Lead - SOX Testing Analytics

Organizational Overview:
Company's Internal Audit function serves as an independent and objective function aimed at enhancing the organization's governance, risk management, and controls. Internal Audit's purpose-driven work adds value to the company by safeguarding a controlled foundation in support of agile and innovative company growth; performing risk-based audit activities designed to identify worthwhile and impactful insights. We're proud to offer you choice and flexibility. Living within a commutable distance from one of our offices, you will have the option to be remote, and work from home, or to work from the office. You may be occasionally requested to commute to our nearest office for in-person engagement activities such as team meetings, training, and culture events.
Role Summary/Purpose:
This position reports to the VP, Sr. Manager - Finance, SOX, and Supplier. As a member of the company Internal Audit Department, the AVP, SOX Testing Analytics Lead is responsible for development and implementation of data analytics and testing automation to enhance key components of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance testing. This position focuses on data and technology driven improvements that will elevate risk identification, improve testing efficiency, and increase assurance over financial and operational controls. The SOX Testing Analytics Lead will collaborate with audit leadership and technology teams to implement improvements using a combination of data analytics tools (e.g., SAS, Python, Tableau) and advanced automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and execute data analytics solutions to support SOX compliance testing, including automated control testing, exception identification, and risk assessment
- Apply data mining, statistical analysis, and visualization techniques to transactional and operational data for assessing control effectiveness and identifying risk indicators
- Leverage advanced AI technologies, including robotic process automation, Large Language Model (GPT) tools, and/or machine learning to design, develop, and implement innovative strategies that enhance and automate key components of SOX testing
- Collaborate with SOX IT, Finance, and business teams to identify analytical approaches that enhance control testing coverage and detect anomalies or control deficiencies
- Support continuous improvement initiatives by automating manual testing processes and developing scalable analytics frameworks

- Prepare high-quality deliverables including dashboards, reports, and documentation of analytic methodologies in line with professional audit and SOX standards
- Effectively communicate analytic insights and findings to senior management and external auditors
- Coordinate with external auditors to align analytical testing efforts across assurance functions
- Stay informed on emerging data analytics tools, AI technologies, and regulatory requirements related to SOX compliance
- Perform other duties or special projects related to SOX data analytics as assigned
Required Skills/Knowledge:
- Degree in Engineering, Business Analytics, Data Science, Information Technology, Finance, or an equivalent area of focus with 4+ years of relevant experience in lieu of specified degree minimum 6+ years of relevant work experience
- Minimum 2+ years of experience in development and implementation of data analytics or similar innovation strategies, preferably within Big 4 accounting firms or large financial institutions
- Ability to analyze large datasets to identify control weaknesses, trends, and risks
- Familiarity with databases, ERP systems, and financial transaction data structures
- Solid communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present analytic insights to leadership and audit teams
- Strong project and time management skills with ability to prioritize multiple concurrent initiatives
- Relevant certifications preferred: CISA, CISM, Certified Data Analyst, or similar credentials are a plus
- Excellent attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and ability to independently solve problems
Desired Characteristics:
- 4+ years' experience in Financial Services industry or internal audit data analytics environment
- Working knowledge of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requirements and IT/general control environments
- Proven expertise in data analytics tools such as ACL, SAS, SQL, Python, R, Tableau, Power BI, or AI tools
- Experience in automating control testing and continuous monitoring methodologies
- Experience developing dashboards and visual reports to facilitate decision-making
- Ability to influence and partner with business and audit stakeholders to improve control frameworks and testing approaches
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for presentations