Internal Controls Specialist - Europe - remote

Role Summary

To support the Internal Controls Director in reviewing and appraising the soundness, effectiveness, and proper application of accounting and financial controls, compliance procedures and controls and timeliness of documentation generation within the European region of JELD-WEN. Providing the regional teams guidance, sharing expertise accordingly, to ensure continuous improvement and ongoing compliance with SOX legislation.

Critical Performance Objectives

• Delivering on allocated tasks for the transfer of work from external consultants to the JELD-WEN Internal Controls Team, as directed by the DICE.
• Supporting the DICE with the implementation of a robust and compliant controls framework within all European regions
• Delivery of support to regions in identifying and addressing critical remediation plans

Key Accountabilities

• To live by the JELD-WEN Values to build businesses ethically and safely, to invest in people, to inspire customers through innovations, to deliver on our promises and to improve every day
• To ensure adherence with all compliance standards and operate with integrity at all times
• To support the DICE in developing a compliance culture and controls environment consistently across the business
• To work with all allocated regions / countries in implementing the controls framework directed by the DICE, including (but not limited to):
  • Process flow charts and associated walk-throughs
  • Control matrix (RCM’s)
  • Identification of Control Owners and ensuring they clearly understand their responsibilities, and training plans are in place to address gaps
  • Robust segregation of duties (SOD) and IT General Controls (ITGCs) defined and remediated where necessary
  • Appropriate Levels of Authority (LOAs) implemented and adhered to
• Support on initiatives to enhance the control framework, including process improvements, process and control re-design, and system implementations as assigned
• Deliver support to all allocated regions / countries within Europe and ensure clear working methodology is in place to identify and address critical remediation plans
• Educate and coach process owners on SOX and internal controls; and assisting process owners in maintaining up-to-date documentation of business processes and internal controls
• Develop a strong knowledge base and level of expertise in the European operations
• Liaise with the Internal Audit team, as directed by the DICE, regarding their audit projects and annual programs ensuring a cohesive business partnership that drives knowledge share and continuous improvement across the region
• Support the completion of internal controls projects, as directed by the DICE
• Provide updates on action plans to the DICE as per agreed operating cadence
• Assist the DICE on department / corporate-wide initiatives and ad-hoc special projects
• Attend any relevant training courses to continue to build expertise in the area of Internal Controls and SOX compliance, as agreed with the DICE

Experience / Knowledge

• At least 2 years internal / business operational controls or relevant internal / external audit experience
• In-depth technical knowledge of internal control practices and principles
• Strong knowledge of internal controls and Sarbanes-Oxley (training can be provided, however an eagerness to develop SOX skills is essential)
• Full understanding and experience of documenting processes and controls, and assessing financial risks
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and a thorough understanding of financial statements
• Solid knowledge of various regulatory rules and requirements affecting the internal auditing and accounting professions
• Ability to perform data analytics and draw conclusion on the effectiveness for controls managing risks
• Strong understanding of how public companies operate
• Broad-based business knowledge including financial/operational practices and procedures
• Knowledge of and experience in different manufacturing ERP systems and comparable industry experience
• Solid management and administrative skills
• Ability to develop and maintain effective business relationships with internal and external constituencies and customers

Education / Qualifications

• Part or fully qualified accountant preferable

• Further professional designations / certifications, such as Certified Internal Auditor, etc advantageous
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio required.  Experience with data analytics software a plus.  Understanding of multiple manufacturing ERP systems including a strong knowledge of SAP

Language Skills

• Must be fluent in both written and spoken English and German. 

Please note that fluent German is essential for this position.