Certification Q&A: Guadalupe Arroyo

Q: Tell us about your background and how you got here.

A: I have been in banking for 27 years. Audit was not always what I saw myself doing, but the many roles in banking that I’ve had led me here. And today, I don’t see myself in any other role! I absolutely love what I do.

Q: How do you set yourself up for a productive day?

A. My daily tasks and events are sent to my phone every morning by 7 a.m. Before I get to my office, I have mentally organized what tasks need my immediate attention, where I left off from the previous day, any meetings I need to prep for and any training that I plan to attend.

Q: How do you keep track of your workload?

A: My department uses a worksheet to plan audits yearly, quarterly, biannually or triannually. I log tasks, meetings, goals, appointments and trainings in my Outlook calendar and share updates daily via text. Additionally, I maintain three physical journals for meeting notes, training and miscellaneous tasks.

Q: What advice do you have for others in your role?

A: Try reading or listening to updates in regulation frequently. It is easier than cramming it right before an audit.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the ICBA Audit Institute or the Annual Current Issues Certification Conference?

A: Hearing attendees tell stories is my favorite part of ICBA Education’s events. I also like that ICBA puts so much effort into getting us recent events that are happening in the banking world.