Global Internal Controls Lead

Summit Polymers•Portage, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Global Internal Controls Lead is a highly visible leadership role responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously enhancing the company's global internal controls and financial governance framework. This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape the organization's control environment, establish scalable governance processes, and strengthen financial integrity across domestic and international operations. This is a hands-on role. The successful candidate will not simply oversee an established function, they will play a leading role in building and enhancing the company's internal controls program. Working closely with executive leadership, this individual will help establish practical, sustainable governance that supports both operational excellence and future growth.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related business discipline.
5+ years of experience in public accounting, corporate internal controls, internal audit, or a combination thereof.
Experience designing, implementing, or significantly enhancing internal control environments.
Experience supporting multi-entity organizations; experience in global organizations is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to operate independently and successfully in environments where processes and governance frameworks are evolving.
Strong understanding of: U.S. GAAP, Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR), COSO Internal Control Framework, Enterprise risk assessment methodologies, Financial statement audit processes, Corporate policy development and financial governance, Account reconciliation best practices.
Strong integrity and sound professional judgment.
Excellent written communication skills with the ability to develop clear, practical corporate policies and governance documentation.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate complex processes and identify practical solutions.
A proactive, self-directed work style with a "roll-up-your-sleeves" approach.
Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments without direct reporting authority.
A continuous improvement mindset with a passion for strengthening business processes and governance.
A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Contemporary Select Assessment (Traditional score of 26 on the Cognitive portion).

Nice To Haves

Experience utilizing ERP systems, workflow automation, and data analytics to strengthen internal controls is highly desirable.
Professional Certification (i.e. CPA, CIA, or CISA) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, enhancement, and ongoing monitoring of the company's Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) framework across domestic and international operations.
Evaluate existing financial and operational controls and recommend practical improvements that strengthen governance while supporting business objectives.
Design, document, implement and test key internal controls, partnering with process owners to implement sustainable improvements.
Develop and maintain standardized control documentation, methodologies, and governance practices across the organization.
Conduct enterprise-wide risk assessments to identify financial and operational risks.
Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the company's Global Risk and Controls Matrix (RACM).
Partner with finance leadership to prioritize control initiatives based on organizational risk and business impact.
Monitor emerging risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies.
Draft, maintain, and publish enterprise-wide corporate policies governing key financial and operational processes, including Finance, Travel & Expense (T&E), Inventory Controls, Treasury Controls, and other high-risk business activities.
Collaborate with functional leaders to ensure policies are effectively communicated, implemented, and consistently followed.
Promote standardized governance practices across the global organization.
Coordinate global US GAAP audit, statutory audits and internal audit activities, serving as a primary liaison with external auditors.
Track audit findings and partner with business leaders to ensure timely and effective remediation.
Support year-round audit readiness through proactive monitoring of key controls.
Develop and oversee a global account reconciliation governance program that strengthens balance sheet integrity and financial reporting accuracy.
Identify opportunities to simplify, standardize, automate, and strengthen financial processes and key financial systems while improving the overall control environment.
Partner with Finance, Operations, Purchasing, Human Resources, Information Technology, and other functional leaders to embed effective controls into day-to-day business processes.
Partner closely with the President, Vice President of Finance, Corporate Controller, regional finance teams, and business leaders to strengthen governance and improve organizational processes.
Communicate complex accounting, governance, and risk matters in a clear and practical manner.
Influence change across the organization through collaboration, credibility, and strong relationship-building skills.