Primary Role

Oversee and monitor the Company’s compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) activities to ensure Business Process and Information Technology (“IT”) controls over financial reporting are designed and operating effectively.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage the overall internal controls program to ensure SOX compliance.  This includes compliance oversight of Business Process and IT General Controls (Access Management, Change Management, Logical Security, etc.)   
• Update annual risk assessments to determine SOX scope, including key systems and key reports
• Analyze internal control environment for changes in the business, such as acquisitions/divestitures or changes in key systems/processes, and assist the business in developing or designing new controls
• Develop strong relationships with IT and business process owners and act as a subject matter expert in the design and implementation of controls
• Review and assess control deficiencies, develop remediation plans and determine adequacy of mitigating controls.
• Coordinate with “AW2030 project” internal controls lead on upcoming system and process changes
• Collaborate with external/internal auditors to resolve and manage potential control issues
• Lead annual process walkthrough meetings with internal and external auditors; create and maintain process flow diagrams and narratives in collaboration with SOX process owners
• Serve as owner of the Company’s SOX compliance platform / database (AuditBoard). 
• Identify areas where internal controls can be optimized (e.g., shift toward preventive automated controls)
• Manage the quarterly SOX 302 certification and sub-certification procedures.  Assist with summarizing and reporting results to the Controller and CFO
• Participate in special projects and initiatives upon management request, including those that would optimize the effectiveness of existing business applications, technologies and systems and build efficiencies/improvements into current business processes
• Work on ad-hoc projects as needed.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong knowledge of auditing, internal controls, risk assessment and SOX related activities
• Strong written and oral communication skills with proven ability to interact effectively with internal stakeholders, management and external professionals (i.e. auditors)
• Technical accounting skills and knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC Reporting and regulatory practices
• Full, end-to-end ownership of assignments including, proactively engaging appropriate members to jointly resolve issues and communicate results
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on initiative, knowledge sharing, team building and decision making
• Prior experience working with AuditBoard, SAP, and/or Hyperion a plus

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance required. 
• CPA preferred; CIA or CISA a plus
• 9+ years of relevant accounting or auditing experience required.
• Prior public accounting and/or internal audit experience a strong preference.
• Prior experience working in the utility industry a plus.

Competencies