As the Lead SOX Internal Auditor you will managing SOX compliance testing globally, including planning, overseeing execution and reporting of results; coordinating SOX related activities with the external auditors. You will make recommendations to improve controls and conducting financial and operational audits, fraud investigations and special projects.

The Internal Audit function is responsible for assessing the reliability of financial reporting, compliance with laws and regulations, the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and safeguarding of Company assets. The function provides assurance to management and the Audit Committee that controls are in place and working effectively, performs fraud investigations and completes special projects assigned by management and the Audit Committee. Internal Audit is responsible for identifying opportunities for operational and control improvements to mitigate risk and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of processes across the Company’s global businesses.

 

Responsibilities:

Manage Global SOX Testing (55%):

• Partner with Business Controls to execute the SOX scoping process
• Develop plans for the execution of global SOX testing for business processes for interim, roll forward and year end in line with timelines agreed upon with the external auditors
• Allocate testing and work paper review to the team to maximize efficiency and ensure continued professional development. Monitor completion and manage reassignment when required
• Perform work paper review to ensure risks are identified, appropriate audit procedures are performed, and conclusions drawn on the design and operating effectiveness of controls to mitigate the identified risks; Ensure work papers meet or exceed the standards required by the external auditor to allow external auditor reliance
• Make recommendations for improvement of controls, including automation; communicate changes to controls in the SOX 404 control framework identified through testing to Business Controls
• Document and report control deficiencies; Discuss and collaborate with business owners and Business Controls to develop recommendations to address the root cause of deficiencies; Coordinate with Business Controls to monitor the status of management remediation
• Train, supervise and lead the team in all phases of SOX 404 testing, including collection of source documentation, walkthroughs, testing, discussions with management and reporting. Develop and maintain training materials.
• Provide feedback and coaching to the team, and enable professional development, including providing input for performance reviews
• Manage relationship with the external auditors including understanding their expectations, providing status updates, and addressing their comments on testing of reliance controls
• Ensure control deficiencies are reported timely to management/control owners; Support Business Controls in the preparation of the final summary of control deficiencies (SOCD), and ensure agreement between Internal Audit, Business Controls, external auditors, and management
• Monitor status and deficiencies and report to management and the Audit Committee
• Identify opportunities to continually improve the approach to testing to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the process

Perform Continuous Improvement (5%):

• Utilize knowledge of the business and the existing SOX control framework to ensure appropriate coverage of key risks
• Perform validation testing of new and updated SOX controls, work with Business Controls to ensure SOX documentation requirements were met
• Participate with cross-functional teams in the enhancement of the SOX compliance program
• Keep current with PCAOB reports, changes in regulations, governance and best practices. Review and update testing procedures and templates to ensure compliance

Plan, Manage, and Execute Internal Audits (40%):

• Plan and execute audit assignments (financial and operational audits, fraud investigations) across domestic and international locations. Develop and tailor risk-based audit plans for each project and presents the audit plans to management. Coordinate audit activities with management prior to and during the audit. Present findings to management in writing (audit reports) and verbally. Follow up with management on open issues.
• Lead audit work and work independently or as part of a team. May work under the supervision of the Internal Audit Manager, the Internal Audit Director, or interact directly with the VP of Internal Audit. Review and test the control environment to ensure that it adequately and effectively ensures: the reliability of financial reporting; safeguarding of company assets; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and the efficiency and effectiveness of company operations. Prepare high quality audit work papers to document procedures and the results of audit work. Perform work paper review of the team and less experienced auditors. Make recommendations to enhance business processes and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiencies.
• Manage the audit team on site. Supervise the audit procedures that evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of processes and controls, and accuracy of financial information. Identify control gaps, process inefficiencies and opportunities to enhance business processes and improve operational effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain effective communication with key location management and stakeholders throughout the audit process. Work closely with the external auditors.
• Manage and review audit work papers to ensure completeness, adequate supporting documentation, appropriate conclusions, consistency of approach, and regularly debrief the audit team.
• Assist in the preparation of well written, comprehensive, and timely audit reports for executive management, the Audit Committee, and the Board of Directors. Lead key audit meetings including opening and closing meetings as well as meetings to discuss audit findings with management.
• Review key cost accounting information including valuation, existence and applicable reserves and cost accounting analysis.
• Assist in the completion of projects assigned by management and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a business-related field including Management Information Systems is required
• 4+ years of audit or accounting experience required
• 2+ years supervisory experience leading audit staff
• Big 4 audit firm or equivalent audit experience preferred
• Experience in executing and maintaining a SOX testing program preferred
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent preferred
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) a plus
• Knowledge of SAP a plus
• Experience within a manufacturing or distribution environment is preferred (banking and financial services not as preferred)
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%
• Comprehensive understanding of internal control concepts and experience in applying them to plan, perform audits, and execute SOX projects
• Comprehensive knowledge of internal auditing standards, COSO, risk assessment practices, US GAAP and US GAAS, information technology and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance activities

Posted On: Wednesday, November 22, 2023