Head of Business Controls

Anthropic•San Francisco, CA

5d•$300,000 - $385,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Anthropic is seeking a Head of Business Controls to join their Internal Audit team. This role will lead the organization's financial audit and SOX 404 compliance program, focusing on financial process controls, business process risk assessments, and financial reporting integrity, especially in preparation for an IPO. The position offers a unique opportunity to build financial audit controls at an AI-first company, utilizing AI technology for innovative compliance solutions like continuous monitoring and anomaly detection. The Head of Business Controls will be responsible for audit planning, scoping, testing, remediation, and reporting, collaborating with various departments to design scalable controls, manage documentation, and communicate with external auditors. This role reports to the Head of Internal Audit and is crucial for enhancing internal control maturity pre- and post-IPO.

Requirements

10+ years of hands-on financial audit and SOX compliance experience, preferably in both Big 4 and in-house internal audit/SOX leadership roles at a fast-paced technology company
Proven ability to establish or scale financial audit and SOX compliance programs at newly public or pre-IPO companies
Deep understanding of business process controls, financial reporting, and US GAAP requirements
Strong project management, analytical, and communication skills
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
Passionate about building scalable processes that support organizational growth and Anthropic's mission to create safe AI

Nice To Haves

CPA, CIA, CISA, or similar certification
Experience supporting rapid company growth and scaling financial compliance programs accordingly
Interest in or experience applying AI/ML technologies to financial audit, compliance, or risk management processes
Deep understanding of revenue recognition (ASC 606), lease accounting (ASC 842), or other complex accounting standards relevant to technology companies
Experience working at a high-growth AI or technology company
Familiarity with financial data governance, internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), and SEC disclosure requirements

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the organization's end-to-end financial audit and SOX compliance program
Own financial audit planning, scoping, testing, remediation, and reporting activities
Build scalable, automated, and sustainable controls to support growth through pre-IPO and post-IPO readiness
Develop and maintain the financial audit compliance roadmap aligned with organizational growth
Pioneer the use of AI and automation technologies to enhance control effectiveness, continuous monitoring, and anomaly detection across financial processes
Drive financial controls rationalization initiatives to optimize the control environment and increase reliance on automated controls
Design, implement, and monitor controls across key financial processes including revenue recognition, financial close, accounts payable/receivable, and treasury operations
Evaluate and test business process controls and automated controls to ensure proper functionality and compliance with US GAAP and SEC reporting requirements
Conduct process and risk assessments to identify control gaps and remediation needs across financial workflows
Oversee control documentation and ensure audit-ready evidence is maintained for all financial processes
Assess and monitor controls over financial system implementations, ERP migrations (e.g., Workday Financials), and related integrations
Partner with Finance, Accounting, Operations, and Business teams to implement scalable financial controls
Work directly with the Controller, CFO, and Chief Accounting Officer to align audit priorities with business objectives
Collaborate with process owners to identify control improvements and automation opportunities across financial workflows
Support management's assessment of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) and related disclosures
Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors on financial audit and SOX matters
Manage audit requests, coordinate testing schedules, and facilitate walkthroughs across all financial processes
Track and report on financial audit compliance status to leadership, the Board, and Audit Committee
Drive alignment with external auditors on testing approaches, reliance strategies, and deficiency evaluation