Director, Compliance and Policies

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the SOX 404 compliance program, including scoping, risk assessment, control design, documentation, remediation, and reporting.
• Lead a structured transition of certain SOX 404 program activities currently supported by Internal Audit (e.g., process narratives, flowcharts, RCM documentation, control owner inventory remediation follow‑up), ensuring a clean handoff that restores Internal Audit independence.
• Oversee the SOX lifecycle, including annual planning, control design evaluation, documentation updates, remediation tracking, and reporting.
• Maintain SOX control documentation (process narratives, flowcharts, RCMs) and ensure timely updates by control owners.
• Coordinate with Internal Audit and work with control owners to develop and track remediation plans and expected completion dates, ensuring timely remediation of any identified deficiencies.
• Review testing results provided by Internal Audit and assess deficiencies, including severity (deficiency, significant deficiency, material weakness), likelihood and impact, and aggregation of deficiencies across processes.
• Own and manage the SOX 302 sub‑certification process, including coordinating with business unit and functional leaders to confirm the integrity of financial reporting controls on a quarterly basis.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors for SOX‑related matters.
• Monitor regulatory changes and emerging risks to ensure the SOX program remains aligned with best practices and evolving requirements.
• Provide regular reporting to executive leadership on SOX readiness, issues, and remediation progress.
• Own the accounting policy framework, including drafting, updating, and publishing accounting policies in collaboration with policy owners and technical accounting leaders.
• Ensure accounting policies are aligned with U.S. GAAP, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Maintain a centralized repository of accounting policies with appropriate version control and documentation.
• Drive the annual accounting policy review cycle and ensure timely updates.
• Provide guidance to Finance and business teams on the interpretation and application of accounting policies.
• Monitor changes in accounting standards and coordinate policy updates, communication and training as needed.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on internal controls, SOX readiness, and accounting policy matters.
• Partner with Finance, Internal Audit, IT, Legal, and business units to ensure alignment between controls, processes, and accounting policies.
• Support compliance‑related assessments, investigations, and special projects as needed.
• Build strong relationships with external auditors and manage compliance audit‑related communications.
• Lead a high‑performing compliance and accounting policy team.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 10+ years of audit and accounting experience from a combined external audit and public company environment.
• Deep knowledge of Sarbanes‑Oxley, SEC reporting requirements, and PCAOB auditing standards.
• Proven experience working directly with external auditors and executive leadership.
• Strong background in public company SOX compliance requirements, accounting, and finance processes, including a solid understanding of the concepts of control design and operational efficiency.
• Familiarity with financial systems as they relate to reviewing and improving internal controls.
• Prior experience leading teams, including improving and reinforcing performance in others and facilitating their skill development by providing clear, specific performance feedback.
• Customer‑focused mindset to help business process owners navigate the SOX program, especially with non‑accounting business partners.
• AuditBoard, Oracle and OneStream experience preferred.
• Professional certification including CPA or CIA.
• Experience with global operations and complex legal structures.
• Big4 experience.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including US GAAP topics relevant to a public company (close and consolidation, tax, treasury, stock compensation, etc.).
• Interest in or experience applying AI and automation to compliance and audit processes.

Benefits

Flexible and competitive benefits plans, including medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) and more. Flexible time‑off plans with paid parental leave, vacation and holiday leave.

Work Authorization

Copeland will only employ individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not offer sponsorship. Applicants requiring sponsorship for work authorization are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Copeland is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. Copeland is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination or harassment. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: