Manager – SOX IT controls

Manager, IT Operations – Office with Flex – Dublin 18, Ireland

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We’re proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development

The Manager, IT Operations is responsible for ensuring the effective design, implementation, and monitoring of internal controls over IT General Controls (ITGCs) and IT Application Controls (ITACs) to support compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). This role will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT, finance, and external auditors, to ensure the organization’s controls meet regulatory requirements for a publicly listed company.

The role is Office Hybrid (60% office-based, 40% remote) in our office in Leopardstown, Dublin 18.

Key Responsibilities:

1. SOX Compliance Program Management:

• Lead the planning, execution, and documentation of ITGC and ITAC evaluations in compliance with SOX Section 404 requirements.
• Develop and maintain the SOX IT controls framework, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and relevance.

2. Risk Assessment and Control Design:

• Identify IT-related risks and assess the design and operating effectiveness of ITGCs (e.g., access management, change management, and IT operations).
• Evaluate ITACs for critical systems, ensuring controls over financial reporting are adequate and effective.

3. Testing and Monitoring:

• Coordinate and perform ITGC and ITAC walkthroughs and testing to assess control design and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure timely remediation of control deficiencies and support management in developing corrective action plans.

4. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as a key liaison between IT, finance, and external auditors to facilitate SOX compliance efforts.
• Partner with IT and business process owners to ensure an understanding of control requirements and implement best practices.

5. Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of controls, testing results, and audit findings.
• Provide regular updates to senior management and the Audit Committee on SOX compliance status, key issues, and remediation efforts.

6. Continuous Improvement:

• Monitor changes in regulations, standards, and industry best practices to ensure the SOX program evolves with new requirements.
• Recommend enhancements to controls, processes, and testing methodologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA or MIS) is a plus.
• Certifications:
• Preferred certifications include CISA, CISSP, CPA, CIA, or similar.
• Experience:
• 5+ years of experience in IT audit, IT compliance, or SOX management, preferably within a publicly listed company or a Big Four audit firm.
• Strong understanding of SOX requirements, ITGCs, ITACs, and COSO/COBIT frameworks.
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and financial applications.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in identifying and evaluating IT risks and controls.
• Familiarity with tools like GRC platforms (e.g., ServiceNow, Archer) and automated control testing tools.
• Soft Skills:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Key Competencies:
• In-depth knowledge of SOX Section 404 compliance requirements.
• Expertise in IT risk management and control frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001).
• Proven ability to lead and manage control evaluations and testing projects.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.

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What ICON can offer you:

Our success depends on the quality of our people. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to build a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent.

In addition to your competitive salary, ICON offers a range of additional benefits. Our benefits are designed to be competitive within each country and are focused on well-being and work life balance opportunities for you and your family.

Our benefits examples include:

• Various annual leave entitlements
• A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs.
• Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead.
• Global Employee Assistance Programme, TELUS Health, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialised professionals who are there to support you and your family’s well-being.
• Life assurance
• Flexible country-specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidised travel passes, health assessments, among others.

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

At ICON, inclusion & belonging are fundamental to our culture and values. We’re dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. ICON is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know or submit a request here.

Interested in the role, but unsure if you meet all of the requirements? We would encourage you to apply regardless – there’s every chance you’re exactly what we’re looking for here at ICON whether it is for this or other roles.

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

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