Responsible for leading the SOX Centralization program, focusing on transitioning existing site-level SOX activities into a standardized, efficient, and scalable operating model within GBS Finance. This includes managing knowledge transfer, process harmonization, operational readiness, and governance needed for centralized SOX execution.
Beyond SOX, the Project Manager will also support and lead various strategic PMO initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, automation, process standardization, and value creation across GBS Finance. The role works closely with Finance, Internal Controls, IT, and site stakeholders to ensure smooth transitions, strong control execution, and successful delivery of transformation projects.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SOX Centralization (Primary Responsibilities)
- Lead and coordinate the transition of existing SOX activities from site finance teams into GBS Finance.
- Oversee the end-to-end centralization process including scoping validation, knowledge transfer, training, and operational handover.
- Standardize documentation, control execution procedures, and audit support practices across all GBS teams.
- Aligning with process owners, internal controls teams, and auditors to ensure consistent expectations and smooth transition.
- Establish governance routines, quality checks, templates, and operating guidelines for centralized SOX activities.
- Monitor SOX execution progress, identify issues, and drive remediation follow-up as needed.
- Ensure GBS teams maintain high-quality and timely support for SOX testing, walkthroughs, and documentation requirements.
- Support change management and communication activities to ensure a seamless shift to the new operating model.
Finance Transformation (Secondary but Critical Responsibilities)
- Plan, manage, and execute SOX & non-SOX strategic initiatives that drive value for GBS Finance, such as automation, reporting improvements, or process reengineering.
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and ensure alignment with business priorities.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen controls, simplify processes, or enhance service delivery across Finance workstreams (P2P, O2C, R2R).
- Apply structured change management approaches to support adoption and sustainment of new processes or technologies.
- Prepare executive updates and present key risks, decisions, and recommendations to senior leadership.
Team Development & Support
- Mentor and guide project team members and GBS analysts involved in SOX and other transformation initiatives.
- Support ad-hoc analysis, diagnostics, and strategic assignments requested by leadership.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
- Strong understanding of SOX 404 requirements, internal control execution, documentation standards, and audit support procedures.
- Experience managing or supporting SOX operational activities (e.g. control execution, walkthrough coordination, documentation review).
- Solid knowledge of finance processes (P2P, O2C, R2R) and their relevance to internal controls and compliance.
- Proven project management skills with ability to handle multi-workstream, global initiatives.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP) and process documentation methodologies.
- Knowledge of process automation, workflow tools, or analytics solutions is advantageous.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and facilitation skills.
- Experience working in shared service or GBS environments is highly advantageous.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in SOX operations, Internal Controls, Audit, or financial compliance roles, with more than 1 year of project management / PMO experience, ideally involving large-scale transitions or transformation projects.
- Professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, PMP are preferred.
- Experience working with global teams in a multinational corporate environment is an advantage.
