Jennifer Jones is a Principal and National Practice Leader for SOC and HITRUST at Forvis Mazars, where she leads a highly dedicated and knowledgeable team in providing tailored compliance solutions for organizations across various industries. With her extensive experience and deep knowledge in SOC and HITRUST, Jennifer is committed to helping clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes and achieve their compliance goals effectively.
Embracing Challenges on the Journey to Becoming a SOC Enthusiast
Jennifer’s career journey has been full of unexpected twists, but one pivotal moment stands out as a significant success. Her entrance into public accounting began when she was hired to manage Internal Audit and Sarbanes Oxley engagements, which she had been accustomed to managing in industry. However, on her very first day in public accounting, a lunchtime revelation changed everything.
“The Partner revealed that his SOC Manager was on leave and that I was needed to step in,” Jennifer recalls. Although it was an unexpected request, I eagerly accepted the challenge. Little did I know that moment would ignite a passion that would shape my career trajectory.
Diving into research on the firm’s methodology and the AICPA’s SOC Guide from day one, Jennifer built a team from scratch to serve new clients and support tremendous growth. Implementing state-of-the-art automated testing tools, she revolutionized their approach to control testing. The journey from SOC novice to becoming a SOC enthusiast was transformative.
“What started as a lunchtime challenge became a defining chapter of success,” Jennifer reflects. Almost 15 years later, as a Principal leading Forvis Mazars’ entire SOC practice, she is grateful for that fateful lunch conversation so many years ago. This experience taught her the value of embracing challenges, finding passion in unexpected places, and the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable in one’s professional journey.
Forvis Mazars: Delivering Unmatched Client Experiences
As a top 10 Public Accounting Firm, Forvis Mazars is committed to delivering an Unmatched Client Experience®. “We listen to understand, respond promptly, and consult with purpose to deliver value,” says Jennifer. “Our services have been intentionally designed to deliver impact and help our clients drive forward with momentum. Our talented team members have the skills, passion, and industry intelligence to help our clients accelerate into the future.”
With a talented team, Forvis Mazars prioritizes close collaboration and a genuine commitment to putting each client’s needs first. Clients benefit from a single organization with the enhanced capabilities of an expanded national platform, deepened industry experience, greater resources, and innovative consulting services. “We roll up our sleeves and bring an all-in attitude,” Jennifer explains. “We work alongside our clients throughout their journeys, prioritizing close collaboration and a genuine commitment to putting each client’s needs first.”
Forvis Mazars aims to help clients drive their business forward. The firm is also dedicated to providing engaging career paths that challenge and inspire its people to grow personally and professionally, believing that when the team members flourish, clients receive Unmatched Client Experiences.
“Our aim is to provide assurance, tax, and consulting services that help clients succeed today while preparing them to forge ahead into a clear future,” Jennifer adds. “Our eye on the future isn’t exclusively directed toward our clients, however. We want our people at every level, in every office, to be motivated by engaging career paths that challenge and inspire them to grow personally and professionally.”
There is no better measure of this than what clients themselves say about the service they receive from Forvis Mazars. The firm’s healthcare team has a Net Promoter Score of 87 out of 100, which is more than double the industry average and is on par with some of the world’s most respected brands and organizations.
Driving Impact through Expertise
As the National Practice Leader of SOC and HITRUST at Forvis Mazars, Jennifer collaborates across diverse industries, leveraging expertise to drive tangible impacts. From technology to healthcare, insurance to supply chain management, and financial services, each sector presents unique compliance challenges. Forvis Mazars strategically positions its National SOC and HITRUST practice as trusted advisors, using industry-specific experience to credentialize clients as market leaders.
“Our approach streamlines disparate compliance requirements into cohesive SOC examinations or HITRUST certifications, employing a ‘test once, report many’ methodology,” Jennifer explains. “We collaborate closely with clients to align controls, ensuring adherence to frameworks such as HIPAA, NIST, and ISO.”
