SOX/ Internal Audit Manager

The Director / Senior Manager, SOX Compliance & Internal Audit will lead the company’s SOX 404 compliance program and oversee risk-based internal audit activities across financial, operational, and compliance areas. This role is responsible for strengthening the internal control environment, partnering cross-functionally across the organization, and serving as a key advisor on risk, compliance, and process improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in SOX, internal audit, and public company environments, along with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Key Responsibilities

SOX Compliance

• Lead and manage the end-to-end SOX 404 compliance program.
• Conduct the annual SOX scoping and risk assessment process.
• Design, assess, and test key business and IT controls.
• Review and maintain control documentation, including process narratives, flowcharts, and risk control matrices (RCMs).
• Evaluate control deficiencies and determine their severity, including deficiencies, significant deficiencies, and material weaknesses.
• Coordinate remediation efforts and validate the effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors on SOX-related matters.
• Ensure compliance with applicable PCAOB and SEC requirements.

Internal Audit

• Plan and execute risk-based internal audits across financial, operational, and compliance functions.
• Develop audit programs, perform fieldwork, and document audit results.
• Identify control gaps, operational inefficiencies, and process improvement opportunities.
• Prepare clear, concise audit reports with practical, actionable recommendations.
• Present audit findings to senior leadership and the Audit Committee.
• Monitor remediation progress and track audit issues through closure.

Risk & Advisory

• Support enterprise risk management (ERM) initiatives.
• Provide advisory support for new systems, process changes, and acquisitions.
• Assess risks related to system implementations, automation, and emerging technologies.
• Champion a strong culture of internal control, accountability, and compliance across the organization.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop audit team members and/or co-sourced resources.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships with Finance, IT, HR, Legal, and Operations.
• Influence stakeholders effectively while maintaining independence and objectivity.
• Support the preparation of Audit Committee materials and presentations.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Certifications

One or more of the following certifications is required or strongly preferred:

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
• CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
• CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)

Experience

• 6–10 years of progressive experience in internal audit, SOX compliance, and/or public accounting.
• Prior experience at a Big 4 or national public accounting firm strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with SOX 404 and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR).
• Experience supporting or working within publicly traded companies.
• Exposure to IT general controls (ITGCs) and automated controls.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of SOX 404, the COSO Internal Control Framework, GAAP, and financial reporting processes.
• Solid understanding of IT general controls, including user access, change management, and IT operations.
• Experience with audit and compliance tools such as AuditBoard, TeamMate, and Workiva.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong data analysis capabilities.
• Ability to interpret regulatory guidance and auditing standards and apply them effectively.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• High attention to detail with a strong risk and controls mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Professional skepticism, sound judgment, and strong integrity.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.

Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Timely completion of SOX testing and internal audits.
• Quality, clarity, and impact of audit findings and recommendations.
• Reduction in control deficiencies over time.
• Effective external audit support and successful audit outcomes.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and timely closure of remediation items.