Welcome to the second episode of D-Talks, where we delve deeper into the ever-evolving world of digital security. In our first episode, we talked about the basics of cyber security and why it is so important in today’s interconnected world. Now, in this second episode, we will explore some of the most prevalent cyber […]
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Welcome to the first episode of our cyber security series! In today’s interconnected world, the need for strong cyber security measures has never been greater. From small businesses to large corporations, every organization is at risk of cyber attacks that can lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal liabilities.
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Welcome to D-Talks, the podcast where we delve deep into the world of technology, business, and innovation. Our show is all about exploring the latest trends and developments in these fields and bringing you insights from experts and thought leaders. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, D-Talks is
Patrick Oquendo, CPA, has over 8 years of experience providing assurance services to clients in the investment funds, private equity, real estate, food and beverage, and insurance industries. He audits financial statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAS). His responsibilities include preparing and reviewing audited financial statements, reviewing consolidation entries, performing risk assessments, and leading walkthroughs of key internal controls, including revenue recognition, management override, and going-concern considerations. Patrick is recognized for his methodical and collaborative approach, ensuring engagements run efficiently while maintaining clear and proactive communication with clients. He frequently works with management teams to review financial models, document key assumptions, and provide insights that align with industry standards and best practices. His professional focus is on building trusted relationships and delivering high-quality work that adds value beyond compliance.
Patrick Oquendo Viera, CPA
Assurance Services Manager
Benjamin Lopez is a Certified Information Systems Auditor, Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer, and ISO 22301 Lead Implementer with over 7 years of experience in risk management and cybersecurity. He has led strategic projects across various industries, including healthcare, insurance, financial services, technology, among others. Recently, he successfully managed a large bank’s Business Continuity program, executing corporate governance activities and developing effective risk response strategies. Throughout his career, he has supervised a Risk Consulting division, assisting clients in managing a wide range of operational, financial, and technological risks. His expertise includes implementing advanced Information Security and Business Continuity Management Systems, conducting internal and external IT audits, and providing services in security, privacy, and compliance. Benjamin has also been instrumental in ISO 27001 implementations, business risk assessments, and various certification processes, including Rule 76, HIPAA and HITRUST audits.
Benjamin Lopez Rosario, CISA, CDPSE
Business Advisory Services- Cyber Division Manager
Virginia has more than 10 years of experience providing public accounting and assurance services to private sectors and growth-oriented companies. This has allowed her to build a deep understanding of the issues and challenges faced by several industries including manufacturing, professional services, health, insurance, non-profit, employee benefit plans, real estate, and construction.
As part of her previous experience, Virginia has been involved in the assessment of internal controls in accordance with Sarbanes Oxley Act, reviewing policies and procedures manuals, assessment of SSAE 16, financial statements audits, preparation and review of financial statements, including referred disclosures to ensure they are in accordance with Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and other regulatory requirements.
Lizmarie Cuevas, CPA is a tax professional with almost 12 years of experience in public accounting, specifically in Puerto Rico and federal taxation for corporations and individuals. Ms. Cuevas has experience in different industries such as: hospitals, retail services, not-for-profit, manufacturing, professional services, among others. She has managed and performed tax and advisory services, including complex income tax transactions and the preparation of Transfer Pricing Analysis Reports.
Also, she has taught courses for her coworkers including municipal license tax, property taxes, corporate tax returns and various other courses.
Lizmarie is a Certified Public Accountant since 2019 and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Major in Accounting and Human Resources from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus with Magna Cum Laude honors.
Wilfredo R. is a skilled consultant in the areas of Information Security, Audits and Compliance, certified as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE). Vera holds a BSBA in Information Systems from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus and a Master’s in Computer Sciences specialized in Information Systems Operations and Assurance from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. He has used his excellent preparation in the last 8 years of specialty in Auditing and Consulting, Internal Controls, and SOX for our diverse clientele. Among some of his major clients are First Medical, Evertec, Triple-S, and Banco Popular of Puerto Rico. Wilfredo as Vice-President of the Board of Directors of ISACA, PR collaborates with the business technology professionals to continue developing the profession.
