Who I Am and What I Do
My name is Laila and I help multinational public companies with their risk and controls management.
I am an experienced bilingual Senior Auditor at PwC Brazil in the DAT (Digital Assurance & Transparency) team, where I help organisations establish and operate their systems, processes, internal controls and risk management procedures effectively by assessing their level of compliance with a wide range of standards (SOx, ISA, COSO, COBIT, US GAAP, IFRS) through risk analysis, test of design, and test of effectiveness.
I’ve supervised and led audit teams and projects for international clients located in North America, South America, and Europe, and participated in Audit for Financial Statements and Non-Financial Audit such as ISAE 3402 and SOC 1 projects. My 10 years of experience also includes Accounting and Controlling.
I believe that risk management and compliance are not only essential for business success, but also for creating value and trust.
You can see both of my professional social medias here (LinkedIn) and here (Xing).
I have worked with global leading companies from various industries and sectors, such as technology, advertising, banking, insurance, energy, mining, retail, financial services, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and education.
I am fluent in both English and Portuguese with intermediate level of German (B1) and pre-intermediate of French (A2.2).
When I am not auditing, I like to invest my time in volunteering projects and mentoring young people and local entrepreneurs. I also enjoy to express my creativity and focus through writing (I have a blog focused on Auditing & Tech!), learning different languages, arts in general, and practicing archery. These hobbies allow me to balance my professional and personal life.
Some of the clients I am fortunate to have worked with
How can I help your company?
Internal Audit
I can help your company adapt to changing technology and regulations by managing emerging risks and enhancing organizational value through data-driven insights.
Internal Controls
I can improve financial reporting accuracy and operational efficiency through regularly evaluating and enhancing internal controls and compliance to mitigate financial, operational, and regulatory risks.
IT Audit
I assess and evaluate your organization’s IT systems, procedures, and infrastructure. By providing objective assurance, I help your business manage risks, stay compliant with regulations, and secure the data.
Accounting & Controlling
As your dedicated accounting and controlling expert, I’ll streamline financial processes, manage cash flow, and ensure compliance. My goal? To empower your business growth by providing accurate insights and strategic financial guidance.
Sample Work
Senior Auditor II at PwC
Conducted comprehensive risk-based auditing for the world’s largest advertising company, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and internal controls. Led internal controls testing for key operational and financial processes across brazilian campaigns for top clients, including Adidas and Nestlé.
Audit Supervisor at KPMG
Identified an average of 15 high-risk findings and implemented process enhancements during the audit in a complex IT audit project for a global leading bank, by covering over 100 IT Automated Controls and ITGCs (IT General Controls), elevating granularity and delivering quality.
Senior Auditor at PwC
Implemented 7+ robust controls that supported the rapid growth and expansion of the largest private digital education institute in Brazil, by developing a comprehensive plan with the company’s management to mitigate these risks and ensuring best practices for internal controls and risk management.
Accountant/Controller at ROCHA
Implemented new processes for monthly reporting by constructing a comprehensive monthly forecasting model, reducing the reporting cycle by over 30%.
Skills & Proficiencies
lANGUAGES
Portuguese (Native)
English (C2 Certificate)
German (B1 Certificate)
French (A1.2)
tECHNICAL sKILLS
Internal Audit, External Audit, IT Audit
Sarbanes-Oxley (SOx) and Auditing Standards
US GAAP & IFRS
ERP Systems (SAP, TOTVS, Oracle)
SQL, Tableau, Power BI
Executive Program in Digital Companies & E-Business Revolution California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Los Angeles, United States of America Selected as a scholarship student for the 3-week Program | 07/2025 – 07/2025 |
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR) Curitiba, Brazil | 08/2024 – 12/2026 |
Exchange Program of German Language GLS Sprachenzentrum (German Language School) Berlin, Germany | 04/2024 – 04/2024 |
Continued Education in Auditing University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (offered through Coursera) Online Selected as a scholarship student | 05/2022 – 05/2022 & 11/2019 – 11/2019 |
Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Management Paraná State University (UNESPAR) Paranaguá, Brazil Member of University’s Junior Enterprise with a management role (Director). | 04/2018 – 03/2021 |
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Paraná State University (UNESPAR) Paranaguá, Brazil Awarded with Top Article at a scientific event of the University. | 02/2014 – 07/2018 |
Education
I am a lifelong learner and my educational journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of the nuances of business, auditing and finance. I embarked on my educational journey in Business Administration, passing university courses at the age of 16. I also hold a Postgraduate Certification in Strategic Management and am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Sciences. My commitment to continuous growth is evident through my pursuit of a CISA certification and active membership in professional organizations like ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) and IBRACON (Institute of Independent Auditors of Brazil).
