#United States #Chicago #Oath Verified #Sara Lord #Quality Advisory Board

Oath Verified Launches Quality Advisory Board with Sara Lord

In a significant development within the financial technology landscape, Oath Verified has announced the formation of a new Quality Advisory Board for its audit practice, Oath CPAs PLLC. This board is set to play a crucial role in ensuring high standards of auditing as the startup makes notable strides in modernizing financial auditing. Prominent audit leader Sara Lord has been appointed as the founding member of this board, bringing with her a wealth of experience and insight into the auditing profession.

Oath Verified's commitment to innovation is exemplified in its mission to integrate automation within the auditing process. Unlike traditional auditing, which has largely remained manual, Oath seeks to automate various aspects of financial verification. This not only aims to enhance the efficiency of audit processes but also strives to instill greater trust and accuracy in the auditing system itself. By integrating technology that connects directly to companies' financial systems, Oath enables year-long verification of financial records. Licensed CPAs are then responsible for evaluating this data, applying their professional judgment, and ultimately signing off on audits.

Lucas Ward, the founder and CEO of Oath Verified, emphasized the necessity for trust in modern auditing practices. “A new way of auditing has to earn trust,” he stated. The company believes that its technological advancements, alongside experienced auditors, will provide a robust solution to ongoing discrepancies in financial reporting.

The arrangement within the newly established Quality Advisory Board is seen as a proactive move aimed at setting an exemplary standard in audit practices right from the onset. As stated by Sara Lord, “Technology is changing how audits are done. That makes professional judgment and a strong quality management system more important, not less.” Lord's experience as a chair of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board positions her uniquely to guide Oath's growth and adherence to professional standards.

Oath's team comprises seasoned audit professionals including Christina Ho, who previously worked with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), adding further credibility to the audit practices. Her expertise in audit policy and modernization proves invaluable to the company’s quest to ensure both trust and innovation in audit standards and methodologies. AI Audit Lead Asma Surani, who has significant experience in assurance leadership roles, further strengthens Oath's capabilities.

The decision to create the Quality Advisory Board only months after launching its audit practice marks a considered approach by Oath to solidify its operations and enhance trust within the auditing process. Lord, with nearly three decades in public accounting, will be instrumental in advising on audit methodologies and quality management.

“It’s an opportunity to demonstrate how the profession can embrace new technology while reinforcing the principles that make its work credible,” said Ho.

With the foundation laid for a forward-thinking approach to auditing, Oath Verified appears poised to change the landscape of financial auditing, particularly for venture and private equity funds, nonprofits, and various private companies. The firm officially launched its auditing services in May 2026 and holds the promise of a transformative partnership between cutting-edge technology and the seasoned expertise of licensed CPAs.

Oath Verified operates on a financial proof platform that meticulously verifies companies' data against the systems that generate it, thereby ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The firm is currently based in Chicago, Illinois, and is well-supported by venture capital efforts, making it a compelling player to watch as it continues its expansion in the realm of financial technology and auditing.

The establishment of the Quality Advisory Board is a testament to Oath Verified's dedication to pursuing excellence in financial auditing and ensuring the delivery of trustworthy financial reports to various stakeholders. With Sara Lord at the helm as a primary advisor, the firm is undoubtedly set on a path to redefine the auditing profession for the modern age.