Internal Audit Manager

Oklo Inc; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Bonuses

401(k)

Health insurance

HSA

FSA

Job summary

Oklo Inc. is seeking an Internal Audit Manager to advance the SOX compliance program and internal control environment in a fast-paced startup. This role focuses on SOX design/testing, process improvements, and cross-functional collaboration across finance and operations.

The ideal candidate will bring deep SOX expertise, strong communication, and the ability to drive remediation and governance while supporting broader internal audit initiatives and risk-based projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in internal/internal/external audit with exposure to business processes and IT/SOX.
• Deep knowledge of SOX 404, ICFR, and the COSO internal controls framework.
• Experience leading SOX efforts for processes including Revenue, Fixed Assets and Procure-to-Pay; 2+ years of team management.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP and bridging business processes with IT controls.
• Strong communication skills; ability to clearly document and explain compliance concepts.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop audit scope for complex assessments including SOX, operational, and IT audits with a solid risk focus.
• Evaluate and design key controls for financial reporting and remediation of deficiencies.
• Perform SOX testing and ensure remediation of control design and operating issues.
• Provide guidance to control owners on designing and implementing effective controls.
• Support enterprise risk assessment, leverage AI and data analytics to improve audit efficiency and insights.
• Manage internal audit activities, coordinate with auditors and regulators, and lead cross-functional projects.

Skills

SOX 404

ICFR

COSO framework

Team leadership

US GAAP

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field

Job description

Thanks for your interest in Oklo! We are searching for an experienced Internal Audit Manager - Finance and Operations to join our team.

Position Description

The Internal Audit Manager will play a key role in the continued execution and enhancement of Oklo’s SOX compliance program and internal control environment to support of accurate financial reporting and regulatory compliance. We are NOT looking for someone who has IT experience.

The successful candidate will help further mature the Internal Audit function by continuing to improve SOX documentation, including process narratives and flowcharts, as well as internal audit testing methodology. The Internal Audit Manager will help execute the SOX program across multiple business process areas, including design and operating effectiveness testing, while partnering with process and control owners to think creatively, identify practical solutions that fit the company’s current environment, and assist management with remediation of internal control deficiencies. In addition to SOX, this role will also support a broad range of internal audit activities, including advisory engagements, operational reviews, integration initiatives, and other risk-based projects.

This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment where you will solve complex problems. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of internal audit and SOX frameworks and methodology, along with a proven ability to strengthen compliance programs while adding business value.

Specific responsibilities may include:

SOX & Internal Controls

• Plan and develop audit scope and actively participate in project execution for complex audit-related assessments, including SOX (Business and IT), operational audits, and IT audits (e.g., system implementations, automations) with a robust understanding of business risks and how both business and IT General Controls (ITGC) address them.
• Evaluate and design key controls (manual and automated) for financial reporting; identify gaps and implement remediation plans to address control deficiencies.
• Perform SOX testing to identify control design and operating issues and track issues through to remediation. Design and implement internal controls to properly mitigate risks associated with new entities and business processes (e.g., revenue), acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives to support company’s continued growth. Support ongoing SOX compliance and system implementations by ensuring business, IT, and automated controls are appropriately designed and implemented.
• Provide guidance to control owners on designing and implementing effective controls, while monitoring and driving timely remediation of control deficiencies.
• Support the ongoing development and enhancement of the company’s enterprise risk assessment process. Leverage AI, automation, and data analytics to improve audit execution, increase efficiency, and deliver deeper business insights into process improvement and remediation recommendations. Stay current on emerging AI technologies and identify practical opportunities to enhance internal audit processes and capabilities.

Project Management

• Assist with managing internal audit activities, including planning, execution, and reporting—and coordinate with internal auditors, external auditors, and government agencies to ensure audits are conducted in a timely and efficient manner.
• Perform data analytics, including collection and analysis of data to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies.
• Lead and support other internal audit projects, including advisory and operational reviews, and integration activities as the Internal Audit function continues to expand beyond SOX.
• Leverage strong communication skills to deliver timely, concise, and meaningful updates to management highlighting key issues and risks, and prepare clear written materials such as memos, summaries, and recommendations.
• Develop strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders, including external auditors, co-source partners, control and process owners.
• Identify areas for improvement in internal controls, risk management processes, and audit methodologies; drive innovation through critical thinking and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Support the team's project management efforts by helping monitor progress of tasks and key deadlines, including oversight and coaching of team members.
• Provide cross-functional support on matters spanning SOX, operational audits, and IT audits, helping stakeholders understand key risk areas and prioritize remediation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in audit (internal and external), with exposure to both business process and IT/SOX environments
• Deep knowledge of SOX 404, ICFR, and the COSO internal controls framework
• Experience leading SOX efforts for process areas including Revenue, Fixed Assets and Procure-to-Pay 2+ years of experience managing a team, including leading and developing staff, prioritizing multiple projects, managing deadlines, and delivering high-quality results
• Working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and accounting procedures, with foundational IT knowledge and the ability to bridge business process and IT controls
• Strong communication skills; able to explain the nuances and importance of compliance to various stakeholders and produce clear, concise documentation

