ICE CREAM Controls Excellence & SoX Senior Manager

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ICE CREAM Controls Excellence & SoX Senior Manager Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time

Note: Deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the Job Posting End Date.

UNILEVER IS LOOKING FOR AN ICE CREAM - Controls Excellence and SOX Compliance Manager

ABOUT ICE CREAM: Life Tastes Better With Ice Cream
Unilever Ice Cream is the largest global Ice Cream Company in the world, with over 100 years of experience delivering a diverse range of indulgent, yet responsible, craft food experiences and treats delighting consumers. We have a well-developed strategy to deliver growth and value creation which is clear on where to play and how to win.

JOB PURPOSE:
The newly created Ice Cream Group Controlling Team is a core part of the central Ice Cream Finance team. Ice Cream Group Controlling Team is responsible for Ice Cream's external financial reporting and global financial reporting controls (including Sarbanes Oxley compliance), managing the global auditor relationship; determining and implementing Ice Cream's accounting policies; and many other projects related to how Ice Cream measures its performance and presents and communicates this to the external world.

The Controls Excellence and SOX Compliance Manager is primarily responsible for ensuring the organization's internal controls and SOX compliance frameworks meet regulatory requirements and industry best practices. This role will oversee the design, implementation, and testing of controls, particularly focusing on SOX compliance, and will drive continuous improvement efforts within the controls environment. This senior manager will lead cross-functional initiatives to strengthen control processes, mitigate risk, and foster a strong culture of compliance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. 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.
2. 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 to improve the quality and efficiency of control activities.
3. 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, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and regulatory expectations.
   • Provide guidance on control design for new processes, products, and systems, ensuring that appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place.
4. 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, providing required documentation, and addressing audit findings.
   • Review audit results and recommendations, driving prompt resolution of identified issues and supporting cross-functional teams in implementing improvements.
5. Team Leadership and Training:
   • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of control professionals, fostering a culture of compliance and promoting best practices in SOX and control excellence.
   • Conduct training sessions to build control awareness and reinforce a compliance-focused culture across the organization.
   • Promote knowledge sharing across departments, empowering team members and stakeholders to better understand control requirements and responsibilities.
6. Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication:
   • Collaborate closely with finance, IT, operations, and other departments to integrate control processes and ensure cross-functional alignment.
   • Prepare and present control status reports to senior management and the board, highlighting control effectiveness, SOX compliance status, and areas requiring attention.
   • Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on control-related matters, offering insights into emerging risks, regulatory trends, and best practices.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:

1. Experiences & Qualifications
   • Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field.
   • Professional qualification (e.g., CPA, CFA) is preferred.
   • Minimum of 10 years of experience in internal controls, SOX compliance, audit, or risk management, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
   • Comprehensive knowledge of SOX requirements, COSO framework, and control principles.
2. Skills:
   • Proficiency in control documentation, risk assessment, and testing methodologies.
   • Expertise in ERP systems and control monitoring tools, along with advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
   • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
   • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
   • Demonstrated experience in managing and developing high-performing teams.

Must have competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and align financial goals with business objectives.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in financial reporting and analysis.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing business environments and manage multiple priorities.
• Collaboration: Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Decision-Making: Sound decision-making skills, particularly under pressure and in complex scenarios.
• Innovation: Ability to drive innovation in financial processes and reporting.
• Ethical Judgment: Strong ethical judgment and integrity in handling financial information.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?
Unilever is the place where you can be yourself and bring your purpose to life with the work that you do - creating a better business and a better world. We offer an exciting & dynamic work environment where you can make things happen. Furthermore, we offer some great reward and benefits!

• Attractive total remuneration package; excellent company pension, bonus and share scheme.
• Flexible cross-disciplinary career opportunities and a wealth of training opportunities & wellbeing resources whenever and wherever.
• Plenty of company-paid holidays to further ensure your work-life balance is maintained.
• We encourage an inclusive culture, which comes to life with interchangeable public holidays, paid paternity leave of 6 weeks and our transgender policy.
• Under the Hybrid Working principles, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 40% in the office or at customers, suppliers or partners to connect and collaborate.
• Informal culture and being the first one trying our new products.
• My Fitness Plan (reduction on your Fitness Subscription).
• Home work allowance.
• Company laptop and mobile phone.
• Green Mobility Policy.

EXCITED?
Join Unilever and our team! To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter. Your application will be reviewed against our requirements and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

Please note this is a Direct Search led by Unilever. Applications from agencies will not be accepted, nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, parenthood, pregnancy or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against.

By highlighting the gender diversity at the workplace, Unilever encourages women equally men to apply. If you look for a job after a long career break or after any type of leave, do not hesitate to apply.

NOTE:Please save a copy of this vacancy for personal use as it will disappear from the website after closing of the role.

Company Be part of the most successful purpose-led business in the world. Have the opportunity to see the true impact that you're having in the work you do - every small thing counts. The personal contribution you make means you feel good about what you do and proud that you have a career with a higher purpose . click apply for full job details