INTERNAL CONTROLS MANAGER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Dec 08, 2025 - The Internal Controls Manager has experience in SOX compliance, internal and external audits, and financial control frameworks, supported by a professional accounting qualification and strong knowledge of IFRS or US GAAP standards. This role requires the ability to oversee and test key financial controls, lead process improvement initiatives, and manage cross-cultural teams while aligning control objectives with enterprise risk management and business goals. The Manager also needs proficiency in data analytics tools such as Power BI, ACL, or IDEA, exceptional organizational skills, and a modern, technology-driven approach to control systems and frameworks.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Internal Controls Manager Resume
  • Internal Controls
  • Risk Management
  • SOX Compliance
  • Control Testing
  • Audit Coordination
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Financial Reporting
  • Process Documentation
  • Governance Development
  • Automation Integration
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Collaboration
  • Problem Solving
  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Training Delivery
  • Accountability
  • Change Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Stakeholder Engagement

Summary of Internal Controls Manager Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Supply Chain Management with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience in Big 4 and/or in retail multinational companies working in internal control designs, operations, or internal audit.
  • Experience in designing and executing control frameworks to optimize efficiency across financial and operational processes.
  • Experience leading cross-functional projects to implement remediation plans following internal audit findings.
  • Ability to conduct control walkthroughs and risk assessments to identify gaps and recommend process improvements.
  • Understanding of key performance indicators (KPIs) and control metrics used in internal control monitoring.
  • Knowledge of operational excellence principles, such as Lean or Six Sigma, for process efficiency.
  • Aptitude to analyze and work with data with a high degree of integrity and confidentiality.
  • Able to effectively operate in a fast-paced and multi-culturally diverse environment.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
  • Confident, do not shy away from conflict, and comfortable working in teams.
  • Ability to work with all levels of personnel, drive best practices where multiple stakeholders are involved, and interact with Senior Management.

2. BS in Accounting Information Systems with 6 years of Experience

  • Relevant financial data and business experience.
  • Experience working in the global index industry.
  • Experience in one of the following: 3LOD (Audit), 2LOD (Risk), or 1LOD (Risk and Control).
  • Experience working independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to manage audit readiness activities, including evidence collection, walkthroughs, and remediation tracking.
  • Ability to oversee control testing and root-cause analysis of deficiencies identified through risk or audit reviews.
  • Strong analytical, written/verbal communication skills.
  • Process and detail-oriented.
  • Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships at all levels.
  • Demonstrate ability to take initiative and drive projects to completion.
  • Ability to adapt to change and multitask in a dynamic environment.
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access).

3. BS in Statistics with 3 years of Experience

  • Work experience in Audit or Internal Control, preferably with a Big 4 accounting firm or hospitality in-house audit/compliance.
  • Experience in implementing and monitoring internal control frameworks in alignment with international standards such as COSO or SOX.
  • Experience conducting risk assessments and designing mitigation strategies for operational and financial processes.
  • Experience leading internal audits focused on compliance, efficiency, and fraud prevention.
  • Ability to prepare audit reports and present findings with actionable recommendations to senior management or audit committees.
  • Familiarity with enterprise risk management (ERM) methodologies and control mapping.
  • Excellent oral and written English communication skills across all levels of the organization.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to leverage resources in the accomplishment of objectives.
  • Good organizational and communication skills.
  • Self-motivated and able to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative work environment.
  • Strong Power Points skills.

4. BS in Accounting with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience implementing standardized control documentation processes across multiple business units to improve consistency and audit readiness.
  • Experience leading workshops and training sessions to strengthen internal awareness of control frameworks and compliance expectations.
  • Can conduct deep-dive reviews of operational and financial procedures to identify efficiency gains and mitigate risk exposure.
  • Familiarity with root cause analysis techniques to assess recurring control failures and propose sustainable solutions.
  • Ability to establish and develop effective relationships.
  • Ability to understand and critically assess financial business processes.
  • Aptitude to identify and evaluate key business risks and controls, and a flexible and innovative approach to problem-solving.
  • Deadline-driven with effective time management and ability to work under pressure with a results-focused approach.
  • Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Experience in writing process flows, risk and control metrics, and test scripts.
  • Proactive self-starter with the ability to manage own workload and customer expectations.
  • A track record of learning and enthusiasm for further development.
  • Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

