Operational Risk professional (SOX Audit)

Freddie Mac•McLean, VA

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 and covers process-level and entity-level controls, including controls within accounting and operational processes. The team oversees Freddie Mac’s SOX framework and testing, evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting in collaboration with management and external auditors. The successful candidate will participate in the manual testing team, assess control design and operation, document results and deficiencies, communicate findings, and report on testing progress and remediation efforts. The position also supports ad hoc projects and team initiatives.

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).
Strong data analytics skills using current tools.
Proficiency in audit methodology and risk and controls assessments.
Ability to prioritize tasks and projects and manage competing deadlines.
Ability to build and maintain professional relationships and collaborate effectively with business areas and stakeholders.
Ability to work in a team environment and contribute to team objectives.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to understand complex processes, risks, and controls quickly and prioritize competing 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.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining quality and accuracy.
Self-motivation, accountability, ownership, and pride in work results.
Professional skepticism and critical thinking when assessing control design, execution, and supporting evidence.
Strong attention to detail, completeness, and accurate documentation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in SOX control testing, particularly manual testing.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
CPA and/or CIA certification.
Understanding of the financial services industry and secondary mortgage markets.

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 risks to financial statements and related disclosures.
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 deficiencies in control design and operating effectiveness.
Lead meetings and communicate testing results, issues, and observations to business areas.
Provide management with status updates and analysis on SOX testing progress, issues, and remediation efforts.
Perform ad hoc projects and support team initiatives as needed.