Paul Raphael Lopez
Internal Audit & SOX Executive | IPO Readiness | Public‑Company Governance | ERM | Building & Scaling IA Functions
- Role
- Principal - Internal Controls and Sox at Ares Management
- Location
- Redondo Beach, CA, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Paul Raphael Lopez
Internal Audit and SOX executive with 20+ years leading audit, controls, and risk functions for public, pre‑IPO, and multi‑entity global organizations. I specialize in building Internal Audit departments from the ground up, implementing SOX 404 ahead of IPOs, designing SOC 1 programs, and elevating governance and control maturity in complex, regulated environments.I’ve led Internal Audit for a global public company, reported to multiple Audit Committees, and directed SOX for three public filers with 250+ controls and multiple external audit firms. My experience spans IPO readiness, ERM, cybersecurity and IT audits, operational reviews, and large‑scale transformation initiatives. I partner closely with CFOs, CEOs, and Boards to strengthen governance, improve control maturity, and support responsible growth.My leadership approach blends technical rigor with practical, business‑aligned solutions. I focus on modernizing audit delivery through continuous risk assessment, data‑driven insights, and agile methodologies. I’m passionate about building high‑performing teams and helping organizations scale confidently as they prepare for public‑company expectations.
Experience
Principal - Internal Controls and Sox
Feb 2021 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US
Education
Gies College of Business - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
BS, Accounting and Finance
1988 — 1993
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