Wilfredo R. has actively pursued professional growth in the field of cybersecurity, specifically by honing his skills in activities such as penetration testing. Through this practice, he undertakes comprehensive assessments to evaluate the security of his clients’ systems, networks, and applications.
María A. Ayala Rivera is currently a Manager in the Assurance Services Department of DRIVEN, P.S.C. During her career she has acquired experience in the hospitality, retail, real estate, mortgage loan services and professional servicing industries. She was the Manager for the 2023 Paulson Group audit where she had been a Senior prior for the past three years. Paulson Group operates in the hospitality, real estate, commercial rentals, recreation, parking and dealership industries in Puerto Rico. Also, she is currently the Manager for the 2023 The Money House, Inc. audit where she had been a Senior prior for the past four years. The Money House, Inc. operates in the mortgage loan services industry in Puerto Rico. Ms. Ayala is a certified public accountant with more than seven (7) years of public accounting experience servicing a broad range of industries. She has been responsible for conducting external assurance engagements and other attestation services for several industries. These experiences have given her a thorough knowledge on the preparation and review of financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Ferdinand has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico. He has over ten (10) years of professional experience including providing services to clients in industries of government, banking, aircraft, manufacturing, among others. Ferdinand has specialized in management and compliance related to Federal Grants, governmental accounting, budget management and compliance, fund accounting cycle and GASB reporting requirements, compliance with State and Federal Regulations related to public funds. He also has managed and performed complex accounting consultations on various complex FASB topics including CECL, Leases, Business Combination, SEC and GAAP financial statements disclosures requirements, among others.
Yulia is a Business Advisory Services Senior Manager with a Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico and is a licensed attorney in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Ms. Gómez-Nieto has five (5) years of experience as a Manager, Officer, and Secretary of both: the Compliance and Business Committee in a local financial institution. She worked as a Liaison between the Business Areas, the Compliance Department; and the Legal Department regarding oversight of daily operations and implementation of policies, procedures and compliance framework. She drafted and reviewed agreements amongst providers, clients, auditors, regulators, and employees; internal procedures; and policies, in line with applicable local and federal laws and regulations. Has also assisted the Chief Operations Officer, Chief Legal Counsel and Chief Executive Officer in program implementation and project management matters regarding compliance and monitoring programs.
Previous to this experience, Yulia worked as Law Clerk in a top law firm in Puerto Rico and served as paid intern in the New Orleans Criminal Court System. Ms. Gómez-Nieto is passionate about understanding laws and regulations in the financial institutions arena, designing and deploying the underlying oversight and monitoring programs and in auditing the effectiveness of controls and adherence to the designed and implemented compliance framework.
Christian A. Mora has over ten (10) years of public accounting experience serving a broad range of industries. He has been responsible for performing external assurance engagements for several industries. His work includes performing financial statements audits in accordance with GAAP, GASB, SOX, SSAA16, HUD, and 2CFR 200 (Single Audit). His experience includes clients in retail, construction, manufacturing, local government and pension plan audits for the Municipality of San Juan and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority in the public sector. In the private sector he has worked with a diverse range of clients.
Natalia has a bachelor’s in business administration with a major in Accounting and Management from the Interamerican University Metro Campus. She has over twenty-two (22) years of solid experience in Finance, Risk Management, Accounting, Operations and Administration. She is a former Banking Professional with experience running projects in locations such as: United States and Canada. Her key areas of expertise are as follows: Risk Management (Market, Commercial, Credit and Operational), Compliance (BSA, OFAC, AML), Finance and Accounting, Mortgage Banking, Medical Operations and Insurance Industries.
Natalia has also performed compliance reviews for Asset Based Lending and for International Financial Entities. Major clients served are Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Puerto Rico Federal Credit Union, Caribe Federal Credit Union, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Consumer Equipment Finance, Inc. (“CEFI”), Blue Ocean Trust, Tolomeo International Bank, FirstBank, Oriental Bank, Scotiabank de Puerto Rico, Scotiabank Canada, and Island Medical Group.
