Senior Consultant, SOX & Financial Controls

IN0534 Fishers, OH0523 Independence Bus Office, OH0713 NW Bancshares HQ, PA0258 Bellevue, PA0736 Administration Center

Job Description

The Senior Consultant, SOX & Financial Controls supports the Northwest Bank's Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) 404 compliance program that ensures the organization maintains effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This role requires a strong understanding of internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO), financial reporting risks, and regulatory expectations, particularly within the banking sector. The SOX Senior Consultant is responsible for risk assessments, preparing process documentation, control testing, and tracking issue remediation plans.

Essential Functions

• Lead and execute walkthroughs with business process owners to document end-to-end processes, identify key risks, and assess control design
• Perform annual and ongoing SOX risk assessments, including scoping, risk ranking, and control mapping
• Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of manual, automated, and IT-dependent controls
• Identify, document, and assess control deficiencies; determine root causes, assess impact, and partner with stakeholders to develop and track remediation plans
• Maintain and update SOX documentation, including narratives, flowcharts, risk/control matrices (RCMs), and testing attributes
• Support quarterly and annual SOX certifications and sub-certifications, including gathering and reporting results
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors to support reliance strategies, walkthroughs, test reviews, and ensure alignment on findings and remediation
• Ensure the efficient flow of information and documentation to auditors and other stakeholders
• Communicate findings and recommendations to management in a clear and timely manner and assist in the development of action plans
• Track and report on SOX metrics, control deficiencies, and remediation progress
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and presentations for senior leadership, audit committee, and regulators
• Contribute to automation and continuous improvement initiatives across the SOX program
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with several internal and external stakeholders

Additional Essential Functions

• Ensure compliance with Northwest's policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations
• Navigate Microsoft Office Software, computer applications, and software specific to the department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency
• Work as part of a team
• Work with on-site equipment

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

Bachelor's Degree Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Work Experience

3 - 5 years Relevant experience in SOX compliance, internal audit, public accounting, or financial risk management

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong knowledge of SOX 404, COSO Internal Control Framework, and PCAOB auditing standards

Proven understanding of internal control design, documentation, and testing methodologies

Experience using GRC platforms (e.g., Archer)

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Teams, and Power BI

Experience with process mapping tools (e.g., Visio)

Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision

Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Licenses and Certifications

CPA Certified Public Accountant

Certified Internal Auditor

Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.