Joseph Oates MBA | CISA
Joe is an experienced Audit and Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) leader with over 15 years of helping organizations strengthen their operations, manage risks, and meet compliance expectations. He specializes in evaluating business processes, optimizing controls, and turning audit insights into strategies that support long-term business success.
Joe has guided audit and risk management programs across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific, working with leadership teams to deliver risk-based audits that not only meet regulatory needs but also drive real improvements in efficiency and resilience. He has built enterprise risk management programs, introduced audit analytics tools to enhance visibility, and led global compliance initiatives across diverse, regulated industries.
His background covers a wide range of areas including SOX, GDPR, HIPAA, and cybersecurity frameworks. He also brings hands-on experience in Third-Party Risk Management, Incident Response and Ransomware Preparedness, Security Program Maturity Assessments, and compliance readiness.
Beyond core audit responsibilities, Joe has supported ethics programs, led cross-functional risk assessments, and conducted sensitive investigations. He is known for his ability to communicate complex risk issues clearly to executives and boards, and for building collaborative, high-performing teams across global markets.
At the heart of Joe’s approach is a focus on practical solutions, sustainable process improvements, and helping organizations build stronger, more resilient operations in today’s ever-changing risk environment.
Testimonial
“I have had the privilege of working with Joe as our IT auditor for the past four years, and his expertise has been invaluable. Joe’s deep understanding of SOX, IT compliance, cybersecurity, and risk management has significantly enhanced our ability to maintain high standards in all our IT operations.
Beyond his technical skills, Joe is a fantastic partner. He is understanding, easy to work with, and approaches every situation with empathy and collaboration. He has a unique ability to make you feel like he’s on your side, working together to achieve the best outcomes for the company. His professionalism, clear communication, and supportive approach ensure smooth audits and actionable insights every time.
Joe’s combination of expertise, integrity, and partnership makes him an exceptional auditor and a trusted advisor. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, dependable, and collaborative expert in audit and compliance.”
-Taylor Wilson