Senior Manager in the Assurance Services practice of DRIVEN, PSC. She has over ten (10) years of public accounting experience serving middle market clients across a broad range of industries. During her career she has acquired expertise in the investment management, hospitality, and retail and distribution industries. She also served clients in manufacturing, automotive, banking and securities, media and entertainment, advertisement, telecommunications and technology industries. She has been responsible for leading, planning, performing, and supervising a wide array of financial statement audits and analyzing internal controls and policies. Zulmary is proficient with key technical areas, including US GAAP and GAAS.
Josue is a certified as Security+, tech-savvy IT professional with more than 8 years in the Information Technology (IT) field who started his career in areas such as, data center and operations, systems administration and, IT project management. Josue later transitioned his IT knowledge and applied it into IT auditing, compliance, risk management, and advisory services during his tenure at a Big Four company. During his career Josue has served clients across multiple industries within banking, payment processing, insurance, supply chain management, etc. However, he is very passionate and specializes in clients who are innovators within the Payments Processing, Technology and Telecommunication sectors.
His brand focuses in being a client-centric IT Advisor who can fluently communicate and translate complex IT topics while assisting them to understand risk management and compliance aspects of IT processes, their controls design and operating effectiveness execution in order to add value to their business.
With more than two decades of immersion in the dynamic world of information technology, Mr. Pérez stands as a paragon of innovation and strategic foresight. His profound 20-year journey through the IT landscape has been marked by pivotal roles in infrastructure management, where he has orchestrated the robust foundations that businesses rely upon. In software development, he has translated complex needs into seamless functionality, delivering solutions that drive industry forward.
Mr. Pérez has streamlined the lifecycle of systems development, ensuring that integration and delivery are as smooth as the technologies he employs. His strategic approach to disaster recovery is not merely about planning; it’s a comprehensive safeguard, a promise of resilience in an era of digital vulnerability.
His niche knowledge in the sectors of insurance, banking, and corporate governance infuses each project with an unparalleled depth of insight. With every engagement, he brings not just technical acumen, but a wealth of sector-specific wisdom, ensuring that solutions are not only innovative but also intricately tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of these industries.
Juan C. Rivera, CPA is currently the Tax Division Principal and has over 18 years of public accounting experience gained in both international and local accounting firms. During this time, he has acquired expertise in tax compliance, where he regularly advises businesses on a variety of compliance issues within examinations with PR government agencies and the Internal Revenue Service. He has participated in special projects assisting clients in the analysis of their internal processes and functions in order to improve efficiency and quality.
During his years of experience, Mr. Rivera has been responsible for the preparation of Federal and PR Tax returns for both corporate and individual clients, as well as, for estates, trusts, partnerships and other types of entities.
Ms. Eyla Marquez is a proven leader with more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, specifically in the areas of individual and corporate taxation. Her consulting background includes providing Puerto Rico income tax advice to local and international clients in a wide array of industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceutical, retail services, real estate, food services, and financial services, among others. Mrs. Márquez focuses on both inbound and outbound Puerto Rico and US federal tax matters. Eyla has also assisted clients with complex transactions developing tax-efficient structuring strategies, obtaining tax incentives, and advising on corporate acquisitions as well as local taxation issues such as property, municipal license and sales and use taxes, among others.
Before joining Driven Advisors, Eyla worked for the corporate tax group of PwC in Puerto Rico. She spent her last two years at PwC assisting clients with federal and state income tax compliance issues in the US Asset Management Division for the PwC New York office, dealing with hedge funds and private equity funds. She also worked for Kevane Grant Thornton and Deloitte. Additionally, Eyla was a consultant at the Internal Revenue Area of the Puerto Rico Treasury Department.
Eyla, a Certified Public Accountant since 2000, holds a Cum Laude Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey Campus.
Mrs. León Rivera is a Business Services and Outsourcing Senior Manager at Driven PSC. Nivea oversees a team of talented professionals that provides clients customized solutions in the areas of bookkeeping, payroll processing, and tax returns preparation. In this role, Nivea draws on over 25 years of experience performing auditing, accounting, payroll and tax services for a variety of businesses. Her diverse industry experience includes Services, Distribution, Manufacturing, Non-profit, and Real Estate, among others. Prior to joining Driven, Nivea worked as an Audit Manager and Accounting Supervisor at a local accounting firm.
