Head of Internal Control

For one of our clients, an industrial manufacturing multinational company, we are seeking an experienced Head of Internal Controls to lead its global internal controls and risk management programs.

This is a strategic yet hands-on role that will manage global SOX compliance efforts, collaborate cross-functionally with senior stakeholders, and oversee enterprise risk management practices. The ideal candidate brings a mix of technical expertise, business understanding, and people leadership, with a strong sense of ownership and adaptability in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, execution, and monitoring of the global internal controls framework;
• Ensure company-wide compliance with SOX 404 requirements, covering business, IT, and entity-level controls;
• Coordinate internal testing and collaborate with external auditors to ensure seamless reviews;
• Assess changes in business operations and IT systems to define appropriate control design;
• Review and continuously improve internal control documentation, testing results, and process maturity;
• Manage and evolve the company’s global ERM process, coordinating with key business functions;
• Facilitate bi-annual risk assessments and ensure timely updates to the risk register and mitigation plans;
• Prepare regular reports and executive summaries for top management and relevant committees;
• Lead and develop a dedicated internal controls team, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture;
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, finance teams, and operational units on control-related matters;
• Support new business initiatives by embedding controls early in process or system design;
• Drive improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing internal control effectiveness and efficiency;
• Partner with IT on governance over access rights, Segregation of Duties (SOD), and SAP controls;
• Contribute to the long-term vision for controls automation and data analytics capabilities;

Required Experience & Knowledge

• 10 years of experience in finance, audit, or risk, with 3–5 years in internal controls or internal audit leadership;
• Strong knowledge of SOX compliance requirements and global risk/control frameworks;
• Hands-on experience in process reviews, risk assessment, and remediation activities;
• Ability to translate complex control concepts into business language for a variety of stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related fields; CPA, ACCA, CMA are an advantage or must be willing to pursue;
• Prior experience in a multinational, matrixed organization with global reporting lines;
• Familiarity with SAP or other ERP environments, particularly access and role governance;
• Experience in managing cross-border teams and working across time zones.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, detail-oriented, and adaptable in high-paced environments;
• Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills;
• Able to operate at both strategic and execution levels;
• Culturally aware and able to influence without formal authority.

Work Model

• Hybrid schedule: 3 days onsite / 2 remote;
• Flexibility required for occasional early/late meetings due to global collaboration;
• Limited to no travel expected.

Only eligible candidates will be contacted in a maximum of 3 weeks. All information will be treated as strictly confidential.