Job Title: Director Internal Audit - SOX Governance (Finance & Accounting)
Department: Finance and Accounting Operations
Location: Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Work Setup: Onsite/Hybrid
Reports To: VP / Head of Controllership / CFO
Direct Reports: SOX Managers, Internal Controls Managers, ICFR Analysts
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of SOX Governance is responsible for leading and overseeing the company's SOX compliance and internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) within the Finance organization. This role ensures that financial processes, reporting activities, and accounting systems adhere to the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), COSO framework, regulatory standards, and internal governance policies.
This role collaborates closely with Controllership, FP&A, Finance Operations, Internal Audit, External Audit, and Business Process Owners to design, assess, improve, and monitor internal controls. The Director drives a culture of compliance and strong financial governance, enabling accurate, reliable, and timely financial reporting.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
SOX / Internal Controls Governance
- Lead and manage the end-to-end SOX program for the organization (ICFR).
- Own the annual SOX planning, scoping, and risk assessment process.
- Ensure internal controls are designed and operating effectively across all financial processes (RTR, OTC, PTP, Treasury, Tax, Fixed Assets, Payroll, etc.).
- Maintain and enhance enterprise control frameworks aligned with COSO and company policies.
- Coordinate with Internal Audit and External Auditors during walkthroughs, testing, and remediation tracking.
Controls Testing, Monitoring & Improvements
- Oversee testing of key controls, including design assessment, operational effectiveness testing, and issue resolution.
- Drive remediation activities with business process owners and ensure timely closure of deficiencies.
- Lead periodic controls rationalization / optimization initiatives to reduce complexity and automate controls where appropriate.
- Establish and monitor SOX KPIs / dashboards / status reporting for senior leadership and Audit Committee.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Lead a team of ICFR / SOX professionals and external resources supporting the SOX program.
- Provide training and guidance to Finance, Shared Services, and business teams on controls and governance expectations.
- Act as a strategic partner and advisor to Finance Operation Leaders and Business Process Owners regarding controls design and risk mitigation.
Finance Governance / Policy Oversight
- Review and implement Finance governance policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and global finance control frameworks.
- Support Finance transformation initiatives system implementations, automation, workflow redesign ensuring controls compliance (e.g., ERP changes, new tools).
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- CPA required (or equivalent certification in accounting/controls).
- Minimum 1215 years of experience in Finance/Accounting, Audit, Internal Controls, or SOX.
- Strong understanding of SOX, ICFR, COSO Framework, internal audit methodology, and financial reporting processes.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and external auditors.
Preferred:
- Experience in Shared Services / Global Business Services environment.
- Big 4 audit background or internal audit leadership experience.
- Experience leading SOX within multinational and/or publicly listed organizations.
- Knowledge of ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Workday).
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strong understanding of end-to-end finance process flows (RTR, PTP, OTC).
- Leadership maturity and ability to influence at senior levels, including CFO, Controllership, and Audit Committee.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to simplify complex issues.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and project management skills.
SUCCESS INDICATORS / KPIs
- % controls tested and passed (first-time-right rate)
- of audit findings (reduction year over year)
- Timely remediation of deficiencies
- SOX cycle completion on planned timeline and budget
- Improvements in control automation, efficiency, and documentation maturity
WHY THIS ROLE IS STRATEGIC
This position ensures the organization maintains a robust internal control environment, protects financial integrity, supports audit readiness, and enables efficient financial reporting safeguarding the company's reputation and compliance standing.