Robert Christianson is an Assurance Services Manager with over 20 years of public accounting experience across a broad range of public and private companies and employee benefit plans. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has participated in providing services to industries such as, airlines, distribution, retail, pharmaceutical, education not-for-profit and qualified pension plans. He also oversees the preparation of financial statements and recommendations regarding his clients’ internal controls and meets with clients’ management personnel. Since 2010 Robert has lead MAPR’s audit teams.
Zulma has more than nine (9) years of public accounting experience serving a broad range of industries. She has been responsible for conducting external assurance engagements and other attestation services for several industries. Among her areas of expertise are reviewing accounting policies and procedures manuals, and suggesting value added improvements, preparation and review of financial statements, including referred disclosures to ensure they are in accordance with Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and other regulatory requirements.
Zulma is proficient with key technical areas, including GAAP and GAAS. In her years within the Company, She has performed financial statements audits from diverse industries such as hospitality, distribution, rental of construction equipment and professional servicing industries.
Jonathan has over eleven (11) years of public accounting experience, specializing in a wide range of industries. He conducts external assurance engagements and attestation services, focusing on financial statement audits in compliance with U.S. GAAP and AICPA standards. His work ensures adherence to federal regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), HUD Chapters 6 and 7, and NCUA regulations.
Jonathan is highly knowledgeable in key technical areas, including GAAP, GAAS, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise across sectors, including manufacturing, financial and insurance services, real estate, retail, construction, and benefit plans. His extensive experience includes successfully managing financial audits, compliance audits, and internal audits, driven by a comprehensive understanding of various regulations and requirements, including those related to SOX, HUD, ERISA, and others.
Mario Sánchez, CPA, CGMA is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant with more than fifteen (15) years working in public accounting. Mr. Sanchez experience mainly developed around government entities providing direct assistance on the preparation of financial statements, identifying risk, conduct the efforts proposed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in accordance with all Federal Agency accounting, quality assurance guidelines and regulations.
He specialized in management and compliance related to Federal Grants and establishing correction plans to remove “High Risk” grantee designations. He also has provided direct assistance on the preparation of Indirect Cost Rate proposal in compliance with Federal Regulations. Mr. Sanchez also have experience in Business Intelligence (BI) and Data Analytics related consulting projects of clients in the Private Sector.
Jeyliza is a well-versed professional with over a decade of experience in Security, IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). She holds advanced certifications including Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Controls (CRISC), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), along with a Juris Doctor and an MBA. Jeyliza has operated at management and advisory levels across diverse industries such as banking, healthcare, energy, logistics, and distribution. Her expertise lies in guiding organizations through complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring seamless integration between processes, technology, and human capital to achieve optimal business outcomes and compliance with baselines. She specializes in developing baselines, assessing and enhancing the design and execution of process controls to ensure compliance with critical state, federal, and international regulatory standards and operational procedures to safeguard data assets and information systems. Her deep experience spans across Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) 404 examinations, SOC Reporting, ISAE 3000 Reporting, IT General Controls reviews in alignment with US GAAP and IFRS 9, GLBA, California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), PCI/DSS, HIPAA, HITRUST, CMS compliance examinations, FFIEC i.e., Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT), and numerous other regulatory frameworks, providing a comprehensive understanding of risk management, cybersecurity, and compliance. Additionally, Jeyliza has led strategic assessments using global standards like ISO 9000, ISO/IEC 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), and CIS benchmarks, while incorporating best practices from methodologies like Agile, SDLC, and Lean Six Sigma. She also serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, top management, and board of directors offering insights on risk posture, regulatory preparedness, and operational/technology efficiency, making her a highly sought-after leader in the field.
Jeyliza J. Pérez Reyes
Business Advisory Services – Cybersecurity
Director
With over 20-year experience in both private and public accounting sectors, Alexis Otero possess a diverse background covering professional services, retail, real estate, non-profit, and construction industries. His expertise spans managing the full accounting cycle, overseeing payroll, and leading monthly accounting closures. Mr. Otero has adeptly handled financial statement preparation and analysis, cost reconciliations, audit procedures, assessment of accounting systems, and has performed as a receiver in bank’s liquidation proceedings.