Jennifer shares a recent success story involving a prominent international healthcare organization. “We consolidated multiple SOC 1, SOC 2, and HITRUST examinations into a streamlined process, driving operational efficiencies, reducing overhead, and enhancing reporting effectiveness which positioned our client as a market differentiator, expanding its client base.”
“Our approach transcends mere compliance checkbox-ticking; it sets new standards, simplifies complexities, and positions our clients as industry frontrunners,” Jennifer emphasizes. “At Forvis Mazars, we’re committed to not only meeting expectations but exceeding them, propelling our clients towards sustained growth and success.”
Overcoming Obstacles in Leading a National SOC and HITRUST Practice
Stepping into the role of leading the National SOC and HITRUST practice amidst one of the largest mergers in public accounting history presented Jennifer with a unique set of challenges. Inheriting two well-established groups, each with its own dynamics, she focused on building trust and fostering cohesion, tapping into her soft skills in unforeseen ways.
“Navigating through this uncharted territory wasn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it evolved into a profound lesson in collaboration and adaptability,” Jennifer reflects. Drawing wisdom from her teammates and firm leaders, they not only weathered the storm but also witnessed their practice flourish, experiencing over 100 percent growth.
“Our unwavering commitment to delivering an Unmatched Client Experience to both new and existing clients remained steadfast,” Jennifer emphasizes. “We learned firsthand that every challenge presents an opportunity for collective growth and redefining success. By embracing the journey together, we not only surpassed hurdles but emerged stronger and more resilient than before.”
Innovating Compliance: Forvis Mazars’ Approach to Enhancing Operational Efficiency
Forvis Mazars is dedicated to integrating innovation seamlessly into compliance processes, aiming to elevate operational efficiency while meeting regulatory requirements. Leveraging their collective industry experience, the SOC and HITRUST team members have developed innovative tools and technologies that simplify compliance efforts and empower clients to focus on their core responsibilities, saving both time and resources.
“Our proprietary solutions streamline routine tasks within SOC and HITRUST engagements, from generating document request lists to tracking audit artifacts, all at the push of a button,” explains Jennifer.
Beyond efficiency gains, Forvis Mazars views compliance engagements as opportunities for organizational evolution. “After each engagement, while ensuring compliance remains our top priority, we provide clients with a Process Improvement Letter outlining optional enhancements to streamline processes or adopt preventative controls using new technologies,” Jennifer adds.
By engaging clients in shaping the future of their security operations and control frameworks, Forvis Mazars co-creates a roadmap for continuous improvement. “At Forvis Mazars, it’s not just about meeting requirements; it’s about forging partnerships to shape the future of security operations and control frameworks collaboratively,” Jennifer says.
Tailoring Solutions: A Client-Centric Approach at Forvis Mazars
Jennifer’s focus at Forvis Mazars revolves around listening intently to clients’ needs and crafting tailored solutions to address their unique requirements. She shares an instance that exemplifies the significance of her client-centric approach:
“As our clients navigate growth and expansion, the prospect of undergoing a SOC Report or HITRUST Assessment can be daunting,” Jennifer explains. “To alleviate this challenge, we introduce the concept of a Readiness Assessment. Recognizing that no client wishes to encounter compliance setbacks, we advocate for a proactive stance. Before delving into full compliance reports, we recommend starting with a comprehensive Readiness Assessment, donning our consulting hats to guide clients through this preparatory phase. This client-centric approach is a reflection of our commitment to aligning our strategies with our clients’ growth trajectories and underscores the importance of listening, adapting, and delivering solutions finely attuned to each client’s individual journey.”
During the Readiness Assessment, Forvis Mazars prioritizes understanding each client’s operations instead of imposing generic templates of non-value-added controls which allows team members to tailor controls precisely to leverage existing frameworks and ensure clients receive credit for controls already in place.
“At Forvis Mazars, we thrive on immersing ourselves in the intricacies of each client’s environment, transforming existing controls into a robust framework that aligns with the requirements for a SOC Report or HITRUST Assessment,” Jennifer concludes. “Each engagement culminates in a customized solution meticulously crafted to meet each client’s needs.”
