Director, SOX Lifecycle & Enablement – AI-Driven Controls

AbbVie Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 142,000 - 269,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie Inc. is looking for a Director of SOX Lifecycle & Enablement to own the end-to-end SOX program across the enterprise. The role directs risk assessment, matrix governance, certification, and deficiency management while coordinating BU SOX Leads and EY involvement.

The position also drives the modernization of the program, including a shift to an analytics hub, increased automation, and an AI-enabled controls platform. Hands-on stakeholder engagement is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in audit and internal controls with SOX leadership at a large public company.
• CPA or CIA (or equivalent certification).
• Deep working knowledge of PCAOB AS 2201, COSO 2013, SEC Sections 302/404, and deficiency evaluation.
• Experience managing external auditor relationships and defending technical positions.
• Strong executive communication and stakeholder management with senior finance leadership.

Responsibilities

• Direct the annual SOX risk assessment and scoping process, including materiality-driven scoping decisions and coordination with the external auditor on scope alignment.
• Own the enterprise risk and control matrix: rationalization, updates for business and system change, and documentation quality standards.
• Operate the 302/404 certification process, including quarterly sub-certifications and support for ICFR conclusions.
• Own enterprise deficiency management: intake, evaluation, severity assessment, aggregation analysis, remediation monitoring, and reporting for executives and Audit Committee.
• Manage EY coordination on scoping, reliance, and deficiency positions; prepare and defend management’s technical positions.
• Directly manage the U.S. advisory portfolio: control design readiness and first-line support to senior finance stakeholders.
• Escalation point for significant deficiency assessments and auditor matters across all business units.
• Supervise and develop the Senior Manager for OUS and FSS advisory portfolio.
• Coordinate the enterprise network of BU SOX Leads: cadence, forums, and deficiency/change intake across units.
• Lead training, communications, and adoption for program changes, including Workiva lifecycle and continuous monitoring outputs.
• Oversee Workiva program administration and partner with AI/Analytics Enablement on platform direction.
• Manage two direct reports and collaborate with Testing & Analytics Hub and IT SOX leaders to run an integrated program.

Skills

SOX program leadership

Executive stakeholder mgmt

Audit coordination

Regulatory frameworks

Deficiency evaluation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or IS

CPA or CIA certification

Tools

Workiva

Job description

AbbVie Inc. is looking for a Director of SOX Lifecycle & Enablement to own the end-to-end SOX program across the enterprise. The role directs risk assessment, matrix governance, certification, and deficiency management while coordinating BU SOX Leads and EY involvement.

The position also drives the modernization of the program, including a shift to an analytics hub, increased automation, and an AI-enabled controls platform. Hands-on stakeholder engagement is essential.