Operational Risk professional (SOX Audit)

Freddie Mac•McLean, VA

4d•$74,000 - $112,000

About The Position

Freddie Mac’s Finance Risk and Controls Testing team is seeking an Operational Risk professional to perform non-IT SOX control testing. The role audits non-IT controls over financial reporting to assess compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Testing spans the Multifamily, Single Family, and Investments & Capital Markets business segments, covering process- and entity-level controls as well as controls within accounting and operational processes. The team is responsible for Freddie Mac’s SOX framework and testing. It evaluates the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting by reviewing control design and operating effectiveness in collaboration with management and external auditors. The role is part of the manual testing team and also supports team initiatives and ad hoc projects as needed. The position typically requires 2 to 4 years of relevant experience. A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience, is preferred. CPA and/or CIA certification and experience in manual SOX control testing are preferred. The role requires strong technical knowledge of accounting, auditing, SOX/ICFR, audit methodology, and risk and controls assessments, along with data analytics, communication, collaboration, organization, and attention to detail.

Requirements

Typically 2 to 4 years of experience, including experience in public accounting, risk management, or internal audit; other relevant experience may be considered.
Strong technical knowledge of GAAP, GAAS, PCAOB standards, and Sarbanes-Oxley/internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR).
Proficiency in audit methodology and risk and controls assessments.
Strong data analytics skills using current tools.
Ability to prioritize work and projects and manage competing deadlines.
Ability to build and maintain professional relationships and collaborate effectively with business areas and other stakeholders.
Ability to work in a team environment and contribute to team objectives.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Understanding of the financial services industry and secondary mortgage markets.
Ability to quickly understand complex processes, risks, and controls while prioritizing deadlines.
Solid understanding of technical accounting, financial reporting, and ICFR, including valuation of complex financial instruments.
Ability to explain complex technical and accounting concepts clearly to stakeholders.
Self-motivation, accountability, ownership, and professional skepticism and critical thinking when evaluating controls and evidence.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to complete, accurate documentation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in manual SOX control testing.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience (preferred).
CPA and/or CIA certification.

Responsibilities

Maintain current knowledge of SOX requirements, PCAOB standards, and relevant accounting and regulatory guidance, including GAAP.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with business-area team members, management, and external auditors.
Conduct walkthroughs of key processes and develop an in-depth understanding of financial-statement and disclosure risks.
Assess the design and operating effectiveness of controls over financial statements and related disclosures.
Coordinate and track testing requests and ensure supporting documentation is received on time.
Prepare clear, complete, well-supported workpapers documenting procedures, assessments, results, and conclusions.
Identify and document control design and operating-effectiveness deficiencies.
Lead meetings and communicate testing results, issues, and observations to business areas.
Report SOX testing progress, issues, and remediation efforts to management through status updates and analysis.
Perform ad hoc projects and support team initiatives as needed.