Tailoring Compliance: Adapting Strategies to Meet Sector-Specific Needs
With experience spanning diverse industries, Forvis Mazars’ approach hinges on adaptability as the cornerstone of its strategy. Team members understand that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t suffice, which is why their internal client service teams are meticulously tailored to specialize in specific industries.
“Our dedicated healthcare SOC and HITRUST team members go beyond merely crafting compliance reports; they’re an integral part of our broader healthcare platform offering,” Jennifer explains. This strategic alignment ensures not just compliance but a bespoke approach that taps into a wealth of industry-specific knowledge and coverage.
Forvis Mazars weaves industry experience into its strategies, providing nuanced, sector-centric services that transcend the standard compliance checklist. This tailored approach enables team members to identify improvement opportunities based on their extensive experience with client peers. Jennifer notes, “Our healthcare-focused SOC and HITRUST team members understand the intricacies of revenue cycle integration into the care continuum and the unique impacts of ambulatory environments on a health system’s control environment. Each member of our national SOC and HITRUST team not only solely works on SOC and HITRUST engagements but is also focused on a specific industry, making each member well-versed in both SOC guidance and industry-specific nuances.”
“The goal at Forvis Mazars is not only to meet regulatory obligations but also to contribute to our clients’ business success through effective compliance efforts,” Jennifer emphasizes. By combining tailored strategies, ongoing adaptation, and dedicated client support, Forvis Mazars effectively addresses the distinct compliance needs of each sector it serves.
Shaping the Future: Equipping Clients for the Evolution of Compliance
In the unfolding story of compliance evolution, Forvis Mazars is not just a spectator, but the architect of change. Jennifer offers a glimpse into what Forvis Mazars believes lies ahead and how it equips its clients for the journey:
- AI Integration: Imagine a future in which AI isn’t just a disruptor but a trusted compliance companion. We’re not just envisioning it; we’re investing in strategies to integrate AI seamlessly into our clients’ compliance journeys. Enter the era of AI-powered monitoring, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
- Regulatory Anticipation: As regulations evolve, we anticipate regulators’ delayed response to compliance and technological advancements. By staying ahead of the curve, we equip our clients with the insights and tools needed to navigate future regulatory changes effectively.
- Technological Assurance: With technological advancements, auditors will have the capability to provide enhanced assurance across all transactions which will translate into greater reliability and confidence in compliance reports.
- Unified Compliance Solutions: Third-party risk management questionnaires have long been a pain point for many clients. We foresee a future where compliance is streamlined through unified reports such as SOC or HITRUST, eliminating the need for disparate solutions. We work with many of our clients to make this future a reality today.
“Through our proactive approach, we empower our clients to address emerging compliance needs confidently while focusing on their core business activities. Together, we help navigate the evolving compliance landscape with resilience and agility,” Jennifer concludes.
Balancing Compliance and Innovation: Forvis Mazars’ Approach
While strict compliance remains paramount in all attest reports and certifications, Forvis Mazars also recognizes the importance of fostering innovation within organizations, particularly within highly regulated sectors. Jennifer explains, “We strive to strike a delicate balance between these two priorities by integrating forward-thinking ideas, drawing on our extensive experience, and staying abreast of emerging trends.”
True to its name, Forvis Mazars embodies a forward-looking vision in its compliance efforts. As technology continues to evolve and the business landscape rapidly changes, its compliance solutions remain agile and adaptive to exceed clients’ expectations.
Jennifer emphasizes, “One key aspect that sets us apart is our commitment to working with our clients’ technology rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution. This approach not only enhances security but also ensures efficiency and effectiveness in compliance.”
Forvis Mazars anticipates that third-party reliance will only grow as organizations streamline their teams and focus on core competencies. To meet this challenge, Forvis Mazars is committed to ongoing innovation, continually refining its approach to strike the right balance between strict compliance and fostering innovation within its clients’ organizations.
