Senior Director, Internal Audit – Business SOX Program & Transformation

GE Aerospace•Evendale, OH

About The Position

Lead the transformation of GE Aerospace’s business process SOX program into a risk-based, technology-enabled program and help shape the global SOX strategy with the Internal Audit SOX Executive. The role has decision authority over business process scoping, testing, and deficiencies; leads implementation; develops a global team; advises business executives; and drives innovation and IT integration. The objective is to make SOX simpler, smarter, and more valuable to the business. The position leads the business process SOX roadmap, risk assessment, scoping, control rationalization, testing innovation, operational optimization, and integration with IT controls. It advises business leaders, reports program status and risks to senior governance, determines business process deficiency evaluations, leads resolution strategies, and manages the external auditor relationship for business controls. The role leads an approximately 10-person team of managers and staff across the US and Europe, along with co-source and vendor resources. It includes hands-on coaching and talent development, succession planning, resource planning, budget contribution, and building an inclusive, high-performing culture. The leader also participates in industry benchmarking and networks, monitors emerging risks and regulation with partner functions, and coordinates audit coverage and technology adoption with other leaders. The position is US-based and requires the ability to travel domestically and internationally. Relocation assistance is provided. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. An offer is conditioned on successful completion of a drug screen, as applicable; employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a STEM field.
10+ years of progressive experience in SOX/ICFR, internal audit, risk advisory, or controllership.
8+ years leading teams.
Active CPA, CIA, CISA, or equivalent professional certification.
Proven track record leading SOX or controls transformation, such as rationalization, automation, or process redesign.
Demonstrated ability to influence and present to executive-level leaders.
US-based, with the ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing managers and geographically dispersed teams.
Track record of developing people promoted into larger roles and coaching across cultures and time zones.
Executive presence and a customer-service mindset; calm, confident, concise communication that builds trust and enables cross-functional influence.
Transformation mindset focused on integration and risk rather than detailed testing, with comfort challenging the status quo.
Working knowledge of ITGCs, ERP environments such as SAP or Oracle, IPE, and controls automation and analytics/AI tools.
Active external network, including peer benchmarking groups or professional associations such as IIA, AICPA, or ISACA.
Big 4 or regional accounting firm experience and/or industry experience at a large, complex multinational public company; aerospace, industrial, or manufacturing experience preferred.
Lean or continuous-improvement experience applying FLIGHT DECK or Lean principles to achieve measurable results.
High EQ and humility, ability to work in a matrixed organization, and unyielding integrity.
Master’s degree or MBA.

Responsibilities

Shape and deliver the business process SOX roadmap aligned with the global SOX strategy and operating model.
Lead business process risk assessment, scoping, control rationalization, and limited oversight and review of controls; recommend changes to the SOX Executive.
Deliver testing innovation through automation, data analytics, AI-enabled testing, and continuous controls monitoring.
Optimize operations using FLIGHT DECK or Lean principles, including standard work, simplification, and lower compliance costs.
Partner with the IT SOX Senior Director on an integrated approach covering business process controls, ITGCs, ITACs, and key reports.
Build controls into system implementations, acquisitions, and business transformations early in each project.
Advise business Controllers, SOX Governance, and business CFOs, communicating clearly and providing actionable guidance.
Report business SOX status, risks, and trends to the SOX Executive, CAO, and SOX Governance, and contribute to Audit Committee materials.
Make final judgments on business process deficiency evaluations, involving the SOX Executive for high-visibility deficiencies or aggregation risk that could lead to a significant deficiency or material weakness.
Lead deficiency identification and closure strategy with control owners and SOX Governance, influencing timely resolution.
Manage the day-to-day external auditor relationship on business controls and carry out the reliance strategy.
Lead an approximately 10-person global team of managers and staff across the US and Europe, plus co-source and vendor resources.
Coach managers and staff through regular feedback, stretch assignments, and career conversations; attract, develop, and retain talent and build succession for manager roles.
Develop managers into leaders and build capacity and accountability across a dispersed, virtual team.
Build an inclusive, engaged, high-performing culture based on Respect for People, Continuous Improvement, and Customer Driven behaviors.
Manage the business SOX resource plan, contribute to the budget-to-actual process, and manage co-source performance within the approved budget.
Participate in peer benchmarking, industry forums, and professional networks, bringing leading practices into the program.
Coordinate with Controllership, Digital Technology, and Compliance to anticipate emerging risks and regulatory change.
Partner with Assurance & Advisory and Technology & Innovation leaders to coordinate coverage and adopt department technology.