Professional Profile of Manuel A. Gutiérrez-González, CIA, CRMA, CBM, CFS

I am a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in internal auditing, risk management, and ethics, particularly in the public sector. My mission has always been to promote transparent, sustainable practices aligned with international standards, with the goal of strengthening institutional trust and improving organizational processes.

Currently, I have the honor of serving on the Governing Board of the Puerto Rico Chapter of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), a global organization dedicated to advancing the internal auditing profession. In my role as Chair of the Advertising, Public Relations, and Social Media Committee, as well as editor and designer of the chapter’s official magazine, I lead initiatives focused on continuous education, professional ethics, and the implementation of international standards. These efforts have positively impacted the auditing community in Puerto Rico, enhancing its ability to address the challenges of an increasingly dynamic environment.

Professional Background and Achievements  

Leadership in Governance and Auditing

Throughout my career with the *Government of Puerto Rico, I held key roles, including Director of Internal Auditing, Deputy Director, and Lead Auditor at the National Parks Company (NPC). In these positions, I led general and information systems audits, as well as investigations, identifying deficiencies in internal controls, operational risks, and opportunities to improve resource management.

One of my greatest accomplishments was driving management to implement preventive measures and corrective action plans that optimized operational efficiency, improved regulatory compliance, and strengthened transparency. Furthermore, as the Primary Liaison to the Puerto Rico Office of the Comptroller (PROC), I facilitated the coordination of annual audits and ensured the effective follow-up of corrective plans, resulting in significant improvements in public sector management.

Risk Management and Ethics

My commitment to ethics and risk management is evident in my contributions to the NPC Risk Assessment Committee and my involvement in ethical programs at the Department of Labor and Human Resources of Puerto Rico. These initiatives not only reinforced internal controls but also promoted a culture of transparency and accountability, earning the trust of employees and stakeholders.

Internal Roles at the NPC

In my tenure at the NPC, I performed critical functions, including:

– Advisor to the Risk Management and Evaluation Committee.

– Primary Liaison between the NPC Board of Directors and the PROC for general and information systems audits.

– Manager of the NPC Internal Control and Corruption Prevention Program.

– Coordinator of NPC corrective action plans with the PROC.

– Ethics Officer and representative to the Electoral Subcommittee for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Employees Association.

Participation in The IIA Puerto Rico Chapter

During my involvement on the Governing Board of the Puerto Rico Chapter of The IIA, I have held several leadership positions, including:

-Chair, Advertising, Public Relations, and Social Media Committee (May 2024 – Present)

– Director (May 2019 – May 2024)

– Vice President (May 2017 – May 2018)

– Director (May 2014 – May 2017)

My focus in these roles has been to promote continuous education, foster an ethical culture, and align local practices with international standards. These initiatives have elevated the auditing community’s capacity to manage risks, strengthen internal controls, and deliver value to their organizations.

Educational Background

-University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo

– Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration

– Field of Study: Accounting | Business and Management

– Activities: Athletics

My academic foundation has been instrumental in developing the analytical, leadership, and management skills that I have applied in every professional project.

Professional Certifications

I hold credentials that reflect my commitment to professional excellence:

– Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): A global certification validating expertise in internal auditing.

– Institution: The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)

– Certified Risk Management Assurance (CRMA): Specialization in evaluating strategic and operational risks.

– Institution: The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)

– Certified Business Manager (CBM): Integrates business management with organizational goals.

– Institution: The Association of Professionals in Business Management (APBM)

– Certified Fraud Specialist (CFS): Expertise in identifying and preventing fraud.

– Institution: The Association of Certified Fraud Specialists (ACFS)

These certifications have enabled me to address complex technical challenges, design innovative solutions, and generate positive impacts for the organizations I serve.

Key Achievements

– Successfully coordinated and motivated senior management to implement corrective action plans that transformed administrative and technological processes at the CPN, achieving significant improvements in operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

– Recommended and supported management in the development of an internal control program that reduced operational risks and strengthened transparency in public administration.

– Founded AuditNotes.com, a platform where I share practical tools and insights that have positively impacted auditors across various sectors.

Vision and Future Focus

Internal auditing is undergoing a transformation driven by technology. I am convinced that tools like artificial intelligence and predictive data analytics will be essential for anticipating risks and maximizing the impact of our profession. My goal is to lead this change, promoting innovation and supporting auditors in becoming strategic change agents within their organizations.

Closing Reflection

Throughout my career, I have sought to be a change agent committed to excellence, ethics, and continuous improvement. Internal auditing is not just a job—it is a catalyst for trust and transformation within organizations. My invitation is clear: let’s work together to build a more innovative, ethical, and proactive profession.

With integrity and determination, let us continue to lead with purpose and build a legacy that inspires future generations.