Kojo S. Baafi

About Kojo S. Baafi

With over 15 years of leadership expertise spanning public, private, and Fortune 500 enterprises, I am recognized for driving improvements in audit and compliance outcomes. My approach involves identifying the root causes of internal control issues and crafting enterprise risk management programs that result in enhanced results. My track record is one of excellence in mitigating potential risks and successfully implementing complex business processes and controls. This is achieved by meticulously assessing an organization\'s compliance with the required standards, laws, and regulations. I have consistently excelled in leading internal audit strategy, overseeing annual risk assessments, developing comprehensive audit plans, and conducting evaluations of governance, risk management, and internal controls. My proficiency extends beyond technical expertise to building and maintaining valuable relationships across the organization, including with the board of directors and committee members. My ability to actively listen, influence others, find a balance between independence and collaboration, and propose mutually beneficial solutions has been key to my success. Moreover, I have a proven record of mentoring and effectively leading multicultural, high-performing teams. My collaborative approach has enabled me to assess risks, tackle complex challenges, and uphold high compliance standards while preserving the integrity of the organization\'s operations. Areas of Expertise: Internal Audit Governance and Strategy | Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX 404) Compliance and Transformation | Internal Controls Evaluation and Risk Assessment | Enterprise Risk Management and Corporate Governance | ERP Implementation Controls Assessments | Business Process Risk Assessment and Re-engineering | Talent Management | Compliance and Investigations | Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)| Project Management | Microsoft Office email: k••••••••@gmail.com

Experience

1. Vice President, Audit Services

   Allina Health

   Aug 2019 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US

   As a leader, I established the strategic direction for the organization, overseeing risk-based audits and advisory services aligned with IIA standards. My role included providing guidance to business management and the audit and compliance committee of the board of directors. To drive efficiency and elevate the perception of the Audit Services team, I introduced improvement initiatives that brought about a transformational shift. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I co-led efforts to monitor the organization\'s readiness to mitigate pandemic-related financial and operational risks. In order to enhance the assurance provided by audits, I proactively addressed emerging audit risks and implemented strategies to adapt to changing circumstances. One of my achievements was the implementation of a comprehensive business risk assessment program. This program was designed to align with our organizational strategy and effectively identify and address key risks. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in the establishment of an enterprise risk management program, contributing to the development of critical components such as the risk appetite statement, risk identification, and remediation processes. My contributions extended to fostering a culture of risk awareness and proactive risk management within the organization.

Education

• University at Albany

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Accounting