Episode 32 - Rebecca Takahashi

In this episode, Rebecca Takahashi shares her journey through various audit roles across different cities, emphasizing the power of networking and relationship building in career advancement. She discusses her experiences in local government audit functions, the importance of internal audit standards, and the challenges faced in re-establishing trust after major embezzlement cases. Rebecca highlights the significance of empathy, communication, and maintaining professional connections to foster a successful audit career.Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction to Super Auditor00:00:53 Meet Rebecca: The Power of Connection00:01:48 Rebecca's Career in Local Government Audits00:04:06 Starting in Austin: Investigative Audits00:14:23 Pasadena's Embezzlement Case and Trust Rebuilding00:24:46 The Embezzlement Story: Lessons Learned00:30:21 Networking and Career Growth00:33:40 Current Role at LAFPP: Challenges and Insights00:39:37 Advice for New Auditors: Networking and LearningAbout Rebecca TakahashiRebecca Takahashi, CFE CGAP CIA is the chief audit executive for the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions department of the City of Los Angeles and dedicated her career to serve local government audit functions using both GAGAS and Global Internal Audit Standards. Prior to Los Angeles, Rebecca served the city audit offices of Pasadena, CA; San Diego, CA; and Austin, TX. She has served on several local and professional internal audit organizations including as President of the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA). Rebeca is the recipient of ALGA’s Outstanding Contribution to the Local Government Auditing Quarterly Award and several Knighton Awards for audit reports she led. Rebecca has a bachelor’s in political studies and history from Pitzer College and a Master's in Public Affairs (MPAff) from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also a Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Government Audit Professional, and a Certified Internal Auditor.In her free time, Rebecca enjoys going on culinary adventures with her husband, spending time with friends and family, tending to her vegetable and native plant gardens at home, and volunteering with other professional and community-based organizations.