Internal Controls Manager

Plaid; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Plaid in San Francisco is seeking an Internal Controls Manager to design and lead the company's SOX program and internal control framework. You will partner with cross-functional teams to implement scalable controls that support IPO readiness, while managing external advisors and auditors and leading remediation efforts.

As the role grows, you will build a team, expand audit coverage, and continuously improve our control environment through automation and risk-based processes to protect Plaid's

Qualifications

• 8+ years in internal audit/SOX leadership, Big 4 and in-house preferred.
• Experience designing and leading SOX 404 programs in a public tech setting.
• Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance; CPA/CIA/CISA required.
• Deep knowledge of COSO, PCAOB, US GAAP; ITGCs and ERM.
• Strong project management and cross-functional accountability; liaison to Audit Committee.
• Detail-oriented with a track record of driving control automation or AI enhancements.
• Growth mindset; ability to operate in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize SOX controls program to support IPO readiness.
• Collaborate with process owners to document and maintain scalable controls.
• Manage and grow co-sourced/internal teams for SOX readiness and audit planning.
• Coordinate SOX risk assessments, control scoping, testing, and remediation.
• Serve as liaison with external auditors, advisors, and senior management; prepare updates for Audit Committee.
• Continuously improve the controls environment through automation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Support training and post-IPO internal audit roadmap across IT, operations, and compliance.

Skills

SOX compliance

Internal controls

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Audit liaison

Automation & AI

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA/CIA/CISA

Tools

COSO framework

PCAOB standards

ERP/Finance systems

Job description

We believe that the way people interact with their finances will drastically improve in the next few years. We're dedicated to empowering this transformation by building the tools and experiences that thousands of developers use to create their own products. Plaid powers the tools millions of people rely on to live a healthier financial life. We work with thousands of companies like Venmo, SoFi, several of the Fortune 500, and many of the largest banks to make it easy for people to connect their financial accounts to the apps and services they want to use. Plaid's network covers 12,000 financial institutions across the US, Canada, UK and Europe. Founded in 2013, the company is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in New York, Washington D.C., London and Amsterdam.

About The Team

The Internal Controls team designs and oversees Plaid's SOX compliance and internal control framework to ensure accurate financial reporting and operational integrity. We partner cross-functionally to support IPO readiness, build scalable audit foundations, and drive trust in Plaid's financial systems and processes through strong controls, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Role Descriptioin

As the Internal Controls Manager, you will design, implement, and lead Plaid's SOX compliance and internal control programs. You will partner with cross-functional teams to build scalable, efficient controls that support IPO readiness and long-term compliance. You will manage external advisors, drive remediation efforts, and serve as a key liaison to auditors and senior leadership. Over time, you'll build and lead a team, expand audit coverage, and continuously improve our control environment through automation and risk-based processes.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize Plaid's SOX internal controls program to support IPO readiness.

• Partner with process and control owners to develop, document, and maintain effective, scalable internal controls across key functions.

• Manage and grow co-sourced/internal teams to support SOX readiness and long-term internal audit planning.

• Coordinate SOX risk assessments, control scoping, testing strategies, and drive timely remediation of deficiencies.

• Serve as a key liaison with external auditors, advisors, and senior management, including preparing updates for the Audit Committee.

• Continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the controls environment through automation, standardization, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Support training and special risk management initiatives as needed, and develop the post-IPO internal audit roadmap spanning operational, compliance, and IT audits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience, preferably in both Big 4 and in-house internal audit/SOX leadership roles.

• Proven experience designing and leading SOX 404 programs, ideally in a public tech company.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA, CIA, or CISA required.

• Deep understanding of COSO, PCAOB standards, SOX compliance, and US GAAP.

• Understanding of other risk domains such as IT General Controls (ITGCs), operational audits, and enterprise risk management (ERM).

• Strong project management skills with ability to drive cross-functional accountability and lead strategic initiatives across departments.

• Excellent communication skills, with experience preparing materials for Audit Committees and executive leadership.

• High attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and a continuous improvement mindset, with a track record of driving control automation or process optimization with AI:

  • Script writing / workpaper automation

  • Productivity

• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with a growth mindset.

• Hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves approach with the ability to dive into details, operate with an IC mindset when needed, and maintain a strong can-do attitude.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience setting up internal control programs at a pre-IPO fintech or SaaS company.

• Familiarity with finance (e.g., NetSuite (ERP), Workiva (reporting), GTM (e.g., Salesforce), and HR systems (e.g., Workday).

Our mission at Plaid is to unlock financial freedom for everyone. To support that mission, we seek to build a diverse team of driven individuals who care deeply about making the financial ecosystem more equitable. We recognize that strong qualifications can come from both prior work experiences and lived experiences. We encourage you to apply to a role even if your experience doesn't fully match the job description. We are always looking for team members that will bring something unique to Plaid!

Plaid is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion or religious belief, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, military or veteran status, disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Plaid is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance with your application or interviews due to a disability, please let us know at [e-mail].

Please review our Candidate Privacy Notice here.

Additional compensation in the form(s) of equity and/or commission are dependent on the position offered. Plaid provides a comprehensive benefit plan, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). Pay is based on factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience and skillset, and location. Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation or benefit plans.