Principal Internal Controls & Compliance - Strategic Programs

Overview

Designs and leads internal controls and SOX compliance for the AW2030 strategic program.

Key Responsibilities

• control design
• sox compliance
• itgc design
• control testing
• erp controls
• automation

Tasks

-Guide AW2030 team members to maintain consistency with controls related design thinking -Participate in special projects and initiatives upon management request, including those that would optimize the effectiveness of existing business applications, technologies and systems and build efficiencies/improvements into current business processes -Lead the end-to-end design and implementation of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) in alignment with the COSO framework and compliance with SOX. -Directs the end-to-end design of internal controls (business and IT) across key enterprise systems and initiatives. -Participate in technology and solution architecture discussions to ensure controls requirements are confirmed and aligned. -Serve as the primary liaison with external/internal auditors for SOX testing and to resolve and manage potential control issues -Full, end-to-end ownership of assignments including, proactively engaging appropriate members to jointly resolve issues and communicate results -Collaborate with IT teams to design and validate ITGCs, including access management, change management, system interfaces, and data integrity controls -Lead walkthroughs, re-performance testing, and inquiries to assess control effectiveness. -Partner with relevant business owners, IT governance and third-party consultants to develop an updated Risk Control Matrices (RCMs), process narratives, and flowcharts for key business cycles -Validate and govern key controls design, documentation, and implementation -Oversee the implementation of controls around ERP system cutover, data reconciliation, and post-go-live monitoring -Partner with value stream leaders, Subject Matter Advisors (SMAs) and third-party firms to align on controls and compliance requirements throughout the different phases of the project. -Lead control assessments for new system capabilities and ensure alignment with financial reporting and regulatory requirements. -Ensure business owners maintain audit-ready documentation and evidence of control execution. -Develop strong relationships with business and IT process owners and act as a subject matter expert in the design and implementation of controls -Develop and manage clear communication protocols with the Controller’s Department and IT Governance teams on project status and issue resolution. -Ensure controls requirements and alignment between business processes, value stream outcomes, and enterprise objectives. -Leads and provides expertise on the transformation of manual processes into automated controls to enhance efficiency and reduce risk. -Ensure governance, risk and compliance requirements are addressed early in the system implementation lifecycle, including controls around data migration, system access, and automated workflows. -Collaborate with Business and IT SOX control owners to ensure appropriate control training has been completed -Track and report control deficiencies, develop remediation plans, and ensure timely resolution. -Supervised financial operations, ensuring compliance with internal controls and external audit requirements.

Requirements

• us gaap
• sap
• cpa
• sox
• 12+ years
• problem solving

What You Bring

-Technical accounting skills and knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC Reporting and regulatory practices --12+ years of relevant accounting or auditing experience required. -Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills -Strong written and oral communication skills with proven ability to interact effectively with internal stakeholders, management and external professionals (i.e. auditors) -Prior experience working with SAP S/4 HANA a plus -CPA preferred; CIA or CISA a plus -Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance required. -Prior experience working in the utility industry and knowledge of plant/regulatory accounting a plus. -Strong knowledge of auditing, internal controls, risk assessment and SOX related activities -Strong interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on initiative, knowledge sharing, team building and decision making -Prior public accounting and/or internal audit experience a strong preference.

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Benefits

-This role for the AW2030 Program will be full time, and you will be committed to this program for a minimum of one year. We are invested in your development and supporting your career with American Water.

About American Water

-Provides vital water and wastewater services, ensuring communities have access to clean water. -Has a long history of managing water infrastructure in partnership with municipalities. -Recent projects include modernizing infrastructure, expanding service coverage, and improving water treatment facilities. -Known for innovation in water management, offering sustainable solutions to modern water challenges. -A trusted provider for residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the U.S.

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