Director, Internal Controls & SOX

Director of Internal Audit & SOX Compliance

Salary: $234.9K - $281.9K Location Type: Remote Employment Type: FullTime

Position Overview

Confluent is revolutionizing how data moves and what the world can do with it. Our platform enables data to stream in near real-time, empowering companies to react faster, build smarter, and deliver dynamic experiences. We are seeking an experienced Director of Internal Audit & SOX Compliance to lead and manage our Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance program and oversee internal audit activities. This role is crucial for ensuring compliance with SOX 404 requirements, managing internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), and collaborating with key stakeholders across Finance, IT, Engineering, and Operations. The ideal candidate will optimize our established SOX program, driving strategic and hands-on leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the SOX compliance program for business processes and IT, encompassing risk assessments, control design, testing, and remediation.
• Lead and mentor a team of three FTEs and contractors, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to guide them through change management and identify design changes for SOX controls.
• Collaborate closely with external auditors to ensure effective coordination and efficient control testing.
• Work with co-source service providers to ensure timely and budget-conscious completion of the SOX program.
• Conduct impact assessments and root cause analyses for control deficiencies with stakeholders.
• Manage deficiency mitigation efforts, ensuring timely resolution and presenting fully formed mitigation plans to external auditors.
• Identify opportunities for improved scoping, control rationalization, and optimization to streamline processes while maintaining compliance.
• Identify process improvements and work with management on remediation efforts.
• Provide SOX training and guidance to control owners and key stakeholders.
• Prepare and present SOX compliance reports to executive leadership and the Audit Committee.
• Conduct periodic risk assessments and oversee select internal audit engagements.
• Lead pre-system implementation reviews and other special IA projects.
• Implement tools to automate SOX testing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• One or more relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CIA, CISA).
• 13+ years of experience in SOX compliance, internal audit, or financial controls, preferably within a public listed technology company.
• Integrated audit experience at a Big 4 or similar accounting firm, demonstrating a strong understanding of audit methodologies, risk assessment, deficiency mitigation, and control testing.
• Experience working with AuditBoard.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, ever-changing, and rapid-growth environment.
• Proven self-starter with a results-driven approach and a strong sense of urgency.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external auditors, building trust quickly.
• Strong project management and communication skills, with the ability to drive compliance initiatives.
• Proven ability to efficiently navigate and manage deficiency mitigation efforts, ensuring timely and effective remediation.
• Experience in refining, optimizing, and automating the existing control environment while maintaining compliance.
• Demonstrated history of leading a team of professionals.

Company Information

Confluent is not just building better tech; we are rewriting how data moves and what the world can do with it. Our platform puts information in motion, streaming in near real-time so companies can react faster, build smarter, and deliver experiences as dynamic as the world around them. We are a team of smart, curious individuals who ask hard questions, give honest feedback, and support each other. We are One Confluent. One Team. One Data Streaming Platform.