Paul Goldsmith

About Paul Goldsmith

I help high-growth companies navigate IPO readiness, SOX compliance, and post-IPO governance by building audit and compliance programs from the ground up. As an AI enthusiast and lifelong learner, I’m particularly interested in how emerging technologies can enhance audit efficiency, risk analytics, and decision-making.Over 20 years, I’ve led risk and assurance functions for organizations ranging from late-stage startups to global, publicly traded enterprises—always focusing on enabling business growth while strengthening controls and advancing transformation and ERM initiatives.My professional journey spans multiple vantage points—external auditor, consultant, and internal audit leader across both second and third lines of defense. At SolarCity, I was the first hire to build an Internal Audit department from scratch. At Elastic, I established the IT Risk & Compliance program and guided the company through its first year of SOX compliance. At Navan, I created and led a new Risk & Compliance program in a pre-IPO environment and later transitioned to head of a new Internal Audit department.I’m known for forging strong partnerships across the C-suite and operational teams, translating complex regulatory requirements into pragmatic, business-friendly solutions. I regularly collaborate with CISOs and cybersecurity teams to achieve shared security goals and address cybersecurity as a top-tier organizational risk. I’m also experienced in preparing board decks for the C-suite, helping executive leadership present risk, audit, and compliance topics in a clear and strategic manner.My approach is rooted in building genuine and trusted partnerships across organizational verticals. I actively listen to the needs of key stakeholders, fostering collaborative environments that not only fortify organizations against potential risks—including cybersecurity—but also contribute significantly to their success stories.

Experience

1. Board Advisor

   Stealth AI Startup

   Nov 2025 — Present

   Serving as a confidential advisor to an early-stage AI Compliance Stealth Startup, providing guidance on market fit, regulatory frameworks, and product development strategy.

Education

• Stony Brook University

  Computer Science

  2001 — 2003

• Syracuse University - Martin J. Whitman School of Management

  BS, Accounting and Finance

  2003 — 2005

Skills

• Consulting
• Team Leadership
• Virtualization
• Software Lifecycle Management
• Sdlc
• Two-Factor Authentication
• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Acfe
• Process Improvement
• Contract Compliance
• Windows
• IT Audit
• Business Process
• Cross-Functional Collaborations
• Accounting
• Financial Reporting
• Management Consulting
• Open Source Licensing
• Licensing
• Certified Fraud Examiner
• Sarbanes-Oxley Act
• Management
• Compliance
• Internal Controls
• Software Asset Management
• Information Technology
• Job Coaching
• Auditing
• Sas70
• Virtual Currency
• Data Analysis
• Project Management
• IT Security Best Practices
• Software License Agreements
• Compliance Testing
• Microsoft Excel
• Solar Energy
• Assurance
• Blockchain
• Software Licensing