Kimberly Mendiola - CNMI’s First to Earn Certified Internal Auditor Designation

(January 31, 2005) - Office of the Public Auditor Analyst Kimberly Mendiola was named a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) by the Institute of Internal Auditors on January 15, 2005. The prestigious "CIA" designation is awarded to audit professionals who have met the rigorous requirements of the Institute’s Certified Internal Auditor program, including a challenging four-part examination, as well as high standards of character, education, and experience. The exam was administered to over 21,000 candidates in November 2004, and approximately 3,300 have completed the examination requirement. The CIA exam reflects the current state of the art in internal auditing and evaluates technical competence in important subject areas related to internal auditing such as financial and managerial accounting, finance, economics, information technology, fraud, legislation and regulations on businesses. The Certified Internal Auditor designation is accepted and recognized in the United States and internationally.

Mendiola, a graduate of the University of Hawaii with double majors in Finance and Marketing, joined OPA in May 2002. In addition to taking part in OPA-sponsored auditor training programs, Mendiola also spent 5 weeks in November 2002 in a performance auditing workshop sponsored by the South Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions in Apia, Samoa where she became certified as a Performance Audit Trainer. Dedicated to enhancing auditor skills and performance, the SPASAI workshop was funded through grants from the Asian Development Bank and the United Nations.

In remarks at a recent AGA Chapter event, Public Auditor Mike Sablan commended Mendiola for the dedication and discipline that led to her achieving professional recognition. "The CIA designation enhances Kimberly’s professional credibility in the eyes of the public – here in the Commonwealth, in the rest of the United States, and internationally," noted Sablan. Adding that credibility is crucial to earning the public’s respect of audit professionals, Sablan gave special commendation to Mendiola for being the CNMI’s first Certified Internal Auditor. "This adds a special distinction to Kim’s achievement. It brings great pride to her family and friends, and to the CNMI Office of the Public Auditor."

Mendiola hails from Rota and is the daughter of Lydia and Melchor Mendiola.