Head of ICFR Controls Testing

Reporting to the Global Director of Internal Controls & Testing Manager, the Head of ICFR Controls Testing, will lead the Group’s strategy for ICFR testing, developing the testing approach including the risk assessment, planning, execution and reporting of assurance activity for internal controls over financial reporting across the Experian global business. Leading the ICFR Controls Testing team this role will be responsible for developing the financial control testing capabilities for Experian PLC including determining approaches to testing, scope of testing, reporting mechanisms and testing cadence and annual plans.

They will be responsible for the development and delivery of testing plans which address external financial reporting and listing requirements, board expectations on controls attestations, support efficiency in external audit delivery and add value to our financial processes and controls.  They will also be responsible for reporting outcomes of testing to risk and governance forums up to and include the Experian PLC Board of Directors.  

They will build a team of controls testing senior managers, managers and leads across multiple locations including in Bulgaria, Costa Rica and India to ensure efficient and effective use of testing resources across the planned tests collaborating with the analytics team to increase automation of testing wherever possible.  They will coordinate with teams across finance, technology, outsource providers and the wider organisation to ensure the efficient and complete delivery of testing plans and support future improvements to the ICFR control framework. 

Principle responsibilities:

• Build the  ICFR testing team and programme to a full team capability from the current 2 FTE’s today to up to 10 FTE’s across Bulgaria, Costa Rica and India.  Experian’s goal is to transition its controls programme to benchmark against a US SOX standard which will require a significant improvement in documentation and quality of control execution.  The testing team will be required to support this transition over the next several years.  
• Lead the Group’s programme of ICFR testing (including ITGC) overseeing the planning and execution of control tests including the coordination with key stakeholders, managing the activities of control testing team in off-shore locations and building strong capability for reviewing the quality of work performed.
• Prepare summary and progress reports for executive management on the board on the status of the programme, including  key findings and areas of focus and the progress on transitioning to a US SOX equivalent programme. .  
• Present findings and support remediation planning with senior executive management, senior managers of the business and the relevant risk management and governance forums including the tracking of all open deficiencies within Archer.
• Act as the primary liaison between the 2LOD Group Risk Controls & Testing team and 1LOD ICFR Controls team to ensure activities are aligned with Global Finance requirements and coordinated with ICFR activities.
• In conjunction with the ICFR risk assessment, drive the identification and prioritization of all testing activities as part of the overall assurance planning process working in close collaboration with outsource testing providers as needed.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality reports to finance teams  on areas where control documentation and execution could be improved. Play a key role in the   training, support and coaching of finance teams to mature the quality of the controls programme and review and feedback on deliverables.
• Drive the adoption of data analytics and continuous assurance, collaborating with the data analytics team to identify opportunities to use high quality data analytics within testing teams during planning, fieldwork and reporting to drive increased efficiency in plan delivery
• Develop the ICFR assurance process for walkthrough, test of design (TOD) test of effectiveness  (TOE), roll forward (RF) snd all associated year end testing, coordinating with the operational control assurance team to drive consistency in execution and reporting, 
• Lead the team’s performance management processes ensuring that all team members have stretching personal objectives, development plans and regular performance reviews to embed a high-performance culture.

Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, create marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and software. We also assist millions of people to realize their financial goals and help them save time and money.

We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agribusiness, insurance, and many more industry segments.

We invest in people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data. As a FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 22,500 people across 32 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com.

• Professional finance or accounting qualification ACA/ACCA or equivalent, including either an audit background (be that external and/or internal audit) and/or corporate experience, in an assurance, internal controls or risk function
• Experience in building and running global assurance programmes ideally in an audit and accounting firm.  Experience in running a large SOX testing programme in a complex multinational organisation would be desirable
• An understanding of IT systems and operation, experience in testing ITGC and IT Application controls would be an advantage including overseeing the complexity associated with deciding which systems / applications are in scope for testing.
• Requisite gravitas, experience and credibility to build relationships, influence and persuade at senior management level and strong leadership skills.  The role will require the communication of complex deficiencies to senior finance leadership.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including excellent written and spoken English
• Experience of working with, advising and reporting findings to regional executive teams gained with a large, complex multi-national Corporate
• Strong analytical skills coupled with finance and/or systems knowledge
• Ability to develop trusting and credible relationships at all levels of the business and across various teams
• Excellent organisational ability, strong and supportive team leader. Must be comfortable working as part of a global functional team.
• Proven ability to identify key risks and complex deficiencies and be able to influence improvements in the control environment with finance teams with limited experience in operating under a SOX or equivalent framework. 
• A commercial and pragmatic approach to governance and change with an approach that champions collaboration and consultation.
• Proven experience in an equivalent regulatory reporting environment (EG US SOX / SEC / PCAOB) is essential.

Our uniqueness is that we truly celebrate yours. Experian's culture and people are key differentiators. We take our people agenda very seriously and focus on what truly matters; DEI, work/life balance, development, authenticity, engagement, collaboration, wellness, reward & recognition, volunteering... the list goes on. Experian’s strong people first approach is award winning; Great Place To Work™ in 24 countries, FORTUNE Best Companies to work and Glassdoor Best Places to Work (globally 4.4 Stars) to name a few. Check out Experian Life on social or our Careers Site to understand why.

Experian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Innovation is a critical part of Experian's DNA and practices, and our diverse workforce drives our success. Everyone can succeed at Experian and bring their whole self to work, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, religion, colour, sexuality, physical ability or age. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know at the earliest opportunity.

Internal grade: EB6

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