Katie Orris
Baltimore,MD
Summary
CPA with nearly 8 years of experience working with colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations on financial reporting, audits, compliance, and internal controls. Experienced advising finance leadership on complex accounting matters, audit readiness, federal funding compliance, and implementation of evolving accounting standards. Known for building strong relationships, mentoring teams, and helping organizations improve processes and strengthen financial governance.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
Baltimore, MD
07.2023 - Current
- Promoted through multiple levels of increasing responsibility based on leadership performance, technical expertise, and client service excellence.
- Lead financial statement and compliance engagements for higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and university foundations, including large universities and institutions with academic medical centers
- Advise CFOs, Controllers, and finance leadership on financial reporting, internal controls, audit readiness, and implementation of new accounting standards
- Support clients with implementation of significant FASB and GASB standards, including related process changes, financial reporting considerations, and stakeholder communication
- Oversee engagements from planning through issuance, managing teams of up to 30 professionals and coordinating executive-level client communications
- Review financial statements, notes disclosures, and compliance reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance with GAAP and federal requirements
- Present audit results and internal control recommendations directly to executive leadership, finance committees, and governing boards
- Collaborate with institutions on process improvements, ERP transitions, and strengthening financial governance and accounting operations
- Work closely with finance, grants management, payroll, procurement, and operational leadership to resolve complex accounting and compliance matters
- Frequent speaker at higher education and professional conferences on accounting, compliance, and industry updates impacting colleges and universities
- Facilitate firm wide training programs and technical accounting updates for higher education professionals, including leading the firm's Student Financial Aid Bootcamp
- Lead recruiting, onboarding, mentoring, and internship program initiatives focused on staff development and long-term talent growth
- Serve on two of the firm's five national industry committees focused on business development and resource allocation initiatives
- Serve as Scheduling Champion for the region, responsible for coordinating engagement staffing across local offices and implementing firm wide scheduling initiatives and process improvements
Senior Associate
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
Washington, DC
10.2020 - 07.2023
Associate
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
Washington, DC
09.2018 - 10.2020
Assurance Intern
BDO USA, LLP
Greater Pittsburgh Region
06.2017 - 08.2017
Education
Master of Accounting -
Juniata College
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania05-2018
Bachelor of Science - Accounting and Financial Management
Juniata College
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania05-2017
Skills
- Higher Education Financial Reporting
- GAAP
- GASB/FASB
- Internal Controls
- Audit & Compliance
- Fund Accounting
- Sponsored Research & Federal Grants
- Financial Statement Oversight
- ERP Systems (Workday, Ellucian)
- Team Leadership
- Executive Communication
Affiliations
- CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
- Career Coach
- Mentor and support staff through career development, performance management, professional growth, and advancement within the firm
- Young Advisory Committee
- Collaborate with firm leadership on initiatives related to employee engagement, organizational culture, policy implementation, and strategic growth initiatives
- Office Engagement Committee
- Help lead office-wide initiatives and events focused on strengthening collaboration, team culture, employee engagement, and retention
- Historical Society of Baltimore County
- Board Member & Treasurer | 2023 – 2025
Certification
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – Maryland, Active
Timeline
Manager
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
07.2023 - Current
Senior Associate
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
10.2020 - 07.2023
Associate
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
09.2018 - 10.2020
Assurance Intern
BDO USA, LLP
06.2017 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Accounting and Financial Management
Juniata College
Master of Accounting -
Juniata College