Consultant - Business Risk Advisory

Pierag Consulting; United States; Remote; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierag Consulting is seeking a SOX Consultant to support US-based clients, focusing on scope, risk assessment, ICFR design and testing within a SOX framework, aligned with PCAOB and COSO. You will document processes, perform control testing, and help remediate deficiencies while collaborating with senior management.

Ideal candidates hold CA/CPA/ACCA/MBA, have 1–3 years of experience, and are proficient in Excel, Visio, Word, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of SOX/ICFR experience in Big 4 or top consulting firm.
• Experience with US clients is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on SOX documentation, walkthroughs, control design and testing.
• Understand US GAAP and COSO framework and their link to ICFR.

Responsibilities

• Execute SOX readiness, implementation and compliance assignments including scoping, risk assessment, ICFR design and implementation, walkthroughs, documentation and testing.
• Perform risk assessment procedures to map key business processes relevant to financial reporting.
• Prepare SOX documentation such as process flowcharts, narratives, RCMS and control documentation.
• Design controls, perform TOD/TOE, and evaluate control effectiveness.
• Identify control gaps and propose remediation actions and improvements.
• Lead walkthroughs, validate key controls, develop test procedures and document testing results.
• Assess impact of control deficiencies on ICFR and support remediation plans.
• Provide clear observations and recommendations and communicate results to management.

Skills

SOX knowledge

ICFR design

Communication skills

Problem solving

MS Office proficiency

Education

CA/CPA/ACCA/MBA

Tools

Excel

Visio

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

About the role:

As a SOX Consultant, the individual should be a qualified CA/CPA/ACCA/MBA with relevant experience in SOX, Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) and a firm grasp of SOX requirements, processes and methodology. The individual gets an excellent opportunity to interact with senior management and US-based clients, as well as the opportunity to enhance their skills in the areas of technical competency, client service and people development. In this role, you will be responsible for execution on large SOX projects encompassing the entire gamut of SOX – from scoping and risk assessment to conceptualization, crafting and implementation of the SOX program, including process documentation, control design, walkthroughs, control testing, evaluation of control deficiencies and remediation. This should be a SOX framework implementation and execution role, with a strong focus on developing and implementing effective ICFR frameworks for US clients in accordance with applicable SOX, PCAOB and COSO requirements.

Responsibilities:

You’ll work as part of a team of problem solvers, helping to solve complex business issues from strategy to execution. Your responsibility for this role includes but are not limited to:

• Responsible for execution of SOX readiness, implementation and compliance assignments, including SOX scoping, risk assessment, ICFR designing & implementation, walkthroughs, documentation and control testing (individually and as a team).
• Perform risk assessment procedures, including identification of significant accounts, relevant assertions, significant classes of transactions and mapping of key business processes relevant to financial reporting. V1.0
• Prepare SOX documentation such as process flowcharts, process narratives, Risk and Control Matrices (RCMs) and control documentation.
• Design controls and attributes, perform Test of Design (TOD) and Test of Operating Effectiveness (TOE), and evaluate the effectiveness of key controls.
• Identify control gaps and opportunities for improvement by assessing risks and controls related to financial reporting and assist in designing and implementing appropriate remediation actions.
• Plan, implement, coordinate and execute all phases of SOX compliance, including leading walkthroughs, identifying and validating key controls, developing test procedures, executing and documenting testing, evaluating exceptions and reporting results to Management.
• Evaluate control deficiencies, assess their impact on ICFR and financial reporting, and support the development and implementation of appropriate remediation plans.
• Ensure clear, concise, actionable and practical observations and recommendations, with a well-documented process for communication and resolution with clients on SOX deficiencies observed.
• Understand client(s) requirements, respond promptly to client requests and enquiries, and consistently meet client needs.
• Support Managers in the process of preparing SOX plans, scoping, testing approach, documentation and reporting.
• Work with existing processes and systems whilst making constructive suggestions for improvements in the SOX framework and control environment.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to bring order to unstructured problems. Able to read situations and modify behaviour to build quality relationships with client stakeholders.
• Responsible for quality and timeliness of deliverables, including conclusions on control effectiveness and impact of control deficiencies.

Requirements:

• 1-3 years of relevant experience in SOX / ICFR – Designing & Implementation, preferably from the SOX/Internal Controls/Risk Advisory practice of a Big 4 or reputed Consulting firm.
• Experience working with US clients will be preferred.
• Experience in conducting SOX risk assessment procedures, pertaining to financial reporting, process flow mapping, design and documentation of RCMs, controls testing, evaluation of control deficiencies and remediation plans.
• Should be process oriented and have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Should have hands‑on experience in SOX documentation, walkthroughs, control design and control testing.
• Should be able to understand complex business situations, financial reporting risks and controls in an ERP environment, identify gaps and suggest leading practices along with a solid understanding of SOX, PCAOB requirements and COSO framework.
• Should have a good understanding of US GAAP and financial reporting requirements and their linkage with ICFR.
• Should possess excellent communication and report writing skills.
• Capability of dealing with US-based clients and senior client stakeholders.
• Ability to handle pressure, manage multiple deliverables and work on complex SOX engagements.
• Consistently demonstrate teamwork dynamics by working as a team member: understand personal and team roles; contribute to a positive working environment by building solid relationships with team members; and proactively seek guidance, clarification and feedback.
• Proficiency with Excel, Visio, Word, PowerPoint and other MS Office applications.