Bridgette Cernan

Bridgette Cernan is the Controller at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Bridgette has over seven years of experience in public accounting and assurance.

Bridgette started their career at Johanson & Yau in January 2012 as a Senior Assurance Accountant. In this role, they were responsible for liaising with engagement partners, managers, and other staff members to carry out engagement planning and budgeting process, fulfilling client and firm expectations, and meeting deadlines. Utilizing key skills and knowledge, Bridgette closely examined fieldwork and other assignments, work papers, and checklists required to complete financial statements. Bridgette used firm and outside resources to determine and highlight accounting, tax, and industry issues. Bridgette augmented audit processes and procedures to produce detailed and accurate financial statements and disclosures. Bridgette adeptly administered engagement budget-to-actual hours and advised managers and partners regarding possible conflicts or issues.

During their time at Johanson & Yau, Bridgette made several key accomplishments including building an effective communication channel to share engagement requirements and client needs such as client meetings, lunches, phone calls, email, and face-to face interactions. Bridgette also developed and sustained professional relationships with potential clients and referral resources by joining networking events and community activities. Additionally, Bridgette planned and organized internal training sessions for new and existing staff members and senior accountants in order to improve skills, performance, and productivity. Furthermore, they established a better understanding related to internal controls and other procedures during audit process as well as discussed opportunities and potential weaknesses by functioning closely with clients. Finally, Bridgette participated in presentations as senior accountant that delivered on audit completion to at least 10 audit committees/boards of directors.

In August 2019, Bridgette transitioned to their current role as Controller at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation where they are responsible for leading the accounting team, developing financial statements, managing the budgeting process, overseeing audits, and providing analysis to support decision making.

Bridgette Cernan graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Accounting.

Some of their coworkers include Silvia Villarreal-Garza - Staff Accountant, Diane Luong - Senior Manager, Budget & Payroll, and Kim Diep - Staff Accountant. Their manager is Sarah Valencia, SVP, Finance.