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 dedicated a decade of her career to American Express, where she held several leadership roles of increasing responsibility. Her contributions included managing financial planning and analysis, credit and fraud risk controllership, and global corporate payments. Stephanie led significant initiatives such as implementing a $300M investment database for card inventory, automating financial outlook processes to enhance accuracy and reduce redundancies, and guiding the adoption of key accounting standards like IFRS 9 and CECL. She also played a pivotal role in contract negotiations, portfolio conversions, and the implementation of new revenue recognition standards, all while mentoring and developing team members who advanced under her leadership. Her tenure at American Express exemplifies her ability to drive operational excellence and deliver measurable financial results within a global corporation.

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, where she led a team of 15 employees across payroll and accounting. During her tenure, she facilitated the promotion of two long-term employees, implemented a new general ledger accounting system, and initiated the centralization of accounting functions within the credit union.

Previously, Stephanie served as Vice President of Finance & Accounting at OneAZ Credit Union for three years. In this leadership role, she oversaw the general ledger system, ensuring data integrity, internal controls, and compliance with policies and GAAP. Stephanie managed fixed assets, accounts payable, and month-end close processes, while also coordinating with over 20 cost centers to improve the accuracy and timeliness of budgeting and forecasting. Her innovative initiatives included implementing a virtual payment system, automating quarterly reporting, and integrating robotics into account reconciliation processes.

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., where she prepared SEC filings, internal reports, and conducted in-depth fluctuation analyses. She ensured compliance with regulatory standards and collaborated closely with external auditors.

Earlier in her career, Stephanie gained valuable experience in public accounting at BDO Seidman, LLP and Ernst & Young, LLP, where she served as a senior associate and auditor. She worked with clients across industries such as healthcare, life insurance, and manufacturing, leading audit teams, executing testing procedures, and mentoring junior associates.

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.