5. BS in Economics with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience in external audit, SOX 404 compliance, and internal controls with a Big 4.
  • Possess a CPA and/or CIA.
  • Practical SOX work experience.
  • Strong knowledge of COSO, risk and controls standards, enterprise risk management, and business process best practices.
  • Strong knowledge of financial reporting and understanding of IFRS.
  • Working knowledge of Oracle-based financial systems
  • Ability to develop and implement internal control policies and procedures to strengthen governance frameworks.
  • Ability to manage control testing and risk assessments across multiple business units or regions.
  • Can drive process automation or data analytics initiatives to enhance audit efficiency and reporting accuracy.
  • Strategic thinking with the ability to connect internal controls to broader business objectives.
  • Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, including written and verbal communication.
  • Thrive in a fast-paced and highly demanding environment.

6. BS in Finance with 8 years of Experience

  • Experience within internal controls, internal audit, or a Big 4 public accounting environment.
  • CPA holder of CIA.
  • Solid understanding of SOX 404 requirements, COSO framework, PCAOB standards, and other relevant professional guidance.
  • Experience working in a changing and dynamic environment within FMCG companies.
  • Experience in ost-audit remediation and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen governance.
  • Experience in the management of annual risk reviews and preparing internal control sections for board or audit committee reporting.
  • Understanding of control automation concepts and digital auditing tools such as AuditBoard, TeamMate, or SAP GRC.
  • Familiarity with operational risk management principles beyond financial reporting (e.g., supply chain, procurement, or compliance risks).
  • Knowledge of data-driven audit methodologies and the use of analytics for control monitoring.
  • Strategic problem-solving ability to link audit outcomes to organizational objectives.
  • Influential leadership skills for fostering accountability and a culture of compliance.
  • Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, conflict resolution, and presentation skills.
  • Strong financial and business acumen.

7. BA in Business Administration with 10 years of Experience

  • Recent SOX, internal or external audit experience, at the manager/supervisor level.
  • Professional accounting qualification.
  • Experience in coaching and developing team members.
  • Experience in managing remote stakeholders and across cultures.
  • Able to design and roll out process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and reduce control deficiencies.
  • Experience overseeing the documentation and testing of key financial controls aligned with corporate governance standards.
  • Deep understanding of enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks and best practices.
  • Proficiency in data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, ACL, or IDEA) for audit and control testing.
  • Strong grasp of financial reporting standards (IFRS/US GAAP) as they relate to internal control compliance.
  • Awareness of cybersecurity risk and IT general controls within audit environments.
  • Strategic thinking with the ability to align control objectives to business goals.
  • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver assignments on time.
  • Have a modern approach to control frameworks and systems, and be comfortable with using new technology.
  • Good Business English, and/or any other European language.

8. BA in Audit and Compliance with 9 years of Experience

  • Experience in Oracle Cloud ERP (all modules, including catalogs and GL Financials).
  • Management with strong financial analysis and planning experience.
  • Experience with financial accounting concepts and internal accounting procedures.
  • Comprehensive business knowledge, complete accounting cycle of all the organization (Order Management, Invoicing, Purchase Orders, Inventory, Cost, etc.)
  • Prior experience in analyzing budgeting and forecasting activities, and financial statement analysis.
  • Experience in designing and maintaining internal financial controls to ensure compliance with SOX or IFRS requirements.
  • Familiarity with data visualization and financial reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
  • Understanding of business process reengineering and workflow optimization principles.
  • Awareness of enterprise performance management (EPM) systems and strategic financial modeling.
  • An analytical mindset to interpret complex financial data and translate it into actionable insights.
  • Strong leadership, teambuilding, time management, and organizational skills to complete projects under tight deadlines.
  • Assertive communication skills to interact across all management levels.
  • High adaptability in managing cross-departmental collaboration during technology transformations.

9. BS in Financial Engineering with 6 years of Experience

  • Combined IT/financial audit, SEC compliance, SOX 404 experience, with 4 years in Big 4 public accounting, holding a CPA, CIA, or equivalent.
  • Prior experience with enterprise-scale ERP systems, such as Oracle NetSuite.
  • Strong knowledge of US GAAP, COSO, PCAOB Auditing Standards, Sarbanes-Oxley, risk and controls standards, and business process best practices.
  • Sarbanes-Oxley 404 experience with a strong understanding of internal control frameworks (COBIT/COSO), risk and controls standards, business processes best practices, and current rulings and guidance.
  • General understanding of IT systems, software, networks, and IT concepts.
  • Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Excellent Project Management skills, able to effectively present information to management, prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, while adhering to deadlines.
  • Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and dispute resolution skills, and the ability to guide colleagues with clear instructions and constructive feedback.
  • Must be flexible, a team player, and able to multitask.
  • Experience in managing project work with tight deadlines and working in a fast-paced agile environment.
  • Prior hospitality and leisure industry experience.
  • Prior high-growth startup experience.