Bonus Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, or CISA
• Experience with system implementations, change management, and understanding of automated and IT dependent controls
• Experience in managing a co-source provider, prioritizing multiple projects, managing deadlines, and delivering high-quality results
• Experience at a fast-growth startup, IPO, or de-SPAC, commercializing First of a Kind (FOAK) technologies from an investor perspective.
• Operational or compliance audit experience

Competencies

We are looking for an Internal Audit Manager that is:

• Experienced in SOX 404 compliance, internal controls, risk assessments, audit execution, and relevant professional standards, including COSO and IIA Standards
• Skilled at evaluating business processes, identifying control gaps, and developing practical, risk-based recommendations
• Strong cross-functional collaborator and clear written and verbal communicator
• Passionate about clean energy
• Willing to think differently and do things in new ways
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, highly iterative startup environment
• Excited to think creatively, critically, and reflectively about the problems they are solving while not leaning only on what has been done before

Who you are

A startup person: You aren't driven by titles or hierarchy, and prefer efficiency to excess process. You don't need or expect to have a lot of guidance but you enjoy working in a fast-paced team. If you prefer the culture and feel of a large organization, that is great, but you likely won’t enjoy working with us! There is plenty of important work and plenty of good opportunities with organizations like that.

Motivated: You are self‑motivated. You bring an enthusiasm to the team, and imbue a sense of passion that goes beyond clocking in and clocking out. This isn’t about a fake or arbitrary "pieces of flair" mentality or lack of work‑life balance! It is about being a part of the vision and feeling a part of reaching team goals.

A team-player: Oklo genuinely is a team. We aren’t about taking credit for ourselves, and we aren’t about pushing blame to others. We do incredible things because we work as a team.

An excellent communicator: We need a person who is not only technically competent but also a clear and upbeat communicator.

Creative: Being creative means that when things fall outside clear scopes or processes or problems arise without clear solutions, you are able to identify it as well as invent ways to solve a problem or fill a need without micromanagement. The successful person in this job will not only be creative, but also enjoy being creative and solving open‑ended problems which may change day‑by‑day.

Detail‑oriented: This focus is a big part of excellence, consistency, and quality. Excellent grammar and spelling matter for both good communication as well as the image of the company that we put forward.

About Oklo travel requirements

Oklo requires remote employees to travel to headquarters (Santa Clara, CA) twice a quarter annually, based on business or team needs, including attendance at team meetings, off‑sites, and other company events or gatherings. For the first two weeks of onboarding, employees are required to be in person at headquarters in Santa Clara, CA.

About Oklo compensation

Salary: $145,000-$165,000

Oklo offers flexible time off, equity, bonuses, competitive pay, 401(k), health insurance (with employer contribution), HSA, FSA, flexible work hours, wellness credits, and other benefits.

This position may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control laws. Only applicants who meet the definition of a U.S. person under applicable laws may be eligible.

About Oklo Inc.

Oklo Inc. is developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale; establishing a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes; and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert nuclear waste into clean energy. Oklo was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant, was awarded fuel material from Idaho National Laboratory, and submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo is also developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. National Laboratories.

Oklo’s Values

• Collaboration: We go further, together. We bring diverse perspectives, listen actively, and build trust through transparency and respect. We work across disciplines, sharing ownership to turn complex challenges into shared successes.
• Humility: We are team players who act for the good of the company and for the world. We are focused on our mission, not personal recognition.
• Ownership: We take pride in what we do and how we do it. We are proactive in finding solutions and see tasks through to completion. We are committed to delivering on our promises to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
• Pathfinding: We chart new ground where no path exists by approaching challenges with curiosity, courage, and creativity while navigating ambiguity.

Candidates should be aware that employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a drug screening, and employees may be subject to drug testing at any time in accordance with company policy and applicable laws.