Vice President, Internal Audit

Ares Management Corporation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Rx, Dental, Vision

401(k) with company match

Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA)

Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA)

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability

Short-Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Commuter Benefits

Job summary

Ares Management Corporation is seeking a Senior SOX Program Lead in New York to reinforce the internal controls and SOX compliance across the firm's global operations. You will lead planning, design walkthroughs, testing, issue remediation and communications with stakeholders and the audit committee.

You will mentor teams, drive continuous improvement of the SOX program, coordinate SOC 1 assessments, and collaborate with external auditors while leveraging data analytics to enhance control

Qualifications

• 10 years of internal audit experience in the Financial Services Industry, focused on SOX and Internal Control.
• Strong managerial, written and verbal communication, analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Related certifications (CPA, CA, CIA or similar) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual planning: financial statement risk assessment and control scoping.
• Design walkthroughs; oversee operating effectiveness testing; identification and remediation of deficiencies; quarterly management certifications.
• Advise business in the development and maintenance of control documentation and issue remediation; communicate with key stakeholders and audit committees.
• Promote a risk-aware culture by providing training on SOX and internal control topics; drive ongoing SOX program improvements and merger-related controls.
• Coordinate SOC 1 assessments; liaise with external auditors for attestation-based reporting.
• Leverage data analytics to enhance control testing; develop use cases and automate testing where possible.
• Pursue professional development and maintain independence and objectivity.

Skills

SOX/IC concepts

Risk assessment

Internal control

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Education

CPA/CA/CIA or similar

Job description

Over the last 20 years, Ares’ success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values – Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy – and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry.Job DescriptionAs the third line of defense, Internal Audit’s mission is to independently assess the firm’s overall control environment, including the firm’s governance processes and controls, and risk management and global Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) 404 compliance activities.Communicates and reports on the effectiveness of the firm’s governance, risk management and controls that mitigate current and evolving risk.Raise awareness of control risk.Oversee business process testing globally, while serving as the key liaison between the business and external auditorsMonitors management’s implementation of control measures.The SOX Program Lead is accountable for the effective and efficient SOX program that ensures compliance with SOX requirements for Ares Management globally, including registered and public funds.Primary functions and essential responsibilitiesSupport and supervise the execution of SOX 404Optimize the SOX program globally. Assess global control requirements across jurisdictions and businesses to drive a common control approachEnsure effective compliance with SOX regulation. Example responsibilities include:Lead annual planning: financial statement risk assessment and control scopingConduct design walkthroughs, oversee operating effectiveness testing, identification and remediation of deficiencies, and quarterly management certificationsAdvise business in the development and maintenance of control documentation and issue remediationProvide timely and effective communication with key stakeholders, including internal stakeholders, external auditors, and audit committee(s)Promote a risk aware culture by providing training on SOX and internal control topics to the business quarterlyProvide ongoing improvement to the SOX program based on design and operating effectiveness assessments performed. Advise on process improvements and monitor the implementationAssess new controls based on merger activity and incorporate into SOX program, as required. Consider materiality, consolidation, control effectiveness assessment, and entity level proceduresDesign and implement control rationalization activities as the SOX program grows with the business, including ongoing alignment to the COSO Internal Control Integrated FrameworkDesign and implement a standardized process for control deficiency assessment and management action plan oversightLead the delivery of Service Organization Controls (SOC 1) assessments globallyCoordinate between external auditors and the business for any attestation-based reporting that Ares Management may elect to perform (e.g., SOC 1, SOC 2) for the benefit of Limited Partners or external partiesLeverage and advocate for the use of technology across the function with particular emphasis on data analytics.Partner with business and technology to develop use cases and integrate automation in control testingIdentify and communicate existing and emerging business risks and significant issues in a timely and proactive manner.Exhibit strong organization and follow up skills.Follow instructions accurately and efficiently and proactively.Maintains all organizational and professional ethical standards.Conducts quarterly risk and fraud assessments based on input from management, external auditors, and external factors for the development of quarterly audit plans.Pursues professional development opportunities, including external and internal training and professional association memberships.Maintains independence and objectivity.Maintain an in-depth understanding of business areas and supporting functions.QualificationsGeneral Requirements:Subject matter expertise in auditing, compliance, and risk management concepts (e.g., risk assessment/prioritization, process & internal controls, root cause analysis)Understanding of the operation of financial markets, financial instruments and strategies.10 years of internal audit experience in the Financial Services Industry, focused on SOX and Internal Control.Strong managerial skills, written and verbal communication skills, analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skillsEnthusiastic/ self-motivated/ strong interest in learning/ effective under pressure and willing to take personal responsibility/accountability.Related certifications (CPA, CA, CIA or similar) preferred.Reporting RelationshipsHead of Internal AuditCompensationThe anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.$200,000 - $230,000The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA); Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution; Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance; Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit.Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world-class medical advisory team, a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry, a mindfulness and wellbeing app, financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more.There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.