Senior Manager, SOX Business Process

As a Senior Manager, SOX Business Process at Blend, you'll be responsible for driving the Year 1 SOX 404(b) testing for business process internal controls related to financial reporting. This includes managing the SOX testing project, developing timelines and budgets, identifying and assessing risks, and ensuring the effectiveness of internal controls. You'll also supervise the SOX team, collaborate with various business partners, and serve as a point of contact for external auditors, all while promoting an ethical culture within the company.

To qualify for the Senior Manager, SOX Business Process position at Blend, you should have a Bachelor's Degree in business or a related discipline, and a strong background in SOX compliance, ideally with 5+ years of experience in the Fintech or Software industry. Experience working in a remote team, project management skills, and certifications such as CPA or CIA are also required. A Big 4 background and a strong understanding of GAAP and PCAOB requirements will greatly enhance your application.

In your role as Senior Manager, SOX Business Process at Blend, you will contribute significantly to fostering a culture of integrity and transparency. By promoting ethical practices, guiding your team on compliance requirements, and ensuring a proactive approach to risk management, you'll be enhancing not only financial accountability but also building trust across the organization. Your leadership will help establish a positive environment that encourages collaboration and continuous improvement within the SOX team and beyond.

A Senior Manager, SOX Business Process at Blend should be comfortable using various software tools including Workiva, NetSuite, Workday, Salesforce, Slack, and GSuite. Familiarity with data reporting tools and methodologies, as well as proficiency in project management tools, will assist in effectively managing SOX engagements and ensuring the accuracy and completeness of compliance documents and reports.

The salary for a Senior Manager, SOX Business Process at Blend ranges between $114,000 and $134,000 annually. However, the final compensation can vary depend on your specific qualifications, experience, and performance in the interview process. Blend encourages transparency and values the diverse backgrounds and skills candidates bring to the table, which will be taken into account when determining the final offer.

When managing multiple projects as a Senior Manager, SOX Business Process, it’s crucial to establish a structured approach. Begin by assessing each project's timelines and requirements, then create a detailed project plan outlining milestones. Use project management tools to track progress and allocate resources efficiently. Communicating regularly with stakeholders and team members ensures transparency and helps manage expectations effectively.

When discussing your experience with SOX 404 testing, outline specific projects you've worked on, detailing the scope of the testing, your role, and the outcomes. Highlight your methodologies and any unique challenges you faced, as well as how you addressed them. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and your ability to manage complex compliance projects effectively.

Addressing risks in financial reporting requires a proactive methodology. I begin with a thorough risk assessment to identify potential control weaknesses. Then, I prioritize risks based on their impact and likelihood of occurrence. Regular discussions with stakeholders throughout the organization help in understanding evolving risks and necessary actions, ensuring that compliance strategies remain effective.

Ensuring that team members grasp SOX requirements involves a mix of training, regular communication, and providing resources. I conduct training sessions to cover key concepts and responsibilities clearly. Follow-up discussions, mentorship opportunities, and access to comprehensive documentation help reinforce their understanding, ensuring compliance responsibilities are well-known and adhered to.

Collaborating with external auditors starts with establishing clear channels of communication. I schedule regular check-ins to discuss timelines and expectations, providing all necessary documentation promptly. Being transparent about any issues and how they are being resolved fosters a strong working relationship. This ensures that audit requests are handled efficiently and successfully.

I believe in an inclusive coaching strategy that combines both hands-on experience and formal training. I provide junior team members with opportunities to take on responsibilities while offering guidance and constructive feedback. Encouraging them to ask questions and share their experiences fosters a sense of ownership and builds their confidence in handling SOX compliance tasks.

When discrepancies arise during an audit, I tackle them with a systematic process. I start by gathering all relevant information and evidence to understand the situation fully. Clear communication with the involved teams permits open discussions, allowing for immediate corrective actions. Documenting findings and resolutions ensures that the learning points can be used for process improvements in the future.

Documentation is vital in SOX compliance as it provides a clear trail of all internal controls and the related testing processes. It serves as evidence during audits, showing adherence to regulations. Comprehensive documentation also aids in training, smooth transitions, and maintaining consistency across processes, ensuring that changes or modifications don’t compromise compliance.

To analyze the effectiveness of internal controls, I start with a thorough evaluation of control design through Test of Design and Test of Effectiveness procedures. Using risk assessments guides follow-up actions where weaknesses are identified. I also engage with control owners to ensure their understanding and involvement, leading to a collaborative approach that enhances control effectiveness.

Staying updated on SOX regulations and best practices involves actively participating in professional networks, attending industry conferences, and subscribing to relevant publications. I also engage in continuous education opportunities such as workshops and certification programs, ensuring that I am informed about changes that could impact compliance strategies and risk management.