SOX Compliance Lead

SOX Compliance Lead

Location: Pittsburgh, PA (Hybrid - 4 days onsite)

Duration: 4-Month Contract with potential for conversion

We are seeking an experienced SOX & Internal Controls Lead to support key initiatives within a SOX and ICFR program. This individual will lead assigned reviews from planning through completion, partnering with Finance, Technology, and business stakeholders to assess risks, evaluate controls, support audit activities, and drive timely execution of testing and documentation efforts.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end execution of assigned SOX and ICFR reviews, including planning, walkthroughs, controls testing, issue tracking, and reporting.
• Perform risk assessments to identify key financial reporting risks, significant processes, and control requirements.
• Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of manual controls through testing, evidence review, and documentation.
• Update and maintain process narratives, risk and control matrices (RCMs), flowcharts, and control inventories.
• Coordinate with control owners and business stakeholders to schedule walkthroughs, obtain supporting evidence, and resolve testing questions.
• Identify control deficiencies and support remediation efforts, including validation of corrective actions.
• Serve as a liaison for internal and external audit requests, providing documentation and support throughout the audit process.
• Prepare status updates related to testing progress, issues, risks, and remediation activities.
• Provide guidance to junior team members on testing methodology, documentation standards, and stakeholder engagement.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in SOX compliance, internal audit, external audit, finance controls, controllership, or risk and controls functions.
• Strong understanding of SOX, ICFR, internal controls, and financial reporting processes.
• Experience conducting walkthroughs, controls testing, process documentation, and issue evaluation.
• Ability to independently execute testing activities and produce high-quality workpapers.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft Office suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within banking or financial services environments.
• Knowledge of automated controls, system-generated reports, interfaces, spreadsheets/end-user computing, and related IT control dependencies.
• Familiarity with the COSO framework.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, CISA, ACA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent.
• Exposure to process improvement, controls optimization, or automation initiatives.

This opportunity is ideal for professionals with a strong audit or controls background who enjoy partnering across the business to strengthen governance, risk management, and compliance processes.