About Chris Curran, CPA, CIA, CGAP
I founded Ascension Business Advisory to help organizations strengthen their audit, risk, compliance, and governance foundations — the systems that support accountability, transparency, and confident leadership. With more than 20 years of experience across government, utilities, nonprofits, private, and professional consulting industry, I bring a disciplined, standards aligned approach to every engagement.
My work is rooted in the belief that strong governance elevates operations. When organizations have clear controls, reliable processes, and meaningful oversight, they serve their communities and stakeholders with greater confidence and clarity. Ascension Business Advisory exists to support that mission.
Professional Background
I’ve led and supported internal audit, risk, compliance, and consulting functions across a wide range of environments — from public agencies and grant funded programs to regulated utilities and midmarket private organizations. My experience includes:
Building risk-based internal audit functions from the ground up
Designing audit methodologies aligned with the professional standards
Conducting operational, financial, compliance, performance, and controls-based audits
Leading organizational risk assessments and ERM development
Supporting GAGAS and Uniform Guidance compliance
Providing fractional audit leadership during periods of transition
Performing external and internal QAIP assessments
Strengthening governance through clear reporting and practical recommendations
I specialize in helping organizations that need structure, clarity, and independent assurance — especially those without a full-time audit leader or those preparing for external reviews.
Credentials & Standards Expertise
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)
Experienced with:
IIA Internation Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and Global Internal Audit Standards (2024)
COSO Internal Control Framework
COSO ERM Framework
GAO Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book)
GAO Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (Green Book)
Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
Values That Guide My Work
Integrity - Independent, objective, and grounded in professional ethics.
Clarity - Actionable insights that support informed decision making.
Accountability - Strengthening governance and building trust across organizations.
Service - Supporting organizations that serve communities, missions, and public outcomes.
A Montana Rooted Advisory Practice
Ascension Business Advisory is proudly based in Montana from a 4th generation Montanan. The imagery in our brand — mountains, sunrise, the capitol dome — reflects the values of resilience, stewardship, and elevation. These principles guide how I work with every client.
Let’s Work Together
If your organization needs audit, risk, compliance, governance, or leadership support, I’m here to help.
Standards We Follow
Ascension Business Advisory delivers audit, risk, compliance, governance, and advisory services aligned with the highest professional and regulatory standards. These frameworks guide our methodology, ensure independence, and support reliable, defensible results. Frameworks utilized include, but are not limited to, include:
Global Internal Audit Standards™ (2024 Edition)
The mandatory component of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF). We align all internal audit work with the five domains and fifteen principles that define effective internal auditing.
COSO Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013)
The leading framework for designing, implementing, and evaluating internal control systems. We use COSO to assess control environments, risk responses, and monitoring activities.
COSO Enterprise Risk Management (2017)
A comprehensive approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risk. We apply COSO ERM to build risk registers, facilitate workshops, and support strategic decisionmaking.
GAO Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book)
The authoritative standards for audits of government entities and grantfunded programs. We use Yellow Book principles for compliance reviews, internal audits, and advisory engagements.
GAO Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (Green Book)
The federal standard for internal control systems. We apply Green Book criteria to evaluate control design, implementation, and effectiveness.
Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
The governing requirements for federal grant compliance. We support organizations with subrecipient monitoring, documentation reviews, and grant compliance assessments.
AICPA Statement on Standards for Consulting Services (SSCS No. 1)
The professional framework governing advisory and consulting engagements. We follow SSCS No. 1 to ensure:
Client interest
Clear understanding of scope and limitations
Due professional care. This standard guides our fractional leadership, governance advisory, HOA support, and consulting engagements.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
The foundational accounting framework used across public, nonprofit, and private organizations. We apply GAAP when evaluating financial controls, reviewing financial statements, and supporting governance and oversight.
Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS)
The core standards for financial statement audits and attest services. While Ascension does not perform attest engagements, GAAS informs our advisory work related to audit readiness, internal controls, and governance.
Our Commitment
Every engagement is grounded in professional integrity, independence, and due care — ensuring your organization receives reliable, defensible, and standardsaligned assurance and advisory support.