In the taxation area, his experience covers federal and state tax preparation, tax audits support, and comprehensive tax consulting with a focus on income tax as well as sales and use tax matters.
Mr. Otero’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an Accounting major from the University of Puerto Rico. He further develops his professional skills at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law, where he obtained a Juris Doctor degree. As a Certified Public Accountant and a Licensed Attorney, Mr. Otero’s combination of legal, tax, and accounting knowledge equips him with the capability to offer insightful solutions to intricate financial and legal challenges.
José Luis Villafañe Ramos, MBA is currently a Senior Manager in the Business Services and Outsourcing department with over twenty years of experience in government accounting, including Finance, Budget, Audits, Grant Management, Compliance, and other Administrative Fields. Mr. Villafañe evaluates internal processes and procedures, detects performance levels, and provide recommendations for improvement. Address concerns with the strategy, structure, management, and operations of the organization, identified options for the organization and suggest recommendations for change as well as helping with additional resources to implement solutions.
Also, he specialized in management and compliance related to Federal Grants, finance, budget, retirement systems, compliance with State and Federal regulation. And provided direct assistance on the preparation of Indirect Cost Rate proposals in compliance with Federal Regulations.
Guardin Sosa, Esq. is a Manager in DRIVEN’s Tax Advisory practice with more than 15 years of experience in the field serving local and international clients. His expertise and focus of attention are on the design of practical and tax efficient structures to help clients accomplish their goals in an ever-evolving marketplace. Mr. Sosa multi-industry experience includes the Communications, Distribution, E-commerce, Education, Financial Services, Government, Healthcare, Insurance, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Natural Resources, Non-Profit, Real Estate and Retail sectors. In addition to experience in the preparation and review of tax returns for corporate and individual clients, Guardin has been engaged in numerous and diverse assignments on matters ranging from structuring mergers and acquisitions, negotiation of tax decrees, design of current and deferred compensation plans for key executives, asset protection plans, tax accounting and FIN 48 risk analysis, among others.
Early in his career, Mr. Sosa worked in the Assurance and Business Advisory practices that afford him a thorough operational vision for his clients beyond tax law theory. Guardin is a member of the Puerto Rico Bar Association and served in the Board of Directors for the Puerto Rican Notarial Institute.
Mrs. Cruz has 6 years of Big Four firm public accounting experience and 5 years of experience in local Accounting Firms, including significant experience with Expatriates Individual Taxation, serving many industries (such as Pharmaceuticals) that transfer employees to other countries for temporary special assignments or permanent relocations. In addition, Kristy has extensive experience with the Act 20 and Act 22 Industry as she has managed and performed tax and advisory services in this field since the commencements of her professional career. Furthermore, she has vast experience in managing Corporate Taxation for industries such as pharmaceuticals, insurance, banks, manufacturing, hospitals and non-for profits entities, among others.
Kristy graduated from University of Puerto Rico (Rio Piedras campus) in 2007, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Major in Accounting (Magna Cum Laude honors). She is currently pursuing her Public Accountant Certification (CPA).
Limarie Cuevas, CPA is a manager in the tax compliance department and has more than twelve years of experience in tax compliance matters, including significant experience in Puerto Rico, federal and state taxation for individuals and entities. Mrs. Cuevas has experience in different industries including the following: professional services, real estate, not for profit, manufacture, technology, education services, Act 20/22, among others.
Cristian Rivera, CPA is an Assurance Services Principal with over nineteen (19) years of experience working in public accounting in the auditing department. His work includes expertise with financial audits, Securities Exchange Commission filings, due diligence, and compliance with regulatory bodies. His focus has been working with financial audits, regulatory compliance audits, providing internal audit outsource services to financial institutions and other sectors, and providing advisory services in a wide range of engagements such as restatement of financial statements, consolidation procedures, and reparation and filling of 10-Q and 10-K Forms with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He has experience in performing SOX-404 procedures, risk assessments, and merger and acquisition transactions.