Elevating Compliance: Forvis Mazars’ Unique Value Proposition in the Outsourced Business Landscape
Partnerships with Forvis Mazars offer organizations tailored advantages perfectly suited for today’s outsourced business landscape. Jennifer and her team bring extensive experience across diverse compliance domains, specializing in SOC and HITRUST, ensuring robust solutions for navigating intricate regulatory frameworks with ease. “We go beyond the conventional approach by crafting customized solutions that address each client’s unique challenges and objectives,” Jennifer emphasizes.
From developing personalized compliance frameworks to conducting thorough risk assessments, Forvis Mazars is committed to delivering comprehensive support tailored to clients’ individual needs. “At Forvis Mazars, we take a proactive stance on compliance, staying abreast of evolving regulatory trends to help our clients mitigate risks confidently,” Jennifer explains. This proactive approach is a key differentiator, ensuring that clients are well-prepared for future compliance challenges.
The client-centric ethos at Forvis Mazars places a premium on satisfaction and fostering enduring partnerships. “We prioritize understanding our clients’ needs, offering personalized attention and ongoing support to surpass expectations,” says Jennifer. This commitment to client satisfaction is reflected in Forvis Mazars’ approach to delivering value beyond compliance.
Choosing Forvis Mazars means tapping into a team where SOC and HITRUST aren’t just checkboxes; they’re ingrained in the DNA. “With Directors, Principals, and Partners in the SOC and HITRUST practices each boasting over 15 years of hands-on experience in crafting SOC Reports and HITRUST assessments, we bring unparalleled expertise to the table,” Jennifer highlights. This expertise ensures that clients receive top-notch service and guidance throughout their compliance journeys.
Forvis Mazars is not just about industry-experience; it’s a cohesive team that thrives on efficiency and enjoys the process. “With Forvis Mazars, expect straightforward guidance, unwavering focus, and a steadfast commitment to delivering results in today’s outsourced business environment,” concludes Jennifer. This dedication to excellence sets Forvis Mazars apart as a trusted partner in compliance and beyond. Jennifer notes, “SOC and HITRUST aren’t just part of what our team in the National SOC and HITRUST Practice does; it’s all we do, and we do it well.”
Navigating Leadership: Advice for Aspiring Professionals in SOC and HITRUST
For professionals aspiring to reach leadership positions, especially in the dynamic fields of SOC and HITRUST, Jennifer offers valuable advice. Here are her suggestions for those looking to advance their careers in these challenging and evolving fields:
- Commit to Lifelong Learning: Embrace the role of being a perpetual student of your craft. Master the art of delivering client solutions from inception to completion. Leading by example is paramount in inspiring others to follow suit.
- Surround Yourself with Leaders: Immerse yourself in the company of seasoned leaders. Learn from their experiences, adopt their strengths, and carefully discern traits you’d rather not embody. Let these encounters shape your unique leadership identity.
- Build a Robust Support Network: Cultivate a support system comprising at minimum a mentor and a coach. Your mentor will champion you behind closed doors, while your coach will provide encouragement on tough days and offer honest reflections when needed. Together, they’ll serve as your guiding lights throughout your leadership journey.
- Prioritize Responsiveness: In today’s landscape, responsiveness is akin to leadership currency. Continuously seek ways to enhance client value. Operating with a client-centric mindset not only positions you as a leader chosen by clients but also ensures your relevance in an ever-evolving industry.
Conclusion
In her role as Principal and National Practice Leader for SOC and HITRUST at Forvis Mazars, Jennifer Jones exemplifies excellence and dedication in providing innovative compliance solutions for organizations. Her leadership is marked by a visionary approach, strategic acumen, and a deep commitment to excellence. She fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging her team to think creatively and embrace new ideas.
Jennifer leads by example, demonstrating integrity, resilience, and a relentless drive for success in all endeavors. Her ability to inspire and empower her team has been instrumental in driving transformative change and achieving outstanding results in the complex landscape of SOC and HITRUST compliance.
Her leadership and expertise are instrumental in guiding clients through the complexities of regulatory compliance, ensuring that they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of today’s business environment. Jennifer’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction makes her a valuable asset to Forvis Mazars and a trusted partner for organizations seeking compliance solutions.
