Lead - Internal Controls

COMPANY OVERVIEW                                                                                                                                   

NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. A region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, NEOM is being built from the ground up to include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports, next- infrastructure and industries, enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations.

As a destination, it will be a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.

As a workplace, it is a place for people who share our core values of care, curiosity, , passion, respect, and becoming a catalyst for change.

Are you ready to help NEOM find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges? Are you prepared to create a lasting legacy that benefits to come? Then we want to hear from you!

ROLE OVERVIEW

Operationalize NEOM’s Internal Controls Framework to enable compliance with COSO regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate, improve, and monitor NEOM’s internal control environment to mitigate risks, enhance compliance, and drive efficiencies. The Lead will be a key contributor to NEOM’s organization's operational excellence strategy. 

• Drive digital innovation and serve as a change agent within GRC
• Set and implement digital strategy by working with GRC functions to map and transition manual processes to digital ones
• Championing the use of digital technology and practices to engender a digital mindset from the top down
• Leading the entire data analytics operations of GRC
• Collecting and analysing data to derive actionable insights from it that supports GRC various activities
• Ensure collaboration, knowledge sharing, and digital best practices among GRC functions and stakeholders to help establish a robust digital ecosystem
• Measure performance for digital projects, fine-tuning approaches as needed to ensure that GRC is investing in the appropriate tools and resources

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES

Assurance Services

• Drive execution of a roadmap for NEOM to achieve compliance with all relevant internal control standards, as per the guidelines in the Internal Controls Manual (ICM).
• Perform risk assessment and scoping exercise in line with the ICM to identify key focus areas for the year.
• Plan and execute all stages of Internal Controls Framework (ICF) implementation (i.e., control design assessment, deficiency remediation, controls testing, continuous monitoring).
• Draft process flowcharts, process narratives, risk and controls matrices, and evaluate controls as new systems are implemented and/or processes evolve.
• Develop test plans and execute testing procedures to assess the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls.
• Provide recommendations for control & process improvements and risk mitigation / treatments.

Advisory Services 

• Work closely with process and control owners to assist in the design and implementation of operational controls for new business units, sectors, and subsidiaries.
• Provide guidance and support to ensure that controls are effectively integrated into new processes.
• Upon management’s request, lead and conduct comprehensive reviews of operational processes to identify controls deficiencies, opportunity for optimization and controls automation.
• Act as a subject matter expert in providing guidance and advice on control-related matters.
• Assist in the development and implementation of control frameworks and best practices.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with teams within GRC as well as various other departments and sectors (Energy and Water, Procurement, Marketing, IT, etc.) to ensure alignment on control objectives.
• Develop control awareness training for key stakeholders within NEOM to ensure a strong internal control structure is embedded within NEOM.
• Regularly interact and communicate with NEOM’s functional and sector management (including subsidiaries) to educate them about Internal Controls Framework (ICF) compliance and to provide advice in respect of implementing and remediating relevant controls.
• Provide regular guidance over internal controls to the GRC champions within NEOM subsidiaries

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of control design and control testing on the eGRC platform and on Sharepoint.
• Prepare detailed and timely operating effectiveness testing reports for senior management and stakeholders summarizing deficiencies, conclusions, and management action plans.
• Ensure compliance with quality and documentation standards, as well as with regulatory requirements.

BACKGROUND, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of working experience in internal controls, risk management, consulting, or / and compliance field in a multi-faceted organization or a professional services firm.
• Strong understanding of internal control frameworks, risk assessment, and compliance standards such as COSO / COBIT.
• Understanding of risk management standards and approaches (e.g., ISO 31000).
• Proven track record of implementing and maintaining internal control frameworks within a large multi-faceted organization.
• Experience in assisting management with quarterly internal control certifications is desirable.
• Ability to understand documents and test controls within complex business processes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and project and time management skills.
• Self-confidence and the ability to communicate with others. Must be skillful at fostering collaborative relationships across NEOM and its subsidiaries and across all lines of management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and user level knowledge of ERPs such as SAP, Oracle, etc.
• Proficiency in using GRC, audit and risk management software/tools such as Enablon, Bwise, TeamMate, or similar.
• Advanced skills in report-writing techniques and styles.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Previous experience within conglomerate / large real estate construction business is preferable.

Skills

• Verbal / Writing - Excellent English communication skills.
• Relationship / Stakeholder Management - Ability to build effective, professional working relationships with stakeholders within and outside GRC to ensure work is completed and ability to anticipate issues and take proactive steps to avoid conflict and delays.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited university. A postgraduate degree would be an advantage.
• Additional internationally recognized relevant professional qualifications such as CRMA, CIA, CISA, or CFE are highly desirable.