Controls Excellence and SOX Compliance Manager

Are you ready to take end-to-end ownership of SOX compliance and shape a global controls environment? Are you motivated by work that directly impacts investor confidence, governance, and the long-term credibility of the business?

Company overview

Our client is a global organisation operating in the FMCG / consumer goods industry, with a strong international footprint and a portfolio of well-established brands. Following its separation from a larger corporate group, the company is investing heavily in governance, internal controls, and financial transparency to support long-term, sustainable growth.

Finance plays a critical role in ensuring the organisation is trusted, compliant, and investable, with robust global processes and controls at its core.

Position overview

Controls Excellence and SOX Compliance Manager

This role sits within the central Group Controlling function and is responsible for ensuring the organisation’s internal controls and SOX compliance framework meet regulatory requirements and industry best practices. The position has global scope and plays a key role in strengthening the control environment, mitigating risk, and embedding a strong culture of compliance across the business.

The role is based in Amsterdam and works closely with finance leadership, business stakeholders, and auditors across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

SOX Compliance and Controls Framework

• Manage the company’s SOX compliance program, including the design, documentation, testing, and remediation of internal controls over financial reporting

• Ensure that control activities comply with SOX requirements, identifying and addressing control gaps as needed

• Develop and maintain the SOX controls library, updating it as processes change or new risks are identified

• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure timely identification and remediation of control deficiencies, providing guidance on effective remediation strategies

Internal Control Strategy and Continuous Improvement

• Lead the development and execution of the organization’s internal controls strategy, focusing on operational efficiency, risk mitigation, and compliance

• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities within the controls framework to streamline compliance and enhance effectiveness

• Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the control environment, leveraging data analytics and continuous monitoring techniques

Risk Assessment and Control Design

• Conduct periodic risk assessments to identify high-risk areas and align control activities with evolving business risks

• Collaborate with business process owners to design and enhance controls in line with regulatory expectations and industry best practices

• Provide guidance on control design for new processes, products, and systems to ensure appropriate risk mitigation

Audit Coordination and Support

• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors regarding SOX and internal control matters

• Coordinate the annual SOX testing and audit process, including managing audit requests and documentation

• Review audit results and recommendations, driving prompt resolution of identified issues

Team Leadership and Training

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of control professionals

• Conduct training sessions to build control awareness and reinforce a compliance-focused culture

• Promote knowledge sharing across departments

Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate closely with finance, IT, operations, and other departments to ensure cross-functional alignment

• Prepare and present control status reports to senior management and board-level stakeholders

• Serve as a strategic advisor on control-related matters, including emerging risks and regulatory developments

Whom we are looking for

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field

• Relevant professional qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in internal controls, SOX compliance, audit, or risk management

• Leadership experience within complex, international environments

• Strong knowledge of SOX requirements, COSO framework, and internal control principles

• Experience with ERP systems, control monitoring tools, and data analytics

• Strong communication skills and ability to influence senior stakeholders

• High level of integrity, accuracy, and professional judgement

What’s in it for you

• Key role in building and shaping a standalone, listed organisation

• High-impact position with visibility at senior management and board level

• Opportunity to define and elevate global SOX and control standards

• International scope within a complex, evolving environment

• Strong focus on leadership development and long-term career growth

Next steps

If this role aligns with your background and ambitions, we would be happy to discuss the opportunity in more detail. Please apply directly or reach out for a conversation to explore fit and next steps.

Robert Walters Netherlands is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.