About Us

For 30 years, PEF Associates, Inc., a NASBA-registered organization, has provided training and consulting services globally to audit, compliance, and related functions (e.g., second lines of defense). Our highly interactive workshops are customized for each client and focus on report development, including root cause analysis.

We have a broad, longstanding client base that includes multinational companies in the financial, insurance, technology, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and service sectors. Our clients also include public accounting firms and IIA and ISACA chapters.

PEF Associates, Inc. is certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council as a woman-owned, operated, and controlled business.

Our Trainers


Cynthia has over 20 years of experience as a trainer and consultant with PEF Associates, Inc. In July 2018, she assumed the role of President. Her previous work experience includes public accounting and corporate finance. She was an external auditor with Price Waterhouse (now PwC) and held various positions in financial reporting and strategic planning with PepsiCo, Inc. Cynthia received a BS in Business Administration from Bucknell University and an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University.

Penni developed PEF Associates, Inc.’s unique approach to improving internal audit writing that continues to win acclaim from major global organizations. In July 2018, after 30 years as President, she assumed the role of consultant. Before founding PEF Associates, Inc., Penni worked in information technology, systems auditing, training, and consulting. She was employed by Deloitte, JPMorgan Chase, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Penni received a BS from Temple University.

Audrey has over 15 years of experience as a trainer and consultant with PEF Associates, Inc. Her previous work experience includes auditing, internal control development, and finance in the public and private sectors. She was an external auditor with Ernst & Young and an internal auditor with American Broadcasting Company. She was also employed by CBS and Sony. Audrey is a CPA and received a BA from City University of New York, where she majored in Accounting and minored in English.

Kelly has over 15 years of experience as a trainer and consultant with PEF Associates, Inc. Her previous work experience includes auditing, training, and consulting. She was an auditor with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the Head Auditor for a European subsidiary of MasterCard. She lives in Belgium and speaks French fluently. Kelly received a BS in Business Administration from St. Louis University.

Lisa has over 20 years of experience as a trainer and consultant with PEF Associates, Inc. Her previous work experience includes systems consulting, training, and systems auditing. She was a systems analyst with Andersen Consulting and an EDP Audit Officer with Chase Manhattan Bank. Lisa received a BA from Marist College (Valedictorian) and an MS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Gail joined PEF Associates, Inc. in 2022. Her previous work experience includes controllership, auditing, and consulting. She was a senior tax manager with Arthur Andersen. She managed the internal audit function for multiple regions at Mastercard and led the company’s global operational risk management, SOX, and process excellence programs. Gail received a BA in English Literature and a Certificate of Accounting from the University of Virginia. She also holds a certification in Business Process Management from Vlerick Business School in Belgium.

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Helping you identify the Problem, assess the Exposure, and evaluate the Fix
1.561.995.5600 | pef@pefassociates.com