Internal Control Analyst

Youll drive automation, AI, and data analytics-led SOX control testing across Fords global process landscape — spanning multiple business units, geographies, and process areas — leveraging modern data analytics, automation enablement, and Generative AI tools to streamline "Smart Review" execution, eliminate manual testing effort, and enhance audit coverage. This role suits an experienced, forward-thinking professional looking to bridge the gap between risk compliance and digital modernization. Beyond core compliance testing, youll need an agile mindset — flexibly adapting to ad hoc management initiatives, pilot projects, and cross-functional problem solving as business needs evolve.

Responsibilities

• SOX Control Testing: Independently execute SOX-mandated control testing across Fords global process landscape, ensuring strict adherence to compliance timelines and quality benchmarks, applying sound professional judgment built from prior audit experience.
• Smart Reviews: Conduct data-driven "Smart Reviews"—leveraging data analytics and AI-assisted pattern and anomaly detection where applicable—to proactively identify control gaps, process bottlenecks, and operational inefficiencies.
• Data Analytics & Automation Translation: Analyze manual control test steps, apply data analytics techniques to identify testing patterns and exceptions, and translate manual steps into automated workflows in partnership with transformation teams.
• Critical Evaluation & Root Cause Analysis: Apply critical thinking to challenge surface-level explanations, evaluate control design effectiveness, and drive investigations to true root cause — including professionally challenging initial explanations to validate the actual root cause.
• Insightful Communication: Articulate complex control gaps, system workarounds, and root causes clearly to global process owners and senior stakeholders, including defending testing conclusions when challenged.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with local management, process owners, and global IC teams across time zones to design and implement sustainable remediation plans.
• Agile Governance: Maintain and update Risk Control Matrices (RCMs) and process documentation, leveraging GRC platforms such as AuditBoard / Optro or similar GRC platforms.
• Mentorship & Quality Oversight: Provide guidance and quality review support to junior team members, drawing on depth of prior audit/IC experience.

Dynamic Project Support: Maintain flexibility to support emerging management priorities, special project support, and executive reporting.

Qualifications

• Chartered Accountant (CA) / Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) / Certified Management Accountant (CMA) / equivalent professional qualification, with 3–4 years of relevant experience in Internal Controls, Internal Audit, or related risk/compliance functions.
• Demonstrated working experience using AI-enabled tools in an audit, controls, or compliance context.
• Prior hands-on experience with AuditBoard/ Optro (preferable)