Senior SOX and Controls Analyst

Buckingham Search; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckingham Search is seeking a Senior Specialist in Internal Controls & SOX to join its North America team in Chicago. You will strengthen the control environment, drive SOX compliance, and lead cross‑functional process improvements across a large multi‑entity organization.

The role requires 6+ years in internal controls or SOX with US public company experience, a Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance, and strong Excel / SAP GRC skills. Travel is 25–40% across the U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 6+ years in internal audit, internal controls, SOX, or public accounting with U.S. public company SOX experience.
• CPA or CIA preferred.
• Deep knowledge of SOX, internal controls, and US GAAP.
• Advanced Excel and Google Workspace proficiency.
• SAP experience a plus; SAP GRC and data analytics tools relevant.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and promote standard business processes and internal controls across all units.
• Execute components of the annual internal controls program and facilitate activities.
• Assess control design and operating effectiveness across key financial processes.
• Drive remediation of control gaps and strengthen the control environment.
• Support SAP GRC processes, dashboards, and reporting packages.
• Serve as educational resource and trusted advisor on process and controls matters.
• Lead ad hoc projects and initiatives; travel 25–40% across the U.S. and Canada.

Skills

SOX compliance

Internal controls

US GAAP

Excel

Google Workspace

Cross-functional

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance

Tools

SAP

SAP GRC

Data analytics

Job description

Senior Specialist, Internal Controls & SOX

A large, publicly traded global organization headquartered in Chicago is seeking a Senior Specialist to join its North America Internal Controls team — playing a key role in SOX compliance, control environment strengthening, and business process improvement across a large, complex, multi-entity organization.

This is a strong opportunity for an experienced SOX and internal controls professional who enjoys serving as a trusted advisor to the business, driving continuous improvement, and working cross-functionally across a decentralized global enterprise.

What You'll Do:

• Develop and promote standard, consistent business processes and internal controls across all business units and product lines
• Execute assigned components of the annual internal controls program — supporting managers in facilitation and management of program activities
• Perform procedures to assess and validate control design and operating effectiveness across key financial processes
• Drive continuous improvement — formulating actionable recommendations to remediate control gaps and enhance the overall control environment
• Support centralized department activities including policy landscape maintenance, administration of SAP GRC Process Control, and preparation of dashboards and reporting packages
• Serve as an educational resource and trusted advisor to the broader organization on process and control-related matters
• Support or lead ad hoc projects and initiatives as assigned
• Travel 25–40% primarily across the U.S. and Canada with occasional international travel

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 6+ years of experience in internal audit, internal controls, SOX compliance, or public accounting — with direct U.S. public company SOX experience required
• CPA, CIA, or other audit-related certification preferred
• Deep technical knowledge of SOX requirements, internal controls, and US GAAP
• Advanced Excel and Google Workspace proficiency
• SAP experience a plus; SAP GRC and data analytics tools especially relevant
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of leadership

Why This Role Stands Out:

• High-visibility internal controls leadership role at a large, complex public company
• Broad scope across multiple business units, product lines, and geographies
• Direct advisory relationship with business leadership on process and controls matters
• Strong continuous improvement and process standardization focus
• Hybrid flexibility in downtown Chicago with a collaborative, mission-driven team