SOX Manager

Company

ZR Consultants (ZRC) is a successful business consulting firm specialising in Governance, Risk and Controls with a track record of delivering large scale projects which include SOX Compliance (Sarbanes-Oxley), Business and IT Controls Transformation (SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Fusion control and process design), Controls rationalisation and optimisation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Solutions, Internal Audits, ESG, and regulatory compliance to clients all over Europe.

Established in 2003, we have expanded rapidly over the last 6 years and have amassed a number of global Blue-Chip clients. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to delivering high quality, cost-effective services to our clients and expanding our global reach. To learn more please visit www.zrconsultants.co.uk

Role Overview

ZR Consultants is seeking an experienced SOX Manager to support a client's Sarbanes-Oxley compliance programme. The role focuses on documenting, assessing and strengthening key financial controls, covering process documentation, design and operating effectiveness testing, remediation, and the rationalisation of the existing controls environment.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong SOX background with hands-on experience producing process flows, process narratives and Risk and Control Matrices (RACMs), and conducting Design Effectiveness Assessments (DEA) and Operational Effectiveness Testing (OET). Insurance sector experience is required; however, candidates from other sectors with a demonstrably high level SOX background are encouraged to apply.

You will be confident challenging existing controls, managing relationships with external auditors and control owners, and persistent in obtaining evidence on time. Insurance sector experience is required; candidates without insurance sector experience may apply where they can demonstrate a high level SOX background

Key Responsibilities

SOX Compliance and Controls Documentation

• Apply Sarbanes-Oxley provisions and ICFR methodologies to support the client's compliance programme
• Produce and maintain process documentation, including process flows, process narratives and RACMs
• Identify and document all material key risks and controls across in-scope financial processes
• Map and document system interfaces and data flows between key financial systems, including billing systems, to ensure all material risks and controls are captured
• Challenge and rationalise existing controls, removing or merging where appropriate and clearly documenting the rationale for controls deemed not material

Testing and Remediation

• Conduct Design Effectiveness Assessments (DEA) and Operational Effectiveness Testing (OET) of key controls
• Identify control deficiencies and agree practical remediation plans with control owners
• Track remediation activity through to closure and re-test where required

IT Controls

• Assess IT controls supporting financial reporting, including change management, segregation of duties (SoD) rule sets and data transfer controls
• Engage with IT teams to evaluate control interfaces between business processes and in-scope applications

Stakeholder Management and Delivery

• Manage relationships with external auditors, internal audit, and control and process owners
• Obtain required evidence promptly and escalate delays immediately
• Report progress, issues and risks clearly and consistently to client stakeholders
• Supervise and mentor junior team members where required

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• Minimum 5 years of private sector SOX experience, gained through SOX compliance, Internal Audit or controls transformation
• Insurance sector experience is required; candidates without insurance sector experience may apply where they can demonstrate a high level SOX background
• Accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Proven experience producing process flows, process narratives and RACMs
• Hands-on experience of DEA, OET and remediation
• Experience managing relationships with external auditors
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite including Visio
• Willingness to travel as required to meet client needs

Preferred

• Controls transformation experience within SAP or Oracle implementations or migrations
• Experience of billing systems and data transfer controls
• IT SOX or ITGC experience
• CIA, CISA or other relevant professional certifications
• Project management experience
• Prior supervisory or team management experience

Technical Skills

• Solid knowledge of internal control frameworks including COSO, COBIT and ICFR
• Strong understanding of audit processes and methodologies, including flowcharting
• Working knowledge of finance applications such as SAP or Oracle
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Soft Skills

• Excellent stakeholder management and client relationship skills
• Clear and confident written and verbal communication
• Able to work effectively both independently and within a team
• Professional handling of confidential information and composure under pressure
• Strong time management and the ability to manage multiple priorities

Agencies, please note we are not looking for your support on this recruitment

Equal Opportunities

As a proud Ethnic Minority Owned Business, ZR Consultants is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our organisation. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Pay: £400.00-£650.00 per day

Application question(s):

• Do you have experience conducting Design Effectiveness Assessments (DEA) and Operational Effectiveness Testing (OET)?
• Do you have experience of controls remediation? Please provide a brief summary.
• Do you have experience of SAP or Oracle controls transformation?
• Please confirm your availability for employment - or notice period?
• Please copy and paste your LinkedIn profile address here

Education:

• Bachelor's (preferred)

Experience:

• SOX: 5 years (required)
• Insurance Sector: 1 year (preferred)
• Business Controls: 5 years (preferred)
• IT Controls: 5 years (preferred)

Language:

• English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London W1T