Head of ICFR Testing

This is an interim position, candidates will ideally come from an interim contracting background.

Overview & Duties

• Build the ICFR testing team and program to a full team capability from the current 2 FTEs today to up to 10 FTEs across the globe.
• Lead the transition controls program to benchmark against a US SOX standard which will require a significant improvement in documentation and quality of control execution. The testing team will be required to support this transition over the next several years.
• Lead the Group's program of ICFR testing (including ITGC) overseeing the planning and execution of control tests including the coordination with key stakeholders, managing the activities of control testing team in off-shore locations and building strong capability for reviewing the quality of work performed.
• Prepare summary and progress reports for executive management on the board on the status of the program, including key findings and areas of focus and the progress on transitioning to a US SOX equivalent program.
• Present findings and support remediation planning with senior executive management, senior managers of the business and the relevant risk management and governance forums including the tracking of all open deficiencies within Archer.
• Act as the primary liaison between the 2LOD Group Risk Controls & Testing team and 1LOD ICFR Controls team to ensure activities are aligned with Global Finance requirements and coordinated with ICFR activities.
• In conjunction with the ICFR risk assessment, drive the identification and prioritization of all testing activities as part of the overall assurance planning process working in close collaboration with outsource testing providers as needed.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality reports to finance teams on areas where control documentation and execution could be improved.
• Play a key role in the training, support and coaching of finance teams to mature the quality of the controls program and review and feedback on deliverables.
• Drive the adoption of data analytics and continuous assurance, collaborating with the data analytics team to identify opportunities to use high quality data analytics within testing teams during planning, fieldwork and reporting to drive increased efficiency in plan delivery.
• Develop the ICFR assurance process for walkthrough, test of design (TOD), test of effectiveness (TOE), roll forward (RF) and all associated year end testing, coordinating with the operational control assurance team to drive consistency in execution and reporting.
• Lead the team's performance management processes ensuring that all team members have stretching personal objectives, development plans and regular performance reviews to embed a high-performance culture.

Skills & Experience

• Experience in building and running global assurance programs ideally in an audit and accounting firm.
• Experience in running a large SOX testing program in a complex multinational organisation would be desirable.
• An understanding of IT systems and operation, experience in testing ITGC and IT Application controls would be an advantage including overseeing the complexity associated with deciding which systems/applications are in scope for testing.
• Requisite gravitas, experience and credibility to build relationships, influence and persuade at senior management level and strong leadership skills.
• The role will require the communication of complex deficiencies to senior finance leadership.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including excellent written and spoken English.
• Experience of working with, advising and reporting findings to regional executive teams gained with a large, complex multi-national Corporate.
• Strong analytical skills coupled with finance and/or systems knowledge.
• Ability to develop trusting and credible relationships at all levels of the business and across various teams.
• Excellent organizational ability, strong and supportive team leader. Must be comfortable working as part of a global functional team.
• Proven ability to identify key risks and complex deficiencies and be able to influence improvements in the control environment with finance teams with limited experience in operating under a SOX or equivalent framework.
• A commercial and pragmatic approach to governance and change with an approach that champions collaboration and consultation.

Education

• Professional finance or accounting qualification ACA / ACCA or equivalent, including either an audit background (be that external and/or internal audit) and/or corporate experience, in an assurance, internal controls or risk function.