Sr. Manager of Internal Controls and Risk Management

Patterson-UTI•Houston, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Manager of Internal Controls & Risk Management will serve as a key member of Patterson’s management team responsible for ensuring the effective design, implementation, and ongoing operation of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR). This position will lead the Company’s SOX compliance program across business process controls, IT General Controls (ITGCs), IT Application Controls (ITACs), and Entity-Level Controls. This individual will function as the primary liaison between management and both internal and external auditors, coordinating control testing, walkthroughs, remediation efforts, and documentation. The successful candidate will possess strong technical internal control expertise, proven experience in a Big Four environment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across Finance, IT, and Operations to maintain a strong internal control environment. This person is a self-starter with high integrity, strong organizational skills, and a continuous improvement mindset in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This position will report to the Chief Accounting Officer.

Requirements

Strong understanding of SOX, internal control frameworks (COSO), and PCAOB audit standards.
Ability to work proactively with auditors, anticipate questions, and ensure audit-ready documentation.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to work across Finance, IT, Operations, and senior leadership.
High attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Ability to analyze processes, identify gaps, recommend improvements, and document clear control requirements.
Strong time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize, reprioritize, and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also being a proven team player.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and comfort working with ERP systems and audit management tools (AuditBoard).
Ability to work calmly and professionally in high-visibility or high-pressure situations.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or related discipline required (Required)
7+ years of experience in internal controls, SOX compliance, or auditing.

Nice To Haves

At least 5 years of experience with the Big Four firm at the Experienced Senior or Manager level
Experience with SAP, particularly SAP S/4HANA.
Experience evaluating ITGCs, ITACs, data privacy, and IT security across complex, multi-system environments.
Experience in a public company SOX environment.
Knowledge of COSO Framework, CoBIT, other IT control frameworks
CPA

Responsibilities

Lead Patterson’s internal control compliance program, ensuring the design, implementation, and operating effectiveness of SOX controls.
Manage and oversee annual and quarterly SOX testing, including planning, walkthroughs, design assessments, testing procedures, documentation, and reporting.
Coordinate directly with internal and external auditors, acting on behalf of management to ensure efficient, timely, and well-supported audit processes.
Oversee the evaluation of business process controls, ITGCs, automated controls (ITACs), and entity-level controls.
Perform Segregation of Duties (SOD) assessments for all in-scope systems and coordinate remediation with IT and process owners.
Monitor and assess risks in the control environment and recommend enhancements to mitigate weaknesses and improve control design.
Support management’s annual SOX scoping process, including risk assessments, control rationalization, and identification of key controls.
Drive consistency in control documentation, narratives, flowcharts, RCMs, and evidence requirements across departments.
Perform ongoing operational effectiveness testing throughout the year to reduce year-end testing risk and improve audit efficiency.
Partner with IT leadership to evaluate systems changes, implement control requirements, and assess impacts of new applications or upgrades (including SAP S/4HANA, FieldFX, Coupa, etc.).
Develop and deliver training to control owners to strengthen understanding of control objectives, evidence expectations, completeness & accuracy requirements, and audit readiness.
Evaluate internal control deficiencies to determine root cause, assess financial reporting impact, and oversee timely, sustainable remediation with process and IT owners.
Design and implement real-time dashboard monitoring for control review statuses, enabling early detection of potential exceptions that would otherwise be flagged by existing detective controls.
Provide insight and recommendations on internal control implications of process changes, restructurings, new system integrations, and acquisitions.
Prepare regular management reporting on SOX status, deficiencies, remediation progress, and key risk indicators.
Lead periodic SOX self-assessment and control certification campaigns, ensuring timely completion, accuracy, and appropriate management review.
Maintain a continuous improvement mindset with ongoing focus on automation, standardization, and simplifying controls without sacrificing compliance.