Job Description: Senior Specialist – ICFR (Internal Controls over Financial Reporting)
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Specialist – ICFR to support and enhance the organization's Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) framework. The successful candidate will play a key role in assessing, testing, and monitoring financial controls, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and strengthening the overall control environment.
This role requires strong expertise in internal controls, risk assessment, financial reporting processes, and stakeholder management.
Key Responsibilities
ICFR Testing & Compliance
Execute Test of Design (TOD) and Test of Operating Effectiveness (TOE) for key financial controls.
Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls across business and finance processes.
Ensure compliance with ICFR, SOX, and corporate governance requirements.
Review supporting documentation and evidence to validate control performance.
Risk Assessment & Control Monitoring
Identify control gaps, weaknesses, and deficiencies within financial reporting processes.
Perform risk assessments and evaluate the impact of identified deficiencies.
Develop practical recommendations to strengthen the control environment.
Monitor remediation plans and track closure of identified issues.
Stakeholder Management
Liaise with Finance, Internal Audit, External Auditors, and business stakeholders.
Coordinate control testing activities and facilitate timely resolution of issues.
Provide guidance and support to process owners on control requirements and best practices.
Prepare and present progress reports to management and relevant governance committees.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
Maintain accurate documentation of testing results, findings, and remediation activities.
Support the enhancement and automation of internal control processes where applicable.
Assist in developing and updating control matrices, risk assessments, and process documentation.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at strengthening governance and compliance practices.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Professional certifications such as ACCA, CPA, CIA, CA, CFE, or equivalent are preferred.
Strong understanding of financial reporting standards, governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks.
Experience Requirements
8-10+ years of experience in Internal Controls, ICFR, SOX Compliance, Internal Audit, External Audit, Risk Advisory, or Finance Controls.
Experience in designing, implementing, and testing financial controls.
Strong knowledge of risk assessment methodologies and control frameworks.
Experience working with large organizations, preferably within the UAE or GCC region.