Volunteer work
ISACA Volunteer
ISACA Program "One in Tech Academic Scholarship", November 2023
ISACA's Foundation, One in Tech, issues global academic scholarships to provide funding and career-building resources for students pursuing cyber-related degrees. As a volunteer, I review applications and score them based on stablished metrics.
Youth Mentor
PwC Program “Access Your Potential”, October 2023 - November 2023
Individual mentoring sessions with PwC Brazil volunteers, aimed at career guidance and development. The goal is to support young people in building a life project.
PwC Global Newsletter Team
International Associates Network (IAN), November 2022 - November 2023
Responsible for making the PwC Network more connected by sharing amazing stories of PwC members from across the globe.
Business Mentor
PwC + Micro Rainbow Brazil, February 2022 - August 2022
Volunteer business mentorship program exclusively for LGBTQI entrepreneurs.
Director
Ilha do Mel Junior Enterprise (EJIM), April 2018 - April 2020
was a director of "Ilha do Mel" Junior enterprise in 2018, where I assisted with the largest university events since the beginning of the Junior Enterprise's operation.
Staff
Desperte Sorrisos (NGO), October 2016 - November 2018
I was part of the volunteer staff at the NGO Desperte Sorrisos for two years, working mainly in public rest homes for the elderly and with socially vulnerable children.
Photographer
Teacher
Freelancer (various projects), October 2016 - November 2018
Volunteer photographer with art exhibitions in several cities of Paraná State, such as Paranaguá, Matinhos and Londrina. This experience allowed me to develop my artistic skills and to contribute to the local art community.
Elementary School Nascimento Junior, May 2013 - October 2013
I was an elementary school teacher of plastic arts, having mentored more than 50 children. This experience allowed me to share my passion for art with others and to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.
is a personal project dedicated to demystifying the world of auditing. Here, I break down complex auditing concepts into informal, engaging discussions.
My mission is to spread knowledge and foster a passion for the science of auditing among a broader audience. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just curious about the field, AuditTechTalk is your go-to source for all things auditing.
AuditTechTalk
AuditTechTalk
Laila Matias.
In my latest article, "Unlocking Audit Potential: Harnessing Emerging Tools", I explore how technologies like AI, blockchain, and data analytics are revolutionizing the auditing profession. These innovations are enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and transforming traditional methodologies. I also share examples of how the Big 4 firms are implementing these emerging technologies in their audit projects.
What I've done so far
PROFESSIONAL Experience
timeline
08/2024 - Present
Senior Auditor II - Digital Assurance & Transparency
PwC Brazil
- Conducted comprehensive risk-based auditing for the world’s largest advertising company, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and internal controls. Led internal controls testing for key operational and financial processes across brazilian campaigns for top clients, including Adidas and Nestlé.
- Assessed and mitigated risks related to data privacy, revenue recognition, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with industry standards and SOx requirements.
- Coordinated with auditors for preliminary and year-end auditing activities.
11/2023 - 07/2024
IT Audit Supervisor
KPMG Brazil
- Delivered several projects valued at over 50 million USD, on time, within budget for financial services clients.
- Identified an average of 15 high-risk findings and implemented process enhancements during the audit in a complex IT audit project for a global leading bank, by covering over 100 IT Automated Controls and ITGCs (IT General Controls), elevating granularity and delivering quality.
- Reviewed workpapers prepared by junior auditors for accuracy and completeness before incorporating them into the final audit report.
- Performed detailed analytics on financial data to detect anomalies indicative of potential issues or control weaknesses.
- Mentored junior auditors, providing guidance and feedback for professional growth and development.
06/2023 - 11/2023
Senior Auditor I - Digital Assurance
PwC Brazil
- Identified 15+ potential areas of weakness in the financial controls of a large multinational corporation through a complex risk assessment and internal controls review.
- Implemented 7+ robust controls that supported the rapid growth and expansion of the largest private digital education institute in Brazil, by developing a comprehensive plan with the company’s management to mitigate these risks and ensuring best practices for internal controls and risk management.
- Planned and designed the audit work for the largest non-government-owned company in the energy industry. Worked closely with teams from US, Brazil, Hungary and India, ensuring the quality and accuracy of their work. Coordinated and communicated with the client’s management, improving strategies to enhance the audit efficiency and effectiveness.
