Risk Management & Internal Control Regional Manager

Company Description

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. 

Job Description

Responsibilities: 

• Establish, implement and maintain effective internal control systems to safeguard company’s assets and to ensure reliability of financial reporting, and compliance with laws and regulations at SGS. Drive effective Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICOFR) governance and processes within one of the regions of SGS, along with respective countries, entities, business units and shared service centre.
• Define, improve and enhance the internal control global framework, processes, guidelines and tools on the global level and ensure their efficient implementation and execution in the region, countries and entities to achieve optimal operating model.
• Design and implement risk management strategies and framework tailored to the specific needs and objectives of the SGS operations. Drive and maintain the risk management processes within one of the regions of SGS and respective countries.
• Identify, assess, and prioritize risks inherent in SGS globally and in the region’s activities, including operational, financial, strategic, and compliance risks. Ensure mitigating measures are properly defined and implemented.
• Act as a business partner and go-to-expert for Country Finance Directors, Business Controllers and Managing Directors, ICOFR Champions, Risk Champions, Control Owners and Action Owners, and other local stakeholders within the region, to foster a culture of risk awareness and accountability.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on internal control and risk-related matters, provide guidance and recommendations, and cooperate with Global Management, Global Process Owners (GPOs), Regional Controllers, Finance Shared Service Centre (FSSC), Head of Global and Regional Functions, Legal, Compliance, Internal Audit, External Audit and other internal and external stakeholders.

Specific responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain clear/ adequate Risk Control Matrix (RCMs)/ ICOFR framework, together with the Global Risk Management and Internal Control Director, based on end-to-end business processes aligned with the respective GPOs, Head of Functions, countries and FSSC.
• Promote best practices, internal control harmonization, automation and digital solutions, data analytics and increased reliance on Test of Design (ToD) and Test of Effectiveness (ToE) of ICOFR towards highly sustainable control environment. Build strong cooperation with Internal Audit, GPOs, Function Heads, IT and local employees engaged in internal controls to promote best solutions within the organization, and to optimize effectiveness of internal control environment.
• Monitor activities and report on ToDs, ToEs of ICOFR, as well as the business risks assessment, using Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) system, monitor remediation action plans to close deficiencies and gaps.
• Support SGS in effective application, maintenance and continuous development of GRC system. Provide guidance, training and administer efficient usage of the GRC system in the region and respective countries.
• Support the local organizations and their employees in providing training, guidance and best practices with regard to internal control and risk management processes.
• Drive the risk management processes with key business/ regional and country stakeholders, including Global Risk Owner, Managing Directors, Risk Champions and Subject Matter Experts to oversee and review the risk assessment results, ensure and monitor adequate mitigating measures are in place to address the identified risks in the region and respective countries.
• Prepare regular management reports and executive summaries, in cooperation with the Global Risk Management and Internal Control Director, to the attention of the governing bodies within SGS.
• Apply judgment and act according to the SGS standards of ethics and integrity, and compliance with SGS regulations and principles, and relevant laws and regulations.
• Perform other duties and engage in other projects, initiatives and tasks, when required by management.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of combined internal control, risk management, external/ internal audit, and/ or finance experience.
• Professional experience in leading and managing a region / group of countries within international / global organization, also involving business partnering and collaboration with shared service centres.
• Practical knowledge in designing, implementing internal control frameworks, testing internal controls, risk assessment methodologies and regulatory requirements, familiarity with data analytics, CAAT, knowledge of COSO, solid acumen of main business processes at international organizations.
• Qualified accountant (ACA, CPA, CIA or similar), university degree in finance, accounting, business administration or a related field.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess complex situations, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions. Strong analytical skills and ability to deliver synthetic and insightful information.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, trust and respect, influence stakeholders across entire organization, in a multi-cultural and matrix environment, and ability to effectively convey complex concepts to diverse audiences, with international working experience in global organizations.
• Ability to build relationship and work efficiently within global international team.
• Experience in a Big Four will be a strong plus.
• Fluent English, other languages will be a plus.
• Practical and hands on experience in implementing and monitoring GRC systems for internal controls and risk management.
• Comfortable with changes and constantly looking to drive innovation and process improvement.
• Ability to deal with multiple tasks simultaneously, to prioritize, to meet tight deadlines and to work under pressure.
• Proficiency in relevant software applications (e.g., risk management tools, ERP systems, especially Oracle, and Microsoft Office Suite).
• Willingness and ability to travel if and when required.

Additional Information

Position can be remote with the requirement of business travels. 

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