Director, Internal Controls & SOX

Company: Confluent
Location: Washington
Posted on: June 24, 2025

Job Description:

With Confluent, organizations can harness the full power of continuously flowing data to innovate and win in the modern digital world. We have a purpose that drives us to do better every day – were creating an entirely new category within data infrastructure - data streaming. This technology will allow every organization to create experiences and use the power of data in ways that profoundly impact the way we all live. This impact is our purpose and drives us to do better every day. About the Role: We are seeking an experienced Director of Internal Audit & SOX Compliance to lead and manage the company’s Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance program while also overseeing internal audit activities. This role will be primarily focused on ensuring compliance with SOX 404 requirements, managing internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), and collaborating with key stakeholders across Finance, IT, Engineering and Operations. Additionally, the role will oversee select internal audit functions related to financial and operational risks. The company’s SOX program is well-established but ready for optimization, making this an exciting opportunity for a strategic and hands-on leader. What You Will Do: • Lead the SOX compliance program for business process and IT, including risk assessments, control design, testing, and remediation. • Lead and mentor a team of three FTEs as well as contractors, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. • Partner with internal stakeholders and help them navigate through change management and identifying design changes to SOX controls • Work closely with external auditors, ensuring effective coordination and facilitating efficient testing of controls. • Work closely with co-source service providers to ensure timely completion of SOX program within budget • Work with stakeholders to conduct impact assessments and root cause analysis for control deficiencies • Navigate and manage deficiency mitigation efforts, ensuring timely resolution and presentation of fully formed mitigation plans to external auditors. • Identify opportunities for improved scoping, control rationalization, and optimization to streamline processes while maintaining compliance. • Identify process improvements and work with management towards remediation • Provide SOX training and guidance to control owners and key stakeholders. • Prepare and present SOX compliance reports to executive leadership and the Audit Committee. • Conduct periodic risk assessments and oversee select internal audit engagements. • Lead pre-system implementation reviews along with other special IA projects • Implement tools to automate SOX testing What You Will Bring: • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. One or more relevant professional certifications, such as CPA, CIA, or CISA. • 13 years of experience in SOX compliance, internal audit, or financial controls, with experience in a public listed technology company. • Integrated audit experience at a Big 4 or similar accounting firm, with a strong understanding of audit methodologies, risk assessment, deficiency mitigation and control testing. • Experience in working with AuditBoard • Comfortable in a fast-paced, ever-changing and rapid-growth environment • You are a self-starter who is results driven and possesses a strong sense of urgency in a fast paced environment • Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external auditors and build trust quickly. • Strong project management and communication skills, with the ability to drive compliance initiatives. • Demonstrated ability to efficiently navigate deficiency mitigation efforts, ensuring timely and effective remediation. • Experience refining, optimizing and automating the existing control environment while maintaining compliance. • Demonstrated history of leading a team of professionals and developing and growing your team through skills development and increasing scope

Keywords: Confluent, Olney , Director, Internal Controls & SOX, Accounting, Auditing , Washington, Maryland