Cristian has a multi-sectorial experience in industries such as construction, distribution, services, education, financial services, mortgage banking, waste management, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality and leisure, real estate, and retail. Also has experience auditing governmental clients like the Puerto Rico Industrial Development (PRIDCO), Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority (AFI), and Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (“PREPA”), among others.
Antoine Yamín, CPA, CGMA is an Assurance Services Principal at Driven, PSC. He has over twelve (12) years of progressive professional experience, including ten (10) years in public accounting. Mr. Yamín commenced his public accounting experience in PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP (also known as “PwC”). Mr. Yamin experience working in public accounting include clients in financial services, manufacturing, distribution, retail, wholesale, and real estate industries. Mr. Yamín experience include audit of financial statements, integrated audits, SOX, HUD Chapter 6 & 7, statutory audits, among other services.
José Canales has more than 18 years of public accounting experience serving a broad range of private and publicly held clients in a variety of industries. His experience includes planning, performing, and supervising a wide array of financial statement audits, analyzing internal controls and policies, writing accounting policies and procedure manuals, interfacing regularly with audit committees, providing both governance insight and commentary on adequacy of the client’s accounting function, SOX 404 procedures documentation and testing.
He has extensive experience auditing defined contribution and defined benefit plans ranging from small-sized, simple plans to large-size and complex plan structures. José has experience in the following industry market segments: Financial Services, Insurance, Technology and Tele Communications, Government and Public Sector, Gaming, Services, Employee Benefit Plans, Real Estate, Manufacturing, Education & Non-Profit, Healthcare, and Construction.
Alejandra has more than 10 years of public accounting experience. She has managed and performed external assurance engagements and other attestation services for several industries. Her work includes auditing financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and STAT basis, AICPA Standards, US GAAP, STAT and PCAOB Standards for both publicly traded and privately held companies. Prior to joining Driven, Alejandra worked for the Big 4 international accounting firm of Deloitte. Alejandra has experience in industries such as Non-Profits, Manufacturing, Retail, and Advertisement and Publicity, Automotive and Real Estate; with significant experience in Wholesale/Distribution, Insurance, Financing, Hotels, Investments and Cannabis. She also has experience as administrator on liquidation and receiverships of financial institutions/banks. Alejandra is a Certified Mediator, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, Licensed Lawyer and Notary Public.
José has over ten (10) years of public accounting experience serving with large, complex clients across a broad range of industries. During his years in the “Big 4” international accounting firm Ernst and Young PR, LLC, he acquired expertise in the insurance, manufacturing, and government industries. José is proficient with key technical areas, including GAAP, GAAS, and accounting for governmental entities, PCAOB matters, and the Sarbanes Oxley Act. He is currently an active member of the Technology Committee for the Assurance Department.
As of September 2017, the Technology Committee designated José as the Technology Champion responsible for training the department in using the audit software for executing our integrated risk-based audits and assisting resources in understanding the firm’s methodology. As of June 2018, José leads the EBP Practice Initiative that is aimed at improving audit quality, increasing operational effectiveness and efficiencies, and developing assurance professionals. He also is engaged in the firm’s intern program and staff acceleration program, where he serves as a mentor and instructor for trainings related to the use of audit tools, methodology, and various other courses.
Jessica has over 20 years of experience in public accounting, providing assurance and consulting services to clients in a broad range of industries, including construction, hospitality, colleges and universities, real estate and others. While working at the Firm, she has been in-charge of the audit team for the University of Puerto Rico, one of Puerto Rico’s most complex and important institutions. She has led audit and advisory engagements such as accounting closing procedures, account analysis, subsidiaries reconciliations and has been a liaison between external auditors and management as well as performed financial statements audits, single audits, and internal audits. Jessica’s experience includes auditing a wide variety of sectors, including manufacturing, retail, commercial real estate, tax-exempt organizations, school systems, government, associations, and foundations, among others.
Compliance auditing for organizations receiving significant federal funding from many different agencies in accordance with the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200 Subpart F (previously known as OMB Circular A-133). Jessica is highly qualified in the field of accounting and auditing in general and her contribution as a professional to large and important public and private companies has resulted in better control and high performance for them.
