Director, Risk & Controls

polaris; Medina (MN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Inc. in Medina, MN seeks a Director, Risk & Controls to lead the global SOX program within Finance and partner with IT, operations, and external auditors. This role drives governance, control design, and continuous improvement across the enterprise.

The position requires deep expertise in ICFR, COSO, ITGCs, and ERP controls, with collaboration across finance, IT, and business units to ensure reliable financial reporting and scalable processes. Travel is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, information systems, business, or related field.
• 10+ years in SOX, internal controls, or related fields in a public company.
• Deep SOX and ICFR knowledge, COSO, and control governance.
• Experience leading large programs and coordinating with external auditors.
• Knowledge of ITGCs, access controls, data conversion risks; CPA/CIA/CISA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global SOX program: governance, planning, risk assessment, execution, monitoring, reporting.
• Maintain and enhance ICFR framework; coordinate risk assessments and scoping.
• Oversee ERP controls workstream; embed scalable controls in future-state processes.
• Manage SOX calendar, certifications, testing oversight, remediation monitoring.
• Liaise among management, Internal Audit, and external auditors on ICFR/SOX matters.
• Partner with controllership, IT, and operations to identify reporting risks and controls.

Skills

Leadership

Critical Thinking

Strategic thinking

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, information systems, business, or related field

CPA / CIA / CISA or other relevant certification (preferred)

Tools

SAP

GRC technology

Data analytics tools

Job description

At Polaris Inc., we have fun doing what we love by driving change and innovation. We empower employees to take on challenging assignments and roles with an elevated level of responsibility in our agile working environment. Our people make us who we are, and we create incredible products and experiences that empower us to THINK OUTSIDE.

Position Overview

The Director, Risk & Controls provides strategic leadership within Polaris' Finance organization and serves as the second line of defense for the company's Sarbanes-Oxley compliance program and internal control over financial reporting. Reporting to the Polaris Corporate Controller, you will own the governance, management, and continuous improvement of the global SOX program while strengthening a consistent and sustainable control environment. Leading the controls workstream for the ERP implementation, you will collaborate across Finance, Information Technology, business functions, audit organizations, implementation teams, and third-party consultants. This role offers significant ownership of enterprise controls, executive reporting, and the integration of scalable controls into future-state processes and systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the global SOX compliance program, including governance, planning, risk assessment, execution, monitoring, and reporting.
• Maintain and enhance the Internal Control over Financial Reporting framework, coordinating annual risk assessments and SOX scoping activities.
• Lead the controls workstream for the ERP implementation, partnering with Finance, Information Technology, business process leaders, and implementation teams to embed effective and scalable controls into future-state processes and system configurations.
• Manage the SOX calendar, certifications, management testing oversight, deficiency evaluation process, remediation monitoring, and management reporting.
• Serve as the primary liaison among management, Internal Audit, and external auditors regarding internal control over financial reporting and SOX-related matters.
• Partner with controllership, Finance, Information Technology, operations, and business leaders to identify financial reporting risks and design practical, sustainable controls.
• Oversee third-party consultants supporting the SOX program and ERP controls workstream, including scope, deliverables, quality, timelines, and knowledge transfer.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase the effectiveness and efficiency of controls.
• Promote strong accountability, risk awareness, and effective control ownership across functions, cultures, and geographies.

Desired Competencies

• Leadership: You inspire, guide, and empower others to achieve their best by setting clear direction, fostering trust, and creating an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and accountable for delivering results.
• Critical Thinking: You analyze information objectively, evaluate options, and apply sound judgment to solve problems and make informed decisions.
• Technical / Functional Expertise: You apply the required technical or professional knowledge to perform your role effectively and stay current within your area of expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, information systems, business, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive professional experience in SOX compliance, internal controls, public accounting, internal audit, controllership, risk management, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of SOX, internal control over financial reporting, COSO, financial reporting processes, risk assessment practices, and control governance.
• Experience managing complex SOX programs within a public company environment and partnering with external auditors and internal audit organizations.
• Strong knowledge of business process controls, IT general controls, automated controls, system access, segregation of duties, interfaces, reports, and data conversion risks.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex programs, manage multiple priorities and dependencies, and deliver high-quality results within established timelines.
• Strong project, change, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence leaders, challenge constructively, and drive accountability across Finance, Information Technology, and business functions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and executive presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex control matters effectively at all levels of management.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted cross-functional relationships; lead, coach, develop, and mentor team members; and manage third-party consulting resources and implementation partners.
• Manufacturing, consumer products, or global company experience; a CPA, CIA, CISA, or other relevant professional certification; and experience with SAP, GRC technology, data analytics, automation, or other controls technology tools are preferred.
• Travel is required, including travel to international locations, u