SOX Compliance Manager

About the role

At Appian, we are committed to maintaining high standards of excellence and integrity in everything we do. As a SOX Compliance Manager, you will be a key contributor to our compliance efforts, focusing on strengthening our internal controls and ensuring adherence to Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) regulations. Your role will involve working closely with various departments to develop, implement, and monitor controls that support accurate financial reporting and compliance. This position offers an to influence our control environment in a fast-growing technology company, helping us navigate complex regulatory requirements while supporting business growth.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop, implement, and maintain the SOX business process control framework, including risk assessments, control design, and documentation processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure controls are aligned with current business activities, product launches, system updates, and regulatory changes.
• Lead the annual SOX risk assessment process, including scope determination, materiality evaluation, and control testing planning.
• Manage the design, documentation, and testing of key controls, including manual controls, automated controls, and controls dependent on IT systems.
• Identify control deficiencies through testing and monitoring activities, and work with relevant teams to develop and implement effective remediation plans.
• Serve as the primary liaison with internal and external auditors, providing documentation, coordinating testing procedures, and addressing audit inquiries related to SOX controls.
• Promote continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to automate controls, streamline processes, and data analytics for monitoring control effectiveness.
• Support management in implementing control automation solutions, including RPA and data analytics tools, to enhance control efficiency and early detection of issues.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of control processes, testing procedures, and remediation activities to ensure audit readiness and compliance.
• Provide training and guidance to control owners and process owners to foster a strong control environment and awareness of SOX requirements.
• Monitor changes in business processes, systems, and regulatory landscape to update controls and risk assessments accordingly.
• Assist in the development of reporting dashboards and metrics to track control performance and compliance status across the organization.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in SOX compliance, internal controls, internal audit, or risk management, preferably within a public company environment.
• Strong knowledge of SOX 404 requirements, PCAOB standards, COSO framework, and best practices for control design and testing.
• Proven ability to work effectively with senior leadership and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
• Extensive experience with key finance and operational processes such as revenue recognition, financial reporting, procurement, payroll, and expense management.
• Familiarity with managing IT General Controls (ITGCs) and IT Application Controls (ITACs), including control testing and remediation.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of explaining complex control concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CA, CIA, CISA, or CRMA are highly preferred.
• Experience working in fast-paced, technology-driven environments, including financial services or fintech sectors, is advantageous.
• Knowledge of ERP systems and control automation technologies, including NetSuite, Workiva, Workday, RPA, and data analytics tools.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to interpret data and identify control weaknesses.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Nice to have

• Experience with audit management software and control automation platforms.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools and dashboards for monitoring control performance.
• Prior involvement in implementing or managing control automation initiatives, such as RPA or data analytics solutions.
• Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and compliance standards beyond SOX, such as ITAR or GDPR, is a plus.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams across different geographies or business units.
• Advanced skills in process mapping and control documentation techniques.

Skills & tools

• Deep understanding of SOX compliance frameworks and internal control systems.
• Strong experience with auditing procedures, risk assessments, and control testing methodologies.
• Proficiency in financial reporting processes and operational control environments.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as NetSuite and Workday, and control automation tools like RPA and data analytics platforms.
• Ability to develop and maintain detailed documentation, including control matrices, process narratives, and testing scripts.
• Excellent project management skills to coordinate multiple control testing and remediation activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various teams and stakeholders.
• Analytical skills to interpret data, identify trends, and recommend improvements.

Practical notes

• This role requires in-office presence five days a week at our McLean, Virginia location to facilitate collaboration and team engagement.
• The salary range for this position is between $100,000 and $200,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• In addition to salary, the company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with company match, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and health insurance options.
• Appian is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or other protected characteristics.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants needing assistance during the application process.
• This position involves working closely with internal teams and external auditors to ensure ongoing compliance and control effectiveness.
• Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their knowledge of SOX controls, audit procedures, and control automation during the interview process.