Carrie Connell is the Internal Audit practice leader at Wipfli, which, in addition to the internal audit service line, includes the Loan Review, Asset/Liability Management, Trust Audit and ACH service lines. She is also experienced in both public and nonpublic financial statement audits, employee benefit plan audits, regulatory compliance audits and fraud and forensic accounting.
On numerous occasions, Carrie has assisted de novo institutions in transitioning from an organizational stage to fully operational companies. She specializes in administering and performing Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance for accelerated filers and smaller reporting companies, FDICIA compliance and operational and financial internal audits. Carrie regularly speaks to state banking associations on topics related to emerging issues within the financial services industry as well as conducts training for both financial institution employees and Board and Audit Committees related to FDICIA and SOX readiness and implementation.
Carrie is a Certified Public Accountant. Her professional memberships and activities include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA), Georgia Bankers Association (GBA) , and Alabama Bankers Association (ABA).
Her areas of focus include: risk assessments, internal audits, Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 readiness and SOX 404 compliance, FDICIA readiness and FDICIA compliance, forensic audits, and trust & fiduciary audits.
Carrie is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and holds a Bachelor of business administration degree in accounting and a Master of accounting degree.