Stephanie Lynn Nghiem is an accomplished accounting and finance professional with over 21 years of experience spanning diverse sectors, including financial services, public accounting, and corporate finance. Her extensive background, which includes high-level executive leadership roles and hands-on experience in financial reporting, controllership, and finance management, has shaped her into a well-rounded expert in the field. Stephanie has worked with large, high-performing organizations, contributing significantly to financial strategies, operations, and processes while ensuring regulatory compliance and driving business efficiency.
Stephanie’s career trajectory showcases her expertise in finance and accounting, with a proven track record of delivering results across a wide range of responsibilities. Her most recent role was Assistant Vice President – Controller at Desert Financial Credit Union. This leadership role oversaw a team of 15 employees from both the payroll and accounting departments. During her tenure, she facilitated the promotion of two long-term employees, implemented a new general ledger accounting system and began the process for centralizing all accounting functions of the credit union.
She previously served as the Vice President of Finance & Accounting at OneAZ Credit Union for three years. In this leadership role, she oversaw the general ledger system, ensuring that data integrity, controls, and compliance with policies and GAAP were consistently maintained. She also managed the credit union’s fixed assets, accounts payable, and month-end close processes. As a key driver of the budget and forecasting process, Stephanie coordinated with over 20 cost centers, fostering strong cross-functional collaboration. Her leadership was instrumental in enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of both annual budgeting and monthly forecasting, significantly improving operational efficiency. Additionally, Stephanie spearheaded the implementation of a virtual payment system to accelerate vendor payments and enhance cash management, as well as automated the quarterly call report process and integrated robotics for account reconciliations.
Stephanie also has significant experience in financial reporting. She worked as a Senior SEC Reporting Analyst at Rural/Metro Corporation and as a Senior Financial Reporting Analyst at Universal Technical Institute, Inc. During these roles, she was responsible for preparing SEC filings, internal financial reporting, and conducting in-depth fluctuation analyses. She coordinated with external auditors and ensured that financial statements were compliant with regulatory standards
Earlier in her career, Stephanie gained valuable experience in public accounting at BDO Seidman, LLP and Ernst & Young, LLP, where she served in senior associate and audit roles. In these positions, she worked with clients across various industries, including healthcare, life insurance, and manufacturing, leading audit teams and executing testing procedures. She also mentored junior associates and guided them through the audit process.
Stephanie is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Arizona and certified CPA in Illinois.
Stephanie is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and she is committed to advancing the accounting profession.
Character
Stephanie Nghiem is a seasoned professional known for her integrity, leadership, and commitment to excellence in every role she undertakes.
Knowledge
With over 21 years of experience in accounting, finance, and controllership, Stephanie possesses deep expertise in financial reporting, compliance, and strategic planning.
Strategic
Stephanie has a proven track record of driving operational efficiency and implementing innovative solutions, such as automating processes and enhancing forecasting and budgeting.
Communication
She excels in cross-functional collaboration, mentoring teams, and communicating complex financial concepts to stakeholders at all levels.
