Laura Perkins, Cia
About Laura Perkins, Cia
Laura Perkins serves as the Director of Internal Audit at THOR Industries, Inc., overseeing global audit activities and leading internal controls assessments. She has extensive experience in risk advisory services and has played a key role in transitioning the Internal Audit Department to an in-house function.
Work at Thor Industries
Laura Perkins has served as the Director of Internal Audit at THOR Industries, Inc. since 2013. In this role, she oversees more than 30,000 hours of global internal audit activities conducted by both internal staff and co-sourced service providers. Perkins has played a pivotal role in transitioning the Internal Audit Department from an outsourced function to an in-house operation, effectively building the department from the ground up. Her responsibilities also include leading the Internal Audit team's involvement in the acquisition process, which encompasses due diligence and post-acquisition assessments.
Previous Experience at RSM US LLP
Before joining THOR Industries, Laura Perkins worked at RSM US LLP as the Director of Risk Advisory Services from 2006 to 2011. During her five-year tenure, she focused on risk management and advisory services, contributing to the firm's reputation in the industry. Her experience at RSM provided her with a strong foundation in internal controls and risk assessment, which she later applied in her roles at THOR Industries.
Education and Expertise
Laura Perkins holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Management Information Systems from Ball State University, where she studied from 1988 to 1992. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Bethel College, completing her studies from 1998 to 2000. Her educational background equips her with a solid understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of business operations, particularly in internal audit and risk management.
Achievements in Internal Controls
In her current role, Laura Perkins designs and leads the annual assessment process for the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls related to financial reporting, specifically in alignment with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This process involves coordination with the company’s external auditor, ensuring compliance and effectiveness of internal controls within the organization. Her leadership in this area demonstrates her commitment to maintaining high standards of financial integrity.
Transition to In-House Internal Audit
Laura Perkins successfully transitioned the Internal Audit Department at THOR Industries from an outsourced model to an in-house function. This significant change allowed for greater control and oversight of audit activities, enabling the company to tailor its internal audit processes to better fit its operational needs. Her efforts in building the department from the ground up reflect her strategic vision and expertise in internal audit management.