Director, Internal Control & SOX in Tadworth

Position Summary

The Director, Internal Controls & SOX is responsible for establishing and leading a world-class internal controls and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance program across a complex new global joint venture comprising more than 40 legal entities operating in multiple jurisdictions and currencies.

Job Description

Arbex Director, Internal Controls & SOX

Position Summary

The Director, Internal Controls & SOX is responsible for establishing and leading a world-class internal controls and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance program across a complex new global joint venture comprising more than 40 legal entities operating in multiple jurisdictions and currencies.

Reporting to the Global Controller (Chief Accounting Officer), the Director will provide strategic leadership for financial controls, governance, risk management, process standardisation, and compliance, ensuring the integrity of financial reporting and supporting sustainable business growth. The role will partner closely with Finance, IT, Operations, Global Business Services (GBS), Tax, Treasury, Legal, Internal Audit, and external auditors across all regions.

Implement a fit for purpose overall control and governance framework for Arbex – a new Joint Venture owned by Kimberly Clark and Suzano.

The successful candidate will build a strong control-conscious culture while balancing compliance, operational effectiveness, and business performance.

Key Responsibilities

SOX Governance & Compliance Leadership

• Lead the global SOX program across all in-scope legal entities, business processes, and IT environments.
• Own the annual SOX strategy, risk assessment, scoping, testing approach, and remediation plans.
• Establish and maintain a robust Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) framework aligned with:
• SOX 404 requirements
• COSO Framework
• SEC reporting expectations
• Leading governance and compliance practices
• Serve as principal liaison with external auditors regarding SOX compliance and controls reliance.
• Present compliance results, control deficiencies, and remediation status to senior leadership and governance committees.

Internal Controls Framework

• Design, implement, and continuously enhance a global internal controls framework covering RTR, PTP, OTC, Supply Chain, Fixed assets, treasury, tax, payroll, financial reporting consolidation
• Ensure control standardisation while accommodating local statutory and operational requirements.
• Develop control libraries, risk‑control matrices, process narratives, and policy documentation.

Risk Assessment & Monitoring

• Lead periodic enterprise-wide financial reporting risk assessments.
• Identify emerging risks arising from:
• Organisational changes
• System implementations
• Acquisitions and restructuring
• New business models
• Regulatory developments
• Implement monitoring and reporting mechanisms to assess control effectiveness and compliance maturity.
• Utilize data analytics and continuous monitoring tools to improve control efficiency and effectiveness.
• Communicate outcome to internal audit team for risk based audits

Business Transformation & Systems Controls

• Act as controls lead on major transformation initiatives, including:
• ERP implementations
• Shared service model changes
• Finance transformation programs
• Digitalisation initiatives
• Ensure appropriate controls are embedded during system design and deployment.
• Oversee IT General Controls (ITGCs) as Arbex exit its Transition Service Agreements with KC and implements its own ERP and associated applications, including automated controls, interfaces, segregation of duties, and cybersecurity-related financial reporting controls.

Deficiency Management & Remediation

• Lead assessment and classification of control deficiencies.
• Coordinate remediation activities across functions and geographies.
• Ensure timely resolution of gaps and sustainable corrective action plans.
• Track and report remediation progress to executive leadership.

Governance, Policy & Compliance

• Work with the Global Financial Reporting team on global finance policies and control standards.
• Promote consistent governance across all legal entities.
• Support compliance with:
• SOX requirements
• Local statutory requirements
• Corporate governance standards
• Internal policies
• Monitor evolving regulatory requirements such as sustainability reporting and assess impacts on the control environment.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner with:
• CFO
• Regional Finance Leaders
• Controllers
• GBS
• Internal Audit
• External Audit
• IT leadership
• Joint Venture shareholders
• Act as trusted advisor to executive leadership regarding control effectiveness and governance risk.
• Lead executive-level discussions regarding compliance risks and remediation priorities.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build and lead a high-performing global Internal Controls team.
• Establish clear objectives, KPIs, and development plans.
• Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Drive capability building across the broader finance organization regarding controls awareness and accountability.

Key Accountabilities

• Effective operation of the global SOX compliance program with fewer SOX deficiencies
• Strong, sustainable ICFR framework across all JV entities.
• Timely completion of all SOX testing and certifications.
• Reduction in repeat audit findings and control deficiencies.
• Successful remediation of identified control gaps.
• Positive external audit outcomes.
• Increased control automation and efficiency.
• Enhanced governance across multinational operations.

Required Qualifications

Education

• At least degree level plus ACA accountancy qualification

Experience

• 15+ years of progressive experience in:
• Internal Controls
• SOX Compliance
• Financial Reporting
• Audit
• Risk Management
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience operating within complex multinational organizations with 40+ entities.
• Significant experience managing multi-currency and multi-jurisdictional environments.
• Experience dealing directly with Big 4 audit firms.
• Proven track record leading large-scale finance transformation and ERP programs.

Technical Expertise

• Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX)
• COSO Framework
• Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR)
• IFRS and US GAAP
• Financial close and consolidation processes
• Risk assessment methodologies
• IT General Controls (ITGC)
• Automated controls
• Segregation of Duties (SoD)
• ERP platforms (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, S/4HANA, etc.)
• Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) tools

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• Exceptional executive presence and communication skills.
• Ability to influence across matrixed global organiSations.
• Strong judgment and decision-making capability.
• Results-oriented with high levels of accountability.
• Ability to balance compliance requirements with commercial objectives.
• Effective stakeholder management across diverse cultures and geographies.
• Change leadership and transformation mindset.

Success Measures (First 12-18 Months)

• Establish a fully documented and globally consistent risk and controls framework for the new JV, Arbex
• Deliver successful SOX certification across all in-scope entities in 2027
• Deliver a fit for purpose SOX and internal controls framework fit for purpose for 1/1/27.
• Achieve material reduction in control deficiencies and audit findings.
• Implement controls automation and continuous monitoring capabilities.
• Strengthen governance and compliance culture across the joint venture.
• Build a scalable controls organisation capable of supporting future growth, acquisitions, and transformation initiatives.

Primary Location

Walton Oaks

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

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