10. BS in Management Information Systems with 10 years of Experience

  • Appropriate certificate in accounting and/or auditing (e.g., Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, or Certified Information System Analyst).
  • Experience within an external audit, internal controls/audit, or public accounting environment, preferably in a management role.
  • Understanding of internal controls and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance.
  • Experience in global operations, manufacturing, and compliance.
  • Knowledge of Oracle, COGNOS, ServiceNow, WDesk, Blackline, Agile, BAAN, or other major ERP systems.
  • Experience and understanding of SOX requirements, including experience in defining and designing controls.
  • Extensive U.S. GAAP policy experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, including written and verbal communication.
  • Ability to independently research, analyze, and interpret data.
  • Flexible in handling conflicting priorities, working under strict deadlines.
  • Sound independent judgment.

11. BA in Risk Management with 5 years of Experience

  • Strong knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), PCAOB auditing standards, COSO, and US GAAP.
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent certification.
  • Experience in IT General Controls and IT Automated Controls.
  • Sound understanding of IT infrastructure and applications.
  • Experience in a public accounting firm or public company with internal or external ICFR audit experience.
  • Understanding of external auditor requirements and expectations for SOX ICFR compliance.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to analyze data effectively, efficiently, and accurately.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Professional demeanor with the ability to interact with all levels of management.
  • Proficiency with Excel, Visio, Word, and other MS Office applications.

12. BS in Accounting with 11 years of Experience

  • Professional qualifications (CPA, CIA, or equivalent).
  • Progressive internal controls experience, process, and systems up to the Manager level or applicable assurance experience.
  • Public accounting experience.
  • Must have knowledge of standard auditing practices and procedures and the ability to apply them.
  • Experience with Internal or External Audit.
  • Experience in successfully leading/directing and motivating staff, including accomplishing/exceeding departmental and Company goals and nurturing growth, and resolving conflicts diplomatically.
  • Solid understanding of GAAP and IFRS, consolidation process, including intercompany eliminations.
  • Familiarity with leadership principles for managing audit or control functions within complex organizations.
  • Awareness of external audit coordination practices to ensure smooth collaboration and information flow.
  • Understanding of organizational design and reporting structures that support internal control effectiveness.
  • Ability to mentor and coach internal control professionals to enhance technical and leadership capabilities within the department.
  • Diplomatic communicator skilled at conflict resolution and consensus building.
  • Must be hands-on, have a strong work ethic, excel in a fast-paced environment, and be adaptable to changing responsibilities and priorities.

13. BS in Finance with 13 years of Experience

  • Competent in evaluating risk and prioritizing actions based on risk and impact to the organization.
  • Experience implementing or managing a SOX program, including assessing risk, the appropriateness of controls, and collaborating with internal/external audit.
  • Strong understanding of the primary business processes, including Financial Close, Purchase to Pay, Order to Cash, Inventory, Fixed Assets, etc.
  • Understanding of COSO 2013 and principles of internal controls, and the ability to articulate this information effectively to business and IT stakeholders.
  • Experience working with external auditors and an understanding of the regulatory environment (SEC, PCAOB, etc.).
  • Accounting background with the ability to understand complex accounting issues with the proper research.
  • Understanding of IT General Controls, as well as the basic operations of an ERP (Oracle Applications.
  • Ability to quickly understand a broad range of business issues and business processes.
  • Able to adjust communication style to deliver messages to both Executive Leadership and Management - understands what level of information is required and can simplify complex matters for discussion.
  • Ability to work effectively across business and business functions and bring stakeholders together to solve problems and build consensus.
  • Able to quickly process data and facts to arrive at a logical conclusion and ask well-thought-out questions that contribute to identifying an answer/solution.
  • Able to think beyond current processes and develop improved ways of performing processes.
  • Strong project management abilities.
  • Energetic leader who can influence, lead training, and drive sustainable change.
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