, SOX, and technology audits across fast-paced, risk-sensitive environments. I help organizations strengthen internal controls, improve audit quality, and uncover practical insights that drive risk reduction and process maturity.My approach to audit is grounded in structure, clarity, and collaboration. I enjoy turning complex requirements into focused, actionable audits that add value—not just meet expectations. Whether it’s refining templates, identifying overlooked risks, or coaching a high-performing team, I aim to make audit a respected business partner.Select Achievements:• Implemented new walkthrough and reporting templates—guiding teams on thorough documentation and shifting to visual reporting that saved prep time and sharpened stakeholder focus• Led a targeted SOC 1 review that identified a gap-period report, flagged a missing ERP sales tax report that should have been in scope, and revealed weak data transmission controls—leading to key remediations and stronger third-party assurance• Developed a consolidated key report inventory in partnership with IT GRC, surfacing major gaps across teams, improving control coverage and SOX readiness• Integrated data analytics into compliance audits, improving testing effectiveness and deepening risk insights• Mentored and managed both internal and co-sourced auditors, building a high-performing team with stronger documentation, judgment, and moraleAlways open to knowledge-sharing and thoughtful dialogue with audit, compliance, and risk professionals.

Experience

1. Internal Audit Manager

   DNOW

   Apr 2023 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   As a key leadership team member, I define and execute strategic audit initiatives that align with and support the organization\'s broader business objectives. My role encompasses driving innovation in audit methodologies, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and providing visionary leadership to elevate the audit function\'s impact across the enterprise. Orchestrate daily audit operations, champion advanced audit strategies enterprise-wide, and lead seamless integrations of audit processes across diverse business units. Pioneered the integration of data analytics into compliance audit programs, resulting in a 30% boost in audit efficiency and positioning DNOW at the forefront of audit innovation. Successfully navigated the complexities of executing the annual SOX program amidst increased regulatory scrutiny, demonstrating adaptability and expertise in compliance management. Cultivated a high-performance audit culture by spearheading the recruitment and development of top-tier audit talent, fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional growth.

Education

• University of Houston

  Master of Science (M.S.), Accountancy

• Louisiana State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Accounting