Ron Kral
Experiences Leading to the Development of 401(k) Connect to Protect Inc. and Objectives
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
- COSO Framework Educator and Advisor to BDG-CPAs.
- Former member of Kral Ussery LLC, specializing in professional education.
- Extensive advisory experience with hundreds of clients, including Big Four engagements.
- Expert in internal controls, enterprise risk management, and corporate governance.
- Facilitated hundreds of executive education and professional training sessions.
- Contributor to the development of COSO’s 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework.
- Co-author of The Board of Directors and Audit Committee Guide to Fiduciary Responsibilities.
- Advisor on risk assessment, fraud prevention, SEC disclosures, and auditing standards.
- MBA, Arizona State University; BBA, University of Wisconsin–Madison.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE TIMELINE:
1987 – 1990 – Conducted performance and financial audits of executive branch agencies. Wrote and executed audit plans to evaluate and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of risk management, internal controls, and governance processes.
1990 – 1997 – Statewide Consulting Director also in charge of the firm’s Orange County office. Partnered extensively with Big-4 firms, especially EY, to maximize revenue and engagement synergies. Held final signatory authority for proposals, consulting reports, and audit opinions. Responsible for a diverse range of projects pertaining to performance auditing, information technology, strategic planning, internal controls, and financial auditing.
1997 – 1999 – Leadership responsibilities over performance auditing, internal controls and governance projects on the West Coast. Directed proposal efforts and represented the Firm throughout procurement and engagement delivery cycles. Responsible for entire client relationship, including securing contracts, directing engagements, and presenting results to governing boards.
1999 – 2002 – Divisional CEO/CFO responsibilities for Wisconsin’s lottery business under contract to GTECH. Led a team of 48 employees and directed corporate resources to provide transaction processing, 24/7 call center services, customized software, lottery terminals, supplies, and field support to the Wisconsin Lottery. Responsible for strategic plan, client relations, business development. Accountable for internal controls over compliance, operations, and financial reporting of the Wisconsin account.
2017 – 2025 – Candela Solutions LLC was founded in Madison, WI, in 2003 in response to a growing influx of regulatory and disclosures challenges. With a focus on governance, risks, and educational services, Candela Solutions was a trusted brand for board of directors and management teams. Candela Solutions and Pt. Platinum Consulting in Dallas, TX, merged to Form Kral Ussery, a certified public accounting firm, in 2017.
Kral Ussery LLC (KU) is a CPA firm delivering accounting advisory and litigation support services. KU assists with financial reporting matters, including SEC compliance, internal controls testing and remediation, IT general controls, IPO readiness, M&A transactions, US GAAP, and auditor relations.
401(k) Connect To Protect ensures that employers are compliant with the regulations set forth by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). All professionals are extensively trained in the COSO Internal Control Framework. The 401(k) Protect To Connect service mission is to provide Compliance Assurance, Enhanced Plan Integrity, and Stakeholder Confidence.
