Senior Director - Internal Controls

ICON plc · Dublin

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ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.

As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each other, customers, patients and suppliers.

The role leads the second-line internal controls and SOX compliance programme, working closely with Finance leadership, process and control owners, Internal Audit, external audit and other assurance providers. The Senior Director promotes clear accountability, timely escalation and disciplined remediation while helping embed effective controls into day-to-day business processes.

• Lead the enterprise internal controls and SOX compliance programme, including governance, risk assessment, scoping, planning, execution, monitoring and reporting.
• Develop and maintain a clear internal controls framework, methodology, policies, standards and guidance aligned with SOX and COSO requirements.
• Oversee the design and transformation of the second-line SOX testing model, including roles, responsibilities, governance and quality expectations.
• Coordinate annual and quarterly control certification activities and support management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting.
• Provide oversight and challenge of control design, implementation and operating effectiveness across key financial and technology processes.
• Drive consistent documentation standards for process narratives, process flow diagrams risk and control matrices, walkthroughs, design assessments, operating effectiveness testing and test plans, evidence and conclusions.
• Establish clear reporting and escalation processes for deficiencies, remediation actions, risks and recurring themes.
• Partner with control owners to strengthen controls and integrate control execution into normal business processes.
• Work closely with internal audit and the external auditor to facilitate an effective and efficient SOX integrated audit.
• Promote technology driven and innovative approaches to delivering the internal controls mandate.
• Promote a strong culture of accountability, transparency and ownership for internal control responsibilities.

• Lead the SOX risk assessment, materiality and scoping process in coordination with Finance leadership, Internal Audit and external audit.
• Maintain the master inventory of in-scope processes, risks, controls, systems, reports and control owners.
• Oversee walkthroughs, testing of design and operating effectiveness, quality review and timely resolution of testing matters.
• Ensure appropriate treatment of information produced by the entity, information used in controls, segregation of duties and key report dependencies.
• Monitor programme milestones, resourcing, testing progress, open issues and readiness for quarterly and annual reporting.
• Coordinate with IT control stakeholders to ensure appropriate alignment between business process controls, IT general controls and automated controls.

• Lead the timely identification, evaluation, aggregation and communication of internal control deficiencies.
• Establish disciplined remediation governance, including clear ownership, milestones, evidence requirements, validation and closure criteria.
• Provide constructive challenge where remediation is delayed, insufficiently evidenced or does not address the underlying control risk.
• Support root cause analysis and the development of sustainable corrective actions that reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Prepare clear, decision-useful reporting for senior management and relevant governance forums.

• Build effective relationships with Finance, Technology, Legal, Risk, Internal Audit, external audit and other assurance functions.
• Clarify responsibilities across the first, second and third lines and support effective coordination between assurance providers.
• Advise senior leaders and control owners on control design, risk mitigation and practical implementation matters.
• Support Audit Committee and executive-level reporting through concise analysis of programme status, deficiencies, remediation and emerging risks.
• Act as a credible and independent-minded adviser while remaining pragmatic and solutions focused.

• Lead, coach and develop the internal controls and SOX compliance team.
• Define team roles, responsibilities and performance expectations and ensure the programme has appropriate capability and capacity.
• Develop training and practical guidance for leaders, control owners, performers and reviewers.
• Promote standardisation, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the control community.
• Use technology, workflow tools and data analytics to improve programme efficiency, visibility and insight.

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA or equivalent) or other relevant professional qualification.
• Significant senior-level experience in internal controls, SOX compliance, financial reporting, audit or risk within a complex multinational and publicly listed organisation.
• Deep knowledge of SOX, COSO, internal control over financial reporting and financial reporting risk.
• US GAAP experience a preference
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale controls programmes, remediation or control transformation initiatives.
• Experience engaging with senior executives, Audit Committees, Internal Audit and external auditors.
• Strong understanding of business process controls, IT-dependent controls, IT general controls and entity-level controls.
• Proven ability to lead teams, influence across functions and deliver through periods of significant change.

• High integrity, sound judgement and a strong commitment to accountability.
• Calm, methodical and resilient under pressure.
• Clear and credible communicator who can translate complex control matters into practical actions.
• Constructive challenger with strong executive presence and the confidence to escalate when required.
• Analytical and detail-oriented while maintaining an enterprise-wide perspective.
• Collaborative leader focused on sustainable improvement, capability building and effective delivery.

Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.

Rewards & Benefits

ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development.

Benefits may include:

• Competitive base salary and performance related incentives
• Health and wellbeing programmes including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable
• Retirement and pension plans
• Life assurance and disability coverage
• Employee assistance programmes and wellbeing resources
• Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways

Benefits may vary depending on role and location.

Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.

Inclusion and Accessibility

ICON is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or submit a request here.

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply

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