- Ensured compliance with Audit, Internal Control, and Risk Management standards, methodologies, frameworks and regulations, including SOx, US GAAP, IFRS, ISAE 3000, ISAE 3402, SOC1, SOC2, ISA, COSO, COBIT, and ISO 27001.
12/2022 - 06/2023
Auditor III - Risk Assurance
PwC Brazil
- Identified 20+ inherent and potential risks in large multinational companies (FPI's) in Brazil’s southern region by assessing their level of compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOx) law through risk analysis, tests of design and effectiveness of business processes controls. Ensured the necessary controls were place to mitigate these risks.
- Successfully conducted a complex risk assessment and internal controls review for a large multinational corporation. The review identified several potential areas of weakness in the company's financial systems and controls, and our team worked closely with the company's management to develop a comprehensive plan to address these risks.
- Conducted analysis of adequacy to the COSO framework and IT governance, consisting of risk assessment and controls analysis in such environments.
- Conducted external audits of financial operations, including month-end close, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and inventory.
- Evaluated the accuracy of financial reporting systems, identifying areas for improvement and recommending corrective actions.
06/2022 - 11/2022
Auditor II - Risk Assurance
PwC Brazil
- Reviewed business processes with a focus on process improvement, through the management and execution of risk and control mapping activities for the business cycles in scope, as well as the conformity assessment of existing mappings/matrices.
- Integrated in interoffice projects (together with PwC networking offices) with reports and communications in English and Portuguese.
- Managed multiple concurrent audits, effectively prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines without compromising quality.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and enabling open communication during the audit process.
- Interviewed business owners to understand needs and explain audit scope.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
- Identified control gaps in processes, procedures and systems through in-depth research and assessment and suggested methods for improvement.
09/2021 - 05/2022
Audit Associate - Risk & Control
PwC Brazil
- Performed full cycle SOX testing, remediation, re-documentation, financial analysis and recommendation of process improvements and risk mitigation.
- Identified management control weaknesses and provided value added suggestions for remediation.
- Assessed the effectiveness of corporate governance structures, contributing to enhanced transparency and accountability within organizations.
- Completed audit papers by thoroughly documenting audit tests and findings.
- Supported external auditors by providing accurate documentation and timely responses to inquiries during annual reviews.
- Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
05/2021 - 08/2021
Cost Analyst
ROCHA Port Terminals and Logistics
- Conducted regular audits of departmental budgets, ensuring accuracy and alignment with organizational goals while minimizing discrepancies.
- Performed the reporting of budget spendings related to purchases and contracting, analytical approaches and data modeling.
- Presented oral and written reports on general economic trends, individual corporations and entire industries.
- Optimized resource allocation by assisting in the annual budget planning process and identifying areas for improvement.
- Elevated organizational understanding of financial metrics by creating visually engaging dashboards for management reporting purposes.
- Prepared special studies, analysis and recommendations in areas such as budgets, forecasts, financial plans and statistical reports.
08/2019 - 05/2021
Financial Jr. Controller
ROCHA Port Terminals and Logistics
- Implemented new processes for monthly reporting by constructing a comprehensive monthly forecasting model, reducing the reporting cycle by over 30%.
- Reduced manual workloads through the implementation of automation tools for routine FP&A tasks.
- Improved budgeting efficiency by implementing a standardized process for departmental input collection.
- Developed and monitored a $1M annual CAPEX budget for 2019 and 2020.
- Enabled informed decision-making with timely delivery of ad hoc reports tailored to specific stakeholder needs.
- Researched macroeconomic, industry and company-specific data to inform investment decisions by preparing and presenting monthly, quarterly, and annual spending reports to the CFO.
- Evaluated and analyzed variety of financial results and indicators such as capital expenditures, depreciation, proposal and investment opportunities to improve financial results.
10/2014 - 07/2019
Accounting Assistant
ROCHA Port Terminals and Logistics
- Increased financial accuracy by reviewing and analyzing budget variances on a monthly basis.
- Ensured compliance with accounting standards and regulations by maintaining accurate financial records and documentation.
- Streamlined financial reporting processes by automating data extraction and consolidation tasks.
- Enhanced financial accuracy by conducting thorough analysis and reconciliation of accounts.
- Assisted external auditors during annual reviews, providing detailed documentation and clarification on complex accounting issues.
- Optimized budgeting processes, collaborating with department heads to develop accurate forecasts and allocations.
- Mentored junior team members, sharing knowledge and expertise to promote professional growth within the department.