Juan José Díaz Rifas, CPA, CFE is the Assurance Services Principal and has over 30 years of experience including clients in insurance, retail, wholesale, construction, manufacturing, higher education, not-for-profit and public sector. His relevant experience includes auditing a wide variety of industries including insurance, manufacturing, real estate, and construction in addition to governmental entities. He has significant experience handling organizations with multiple for-profit and non-profit entities, employee benefit plans, and governmental component units, with Federal and non-Federal grants.
His work includes expertise with, bond offerings, and compliance with regulatory bodies and has led and performed compliance audits. Juan José’s focus is always on quality-oriented work. He can evaluate risks, assess sufficiency of controls, identify process improvement opportunities, and effectively communicate areas of risks and opportunities to top management. He has also provided service on several internal quality control inspection teams previously as part of the “Big Four” international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche.
Harry E. Alemán, CPA, CPA, CIA, CGAP, CICA, CFS, CRMA, MBA is the Business Advisory Services and Outsourcing Services Principal and has over 20 years public accounting experience providing services to clients in the industries of government, retail, wholesale, and not-for-profit, among others. Harry is the partner in charge of the Business Services and Outsourcing department that provides services to clients in areas of bookkeeping, compliance, payroll, and other accounting matters.
Emanuel Reyes Diaz has more than 4 years of Tax Compliance experience in Puerto Rico and US Tax Returns. He works primarily in the tax preparation and review of returns of business entities and individuals. He has 3 years of experience in the preparation of Fiduciary Income Tax Returns and Retirement Plans. In addition, he has previously worked on bookkeeping and outsourcing services.
Samantha De Jesus has more than 2 years of public accounting experience. She started as an assurance intern and has develop her professional career in such way that has allowed her to grow withing the firm and become senior associate. She specializes in industries such as: distribution, manufacturing, waste management, non-performing loans management and servicing, risk management and other services. As part of her auditing experience, Samantha has performed multiple audits for branch established in Puerto Rico. In the industries that Samantha has worked, she has been able to also audit under the provision of different acts such as: Act 20: Export Services Act and Act 273: International Financial Center Regulatory Act. Ms. De Jesus also has experience auditing employee benefit plans.
Henry Hicks Bracho has more than 3 years of Public Accounting experience. He has been responsible for conducting external assurance engagements and other attestation services for several industries. His work includes auditing financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and AICPA Standards, including ensuring compliance with federal laws and regulations such as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Additionally, he is proficient in key technical areas including GAAP and GAAS. During his years within the Company, he has worked in performing financial statement audits for the manufacturing, real estate, rental & leasing, retail, construction industries, benefit pension plans, among others.
Antonio J. Pérez is a Semi-Senior Associate in the Assurance Services department. He has over four (4) years of public accounting experience serving a broad range of industries. During his years of experience, he acquired expertise in the manufacturing, financial insurance services, federal laws compliance, real estate, rental leasing, retail, and construction industries, including benefit plans, among others. Antonio is proficient with key technical areas. In his years within the Company, he has assisted in conducting financial statements audits from diverse industries such as manufacturing companies, rental leasing companies, and retail companies. He has two majors, in Accounting and other in Finance, and a Master degree in Management.
Amelia A. Nieves Garcia has more than 2 years of public accounting experience. She started as an assurance intern and has develop her professional career in such way that has allowed her to grow within the firm and become a senior associate. Amelia has formed part of several audit engagements of clients from various industries. Some of the industries she has worked with are health care, distribution, retail, waste management, education, advertising, among others, and has also audited employee benefit plans. Mrs. Nieves has been in-charge of performing financial audits and the preparation of the financial statements for clients. Additionally, she has been part of some due diligence projects for the Business Advisory department.
Wigberto Marcano Vázquez, CPA is an Assurance Services partner and has over 25 years of public accounting experience. He has extensive experience in pension plans, forensic accounting, insurance claims, compliance audits and in the public sector. In the public sector, he has led the audit of the financial statements, as well as participated in the preparation of the budget of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. At Driven, P.S.C., its main role is to conduct audits and advisory work with the highest quality standards.
