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Niki Countryman helps ��ū�컨�� improve efficiencies and effectiveness

Those who think that auditors only play it safe, haven’t met Niki Countryman or know about her love of adventure. Before she worked at ��ū�컨��, she worked as an accountant and as an accounting liaison for a NGO in Indonesia.

“Living overseas brought home just how privileged we are in America,” said Countryman. “We have opportunities here that people from other countries only dream about. Education opens the door and with hard work and perseverance the possibilities are endless.”

Countryman joined ��ū�컨�� as Senior Internal Auditor, Office of Audit and Consulting Services in June 2014 after three years at ��ū�컨��A and Kenai Peninsula College. In her position, Countryman independently and objectively conducts audits, reviews and investigations.

“The university is involved in medicine, engineering, social and physical sciences, education and a multitude of technical fields,” said Countryman. “As an internal auditor I am continually learning. I get to meet and work with faculty, staff and researchers in all these fields to help improve efficiencies, ensure compliance and protect assets. That is challenging, exciting and rewarding.”

Born in Ashland, Oregon, Countryman grew up all over the state of Alaska. She lived in Kotzebue, Bethel, McGrath and graduated from North Pole High School. After graduation, she attended the U.S. Air Force Academy.

&�Բ�����;“I think growing up in rural Alaska is what shaped my life the most,” said Countryman. “Living off the road system instilled a love for flying and for the outdoors so the Air Force Academy was a natural next step after high school. My time there gave me a deep appreciation for the dedication and intellect of the men and women in our military.”

Countryman earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from ��ū�컨��A, and a master’s of business administration from ��ū�컨��F. She is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner. Her two daughters followed in her footsteps graduating from ��ū�컨��A with nursing and psychology degrees.

In her spare time, Countryman enjoys gardening, traveling and meeting people from around the world. She also loves skydiving and scuba diving.