Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced SOX Compliance Specialist with deep expertise in addressing audit observations, driving remediation initiatives, and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) frameworks. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), coordinating with auditors and stakeholders, and strengthening the organization’s SOX and risk management posture.
Key Responsibilities
SOX Compliance & Audit Remediation
- Lead end to end remediation of SOX audit observations, control deficiencies, and material weaknesses.
- Perform root cause analysis of audit findings and design sustainable corrective action plans.
- Drive timely closure of audit issues through strong ownership, tracking, and escalation mechanisms.
- Validate remediation effectiveness through re testing and documentation reviews.
- Assess, design, and enhance internal controls in alignment with SOX and COSO frameworks.
- Support annual SOX scoping, risk assessment, control rationalization, and walkthroughs.
- Identify and proactively mitigate financial reporting and operational risks.
- Architect and document internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR).
- Ensure controls are designed to effectively mitigate risks in financial processes.
- Evaluate control design effectiveness and recommend enhancements.
Operational Effectiveness
- Assess operational effectiveness of controls through walkthroughs and testing.
- Partner with auditors to validate control execution and evidence collection.
- Monitor ongoing compliance and ensure timely remediation of gaps.
Deficiency Analysis & Remediation
- Analyze deficiency reports from internal and external audits.
- Identify root causes of control failures and propose corrective actions.
- Develop remediation plans and track resolution to closure.
Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
- Leverage GRC tools and platforms (e.g., ServiceNow GRC, Archer, AuditBoard) to manage risk, controls, and compliance workflows.
- Maintain accurate and audit ready documentation within GRC systems.
- Ensure alignment between SOX compliance, enterprise risk management (ERM), and internal audit activities.
Stakeholder & Auditor Management
- Act as a key liaison between Finance, IT, Process Owners, Internal Audit, and External Auditors.
- Clearly communicate audit findings, remediation status, and risk implications to senior management.
- Support external audit requests and ensure smooth audit cycles with minimal disruptions.
- Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and strengthen SOX and compliance processes.
- Monitor regulatory and compliance updates and assess impact on SOX controls.
- Promote a strong risk and compliance culture across the organization.
Required Qualifications & Skills
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
- Professional certifications preferred: CPA, CA, CMA, CIA, CISA, or equivalent.