Manager (m/w/d) Internal Controls - IT

Birkenstock; Köln; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

BIRKENSTOCK seeks an IT Internal Controls Specialist to design and manage the SOX-aligned framework, work across international teams, and drive remediation and training efforts. You will support ongoing digitalization and collaborate with auditors to resolve findings.

The role emphasizes governance, risk awareness and strong communication, with occasional travel to ensure effective controls across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Computer Science, Business Informatics or comparable qualification.
• 7+ years in a similar role, ideally international or Big 4.
• Strong governance, IT risks and SOX controls knowledge; exposure to internal control frameworks.
• CIA or CISA certifications are a plus.
• Fluent in English and good command of German.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and SAP.
• Strong analytical thinking and excellent communication; team-oriented in international settings.
• Willing to travel occasionally for internal control activities.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and document the IT internal control framework in line with SOX requirements, group policies and risk standards.
• Establish processes for IT internal control reviews and develop policies to increase compliance and efficiency.
• Prepare reports on the IT internal control framework and control deficiencies for management and committees.
• Define action plans to address control weaknesses and monitor remediation activities.
• Support digitalization, standardization and automation initiatives to improve controls and documentation.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to address risks and audit findings.
• Develop and conduct regular training sessions and materials on IT internal controls and risk awareness.

Skills

IT internal controls

SOX controls

Governance

English proficiency

German proficiency

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Computer Science, Business Informatics or comparable qualification

Tools

SAP

Job description

BIRKENSTOCK is a global brand which embraces all consumers regardless of geography, gender, age and income. The company is deeply footed on a family tradition of shoemaking that can be traced back to 1774. With around 7100 employees worldwide, BIRKENSTOCK is the largest employer in the German footwear industry. To ensure our quality standards, we produce over 95% of our products in Germany and source more than 90% of our materials and components from Europe. The BIRKENSTOCK Group is headquartered in Linz am Rhein and maintains several locations in Germany, as well as sales offices in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.

Your new pair of shoes:

• You will design, implement and document the IT internal control framework in line with SOX requirements, group policies and relevant risk standards. At the same time, you will continuously monitor and improve the effectiveness of the controls.
• You will establish processes for IT internal control reviews and further develop policies and procedures to increase compliance and operational efficiency. Together with internal stakeholders, you will ensure that controls are both effective and sustainable.
• You will prepare reports on the IT internal control framework and control deficiencies while ensuring transparent communication and escalation to business partners, management and relevant committees.
• You will define action plans to address control weaknesses and closely monitor remediation activities until successful implementation. In close collaboration with process owners and the internal control team, you will drive corrective actions forward.
• You will actively support digitalization, standardization and automation initiatives. By applying best practices and innovative approaches, you will continuously improve the effectiveness of controls, documentation and review procedures.
• You will work closely with internal and external auditors to ensure that all relevant risks and audit findings are properly addressed and resolved.
• In addition, you will develop and conduct regular training sessions and prepare information materials on IT internal controls, methodologies and risk awareness to strengthen understanding across the organization.

Your walk of life:

• You hold a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Computer Science, Business Informatics or a comparable qualification.
• You bring more than seven years of experience in a similar role, ideally within an international organization or a Big 4 audit firm.
• You have a strong understanding of governance, IT risks and SOX controls. In addition, you are experienced with internal control frameworks and have solid exposure to SOX-related environments.
• Professional certifications such as CIA or CISA are considered a plus.
• You are fluent in English and have a good command of German.
• You are confident working with Microsoft Office and have strong SAP knowledge.
• You are passionate about using technology and systems to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of internal controls. Strong analytical thinking and excellent communication skills are among your key strengths.
• You enjoy working in international and cross-functional teams and are able to adapt to changing priorities with flexibility and a solution-oriented mindset.
• You are willing to travel occasionally as part of internal control activities.

WE OFFER:

BIRKENSTOCK offers you all the advantages of a successful, fast growing, global company: dynamic work environment, considerable design freedom, authentic and open corporate culture and excellent development opportunities. Sounds exciting? It is. We are looking forward to receiving your online application, stating your salary expectations!