Manager, Internal Controls

Job description

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Manager, Internal Controls based in India.** We are seeking an experienced Manager, Internal Controls to lead and strengthen SOX compliance and internal control programs across key business processes. In this leadership role, you will oversee risk assessments, control design, testing, remediation, and financial reporting compliance while managing and developing a team of internal controls professionals. You will collaborate closely with Finance, Accounting, IT, Operations, Legal, and external auditors to ensure effective governance and risk management. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution, requiring sound judgment and the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical business solutions. You will contribute to the continuous improvement of internal controls, support organizational growth, and enhance the maturity of the SOX program. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a global, innovation-driven environment focused on operational excellence and sustainable business practices. ### Accountabilities - **Team Leadership and Development:** Manage, coach, and develop a team of internal controls professionals by setting clear objectives, allocating responsibilities, reviewing work quality, providing regular feedback, and supporting professional growth. - **Operational Planning and Resource Management:** Plan team capacity, prioritize activities, monitor workloads, manage routine operating plans and costs, and communicate resource constraints or delivery risks to leadership. - **SOX Program Management:** Lead and contribute to SOX risk assessments, annual planning and scoping, readiness activities, and ongoing initiatives to improve the effectiveness and maturity of the internal controls program. - **Risk Assessment and Control Design:** Evaluate business processes, identify financial and operational risks, assess existing controls, and collaborate with process owners to develop practical control solutions that address identified gaps. - **Control Testing and Documentation:** Oversee process walkthroughs, tests of design, and tests of operating effectiveness. Review workpapers and maintain accurate documentation, including process narratives, flowcharts, risk-control matrices, and supporting evidence. - **Process and System Change Assessment:** Evaluate new projects, system implementations, and business process changes for their impact on SOX compliance, coordinating readiness activities with relevant stakeholders. - **Issue Management and Remediation:** Assess audit findings and control deficiencies, determine their potential impact, develop remediation plans, and monitor corrective actions through completion in collaboration with accountable stakeholders. - **Audit Coordination:** Partner with internal and external auditors to respond to requests, provide supporting documentation, and address matters related to SOX compliance, internal controls, and financial reporting. - **Cross-Functional Collaboration:** Communicate control requirements, findings, and recommendations clearly to process owners, functional teams, and senior leaders, building alignment and encouraging timely resolution of issues. - **Governance and Continuous Improvement:** Stay informed about evolving regulatory requirements and industry practices, recommend improvements to control procedures, and ensure internal controls remain aligned with business operations and applicable standards. - **Risk Escalation and Performance Monitoring:** Track project milestones and remediation commitments, resolve routine execution challenges, and escalate significant risks, delays, or resource requirements when necessary. ## Requirements - **Education:** Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience. - **Professional Experience:** Approximately 10–12 years of relevant experience in accounting, internal audit, external audit, SOX compliance, or internal controls, preferably across both public accounting and corporate environments. - **People Management:** Demonstrated experience directly managing or formally leading employees, including assigning responsibilities, coaching team members, providing performance feedback, and supporting career development. - **SOX and Internal Controls Expertise:** Strong working knowledge of SOX Section 404, internal control frameworks such as COSO, PCAOB audit standards, and U.S. GAAP. - **Risk Assessment and Control Testing:** Proven experience evaluating business process risks, designing and assessing controls, conducting walkthroughs, testing control effectiveness, documenting results, and driving remediation activities. - **Financial Reporting and Business Processes:** Understanding of financial reporting requirements and internal controls across accounting, finance, IT, and operational processes. - **Analytical and Decision-Making Skills:** Ability to interpret complex or incomplete information, exercise sound judgment, identify root causes, and recommend appropriate procedures and corrective actions. - **Communication and Stakeholder Management:** Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical control matters to diverse audiences and influence stakeholders across functions. - **Organization and Execution:** Strong planning and prioritization skills, with the ability to coordinate team activities, manage multiple deadlines, monitor progress, and deliver against recurring operational commitments. - **Preferred Certifications:** CPA, CIA, or another relevant professional certification is an advantage. - **Preferred Experience:** Experience supporting a public company's SOX program during periods of growth, acquisitions, system implementations, or process transformation. - **Professional Attributes:** High integrity, a collaborative mindset, attention to detail, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to balance leadership responsibilities with hands-on problem-solving. ## Benefits - **Remote Work:** Full-time remote working arrangement from India. - **Leadership Opportunity:** Lead and develop a team of internal controls professionals while contributing to company-wide governance and compliance initiatives. - **Strategic Business Impact:** Influence risk management, financial reporting integrity, operational effectiveness, and the continued development of the SOX program. - **Cross-Functional Exposure:** Collaborate with senior stakeholders across Finance, Accounting, IT, Operations, Legal, and external audit teams. - **Professional Development:** Strengthen expertise in SOX compliance, internal controls, risk management, audit readiness, and evolving regulatory practices. - **Innovation-Driven Environment:** Contribute to a global organization focused on technology, operational excellence, and the advancement of clean energy infrastructure.