Manager, Internal Controls

WatsonBarron Group; Edison (NJ); On-site; USD 198,000 - 242,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Manager of Internal Controls (SOX) based in Edison, NJ. This role involves building and scaling a SOX-compliant control environment for a newly public organization. The manager will oversee risk assessments and control scoping, evaluate control effectiveness, and ensure governance across operations. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree, CPA, and 5-8 years of related internal audit experience. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Workiva are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience establishing a Sarbanes Oxley program.
• 5-8 years of Internal Audit experience with a Public Company or Big 4 Public Accounting.
• Proven understanding of internal control requirements and accounting processes.

Responsibilities

• Build and enhance SOX 404 internal control framework.
• Oversee risk assessments and control scoping.
• Evaluate control design and operating effectiveness.

Skills

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Proficient in Workiva

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or management

CPA or similar

Tools

Microsoft Office

Workiva

Job description

Title: Manager, Internal Controls (SOX)

Location: Edison, NJ (4 days in office)

Compensation to: $220K

Industry: Energy, Renewables, Construction

Travel: As needed for field operations

Internal Controls leader to build and scale a SOX‑compliant control environment for a newly public, project‑based construction organization. This role drives governance across decentralized field operations, long‑term contracts, procurement, and complex revenue models.

What You’ll Lead & Own:

• Build and enhance a SOX 404 internal control framework across corporate and field operations.
• Oversee risk assessments and control scoping for POC revenue recognition, WIP reporting, job cost accounting, procurement, and fixed assets.
• Evaluate control design and operating effectiveness; lead deficiency tracking, root‑cause analysis, and remediation.
• Maintain and improve narratives, flowcharts, and RCMs to support a fast‑growing, project‑driven environment.
• Serve as the primary liaison with External Audit and Internal Audit, managing PBCs, walkthroughs, testing, and timelines.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, Procurement, IT, and Project Management to embed practical, scalable controls.
• Guide teams through new systems, process changes, and remediation plans with clear, actionable control insights.
• Deliver training to process owners on control expectations and documentation standards.
• Drive automation, standardization, and governance reporting, including dashboards and certification support.
• Bring deep SOX, construction/project‑based accounting (POC, WIP, change orders), and newly‑public company experience.
• Travel as needed for field operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, with accounting, finance, business or management degree preferred.
• CPA or similar required.
• Experience with establishing a Sarbanes Oxley program.
• 5-8 years of Internal Audit experience with a Public Company or Big 4 Public Accounting experience or public/private Internal Audit experience.
• Proven understanding of internal control requirements, operating workflows, generally accepted accounting principles, and accounting processes.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office and Workiva.
• Experience working within a COSO / risk-based framework required.
• Experience in the Construction industry a plus