Wigberto is characterized by cost-effective recommendations that simplify accounting processes, maintaining an adequate internal control structure, this is especially important in those organizations where the internal audit department does not have the appropriate size or training to have the proper evaluation of internal controls. Among his industries of expertise are, Hotels, Colleges and Universities, Government, Pension Plans regulated by the Federal Department of Labor, Real Estate, among others. Also, he has extensive knowledge in accounting issues related to human resources and International Financial Reporting Standards. And, he has participated in forums and committees of the Puerto Rico Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Chapter of Internal Auditors of Puerto Rico.
A very well diversified CPA, driven and successful entrepreneur who started his business ventures very early, and now has over 25 years of experience in public accounting, financial institutions management and privately-owned enterprises. Sigfredo has extensive experience leading audit and business advisory engagements for mutual funds, employee benefit plans, mortgage bankers and financial institutions, waste management, retail and distribution, real estate, services, and manufacturing sectors. He served as Vice President and Sub Director of Santander Trust (2004 – 2006) where he oversaw the operations, compliance, and reporting of a banking unit with $4 Billion in assets under management, having the oversight of employee benefit plans, corporate trusts, mutual funds administration, and IRA accounts, among others. During this time, Sigfredo gained hands-on experience in complex operations, such as: the administration of public debt issuances and collateralized debt instruments, mutual funds pricing, electronic and physical custody of financial instruments, among others bringing experience of the operational side of the funds.
He was also in charge of the transfer agency and paying agent functions operations for the First PR Family of Funds and performed collateral quality verifications for the Santander Funds. Also, he started his professional career in Price Waterhouse (now PwC), San Juan office, where he spent 6 years, from entry-level until manager promotion in 2002. And, while at PwC, Sigfredo also served as national instructor for the PwC Learning and Education Team in Puerto Rico, Boston, and New Jersey.
Ryan Marín, CPA is currently the Managing Shareholder and has more than 25 years of accounting, advisory and audit experience. Mr. Marín is a proven leader and motivator with vast experience managing large accounting and advisory firms. Ryan has an extensive experience leading a wide range of engagements in the Private, Non-for-Profit and Public sectors. He has led several audit and audit support engagements such as: financial and performance audits, compliance and performance reviews and OIG Support.
In the Business Advisory line of business, he has also participated in strategy and operational review, policy/process review, budget development and execution, among others. His client portfolio includes, financial institutions, real estate, retail and distribution, construction and development, technology, healthcare, among others.
Wallace Rodríguez Parissi, CPA, CMA, CFE, CGFM, FCPA, CICA is an Assurance Services partner and has over 28 years of public accounting experience. He is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, Certified Government Financial Manager, Forensic Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Controls Auditor who has an extensive experience leading a wide range of engagements in the public sector.
Wallace has led major engagements with a wide range of complex governmental organizations such as: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Government Development Bank for PR, Municipality of San Juan, Municipality of Caguas, Office of Management and Budget, PR Department of Education, PR Department of Family, PR Department of Labor, PR Industrial Development Company, PR Employees Retirement System of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Judiciary, Additional Lottery System, Lottery of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority. He started his career in the “Big Four” international accounting firm of Deloitte acquiring expertise in in many industries, such as retail, wholesale, manufacturing, services, government, higher education, not for profit, real estate management, among others.
Patricia A. Wangen, CPA, ESQ. is the Tax Services Partner and has over 28 years of public accounting experience gained in both international and local accounting firms. Patricia has managed and performed tax core and advisory services in the areas of accounting for income tax, international tax, Puerto Rico tax credits, and mergers and acquisitions, for industries, such as banking, distribution, real estate, education, natural resources, insurance, non-profit, and services. She has taught courses for employees including income tax provision computations, presentations on Puerto Rico Tax Code amendments, and various other courses.
Also, Patricia has experience working Puerto Rico tax matters not only with the financial sector industries, but also in service, real estate, manufacturing, and telecommunications. And, she has assisted clients with establishing operations in Puerto Rico, tax decree negotiations, tax due diligence work as part of mergers and acquisitions, estate tax planning, and tax return preparation.
