Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Maher Duessel. She began her career in 1987, joined the firm in 2009 and quickly became an integral part of the team. Lisa serves a diverse range of non-profit and governmental organizations. Her clients include state agencies, human service providers, associations, and community colleges. With several of her clients receiving federal funds, Lisa has a thorough knowledge of all facets of Single Audit and Uniform Guidance compliance matters. She has also received the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Advanced Single Audit Certification.
A key client service area for Lisa is her long-standing work with community colleges, and she has extensive knowledge regarding higher education compliance in financial reporting and Department of Education regulations. Lisa also directs audit/tax engagements for several human service and health care agencies. Her health care experience includes overseeing the Disproportionate Share Hospital Audit engagement (DSH) for a major state human service agency, directing audits of cost reports for various federally qualified health centers, and leading several HealthChoices examinations in Pennsylvania. Lisa is also well versed in employee benefit plan audit requirements, as she has directed several 401(k) and 403(b) plan audits.
A Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Information Technology Professional, Lisa has received the AICPA’s SOC (Security Operations Center) for Cybersecurity certificate. She directs the firm’s IT Audit Practice Unit, ensuring that Maher Duessel stays at the forefront of significant changes in Information Technology impacting our clients and their audits. Previously, she served as the Director of Quality Control for the firm, highlighting her commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. When she is not involved in her client facing role at Maher Duessel, Lisa enjoys volunteering her time on various national and state level accounting committees including the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Not-For-Profit Resource Group. She has also been dedicated to serving committees of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) including her current position on the Future of Audit Thought Leadership Committee. Lisa also dedicates her time to non-profits, as she has been a long-time Board Member of WITF Public Broadcasting.
Professional Affiliations
- Financial Accounting Standards Board Not-for-Profit Resource Group – Member
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) – Advanced Single Audit Certification
- AICPA Auditing Standards Board – Past Member
- Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Accounting & Auditing (A&A) Steering Committee – Past Chair and Current Member
- Association of Government Accountants (AGA) Central Pennsylvania Chapter – Member
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners – Member
- Information Systems Audit and Control Association – Member
Community
- WITF Public Broadcasting – Executive Committee Member, Finance and Audit Committee Member and Enterprises Board Member
- United Way of the Capital Region Women's Leadership Network – Member
- St. Patrick Cathedral Finance Committee – Member
- Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) – Board Member Emeritus and Former Public Policy Committee Member
- Young Catholic Professionals South Central PA Chapter - Board Member
"Technology is my passion. It’s ever changing, which allows me to continually grow while helping protect our clients and their requirements. I embrace it fully so our clients can stay focused on their missions and improving the lives of their stakeholders without distraction or fear."
Education
B.S., Business Administration (with Distinction), Penn State University
