Project Specialist - Finance SOX & Quality Assurance

Consolidated Edison Company of New York
$105,000.00 - $145,000.00 / yr
United States, New York, New York
4 Irving Place (Show on map)
Mar 29, 2025
Overview The Project Specialist in the Finance SOX/Quality Assurance Department is responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls, recommending process improvements, and where appropriate standardizing work practices within the Finance organization. The individual will report to the Section Manager, Finance SOX/Quality Assurance. The Project Specialist supports all efforts related to the oversight and execution of the Company's SOX program. The Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) rules are federal regulations that require management to document, assess, and make representations regarding the effectiveness of the corporation's internal control over financial reporting. This position requires expertise in the design, operation, and maintenance of internal controls, interpreting changes in SOX requirements, and coordinating SOX compliance activities throughout the Company, for both business and IT controls. The individual coordinates with quality assurance and control functions throughout the Company to develop and implement best practices and works closely with both the internal auditing organization and external auditors. Additionally, the individual will conduct quality assurance reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and the efficiency of the current processes. Responsibilities Core Responsibilities Train, influence, and marshal SOX business and IT control owners and coordinators, and senior management stakeholders across all of Con Edisons affiliate businesses. Perform all oversight, execution and governance duties of the SOX Program Office in an effort to comply with relevant SOX requirements. Support the annual process to review and update the Companys SOX process documentation (e.g., business process and IT control narratives, risk and control matrices, and process flowcharts). Establish requirements and periodic reporting processes to confirm that SOX control owners, business process owners, and coordinators perform all required duties in support of the SOX Program Management Office. Work with the IT organization to document the IT general controls and application controls considerations such as access security, change management, interfaces, business continuity and the system development life cycle. Perform enterprise efforts to implement and perform analysis for segregation of duties (SoD) controls in the control environment. Act as Finances liaison to Auditing and the external auditor on all SOX testing matters. Track the status and remediation of any identified control deficiencies, significant deficiencies, or material weaknesses. Identify and develop recommendations for changes to the SOX program or associated activities to support changes in the business resulting from acquisitions, system implementations, and other changes affecting SOX compliance requirements. Work with control owners to review and provide feedback on System and Organization Control (SOC) 1 reporting requirements. Facilitate the completion of officer certifications in connection with SOX requirements. Conduct SOX benchmarking with peer companies and participate in benchmarking surveys. Support Finances quality assurance function and monitor all QA reviews. Develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of business processes within the Finance organization, including mapping compliance obligations and control activities. Assess the process inventory to identify areas for review. Participate in the establishment of new SOX systems to assist and review control design and documentation. Support efforts to rationalize and seek automation opportunities within the SOX control environment. Ensures that safe work practices are followed and the environment is fully protected in accordance with Company policy and governmental regulations. Will work independently, maintain confidentiality and place a high significance on personal accountability. Promote a positive work ethic that supports our Corporate Values and Mission Statement. Sustains a workplace environment that fosters trust, leadership, professionalism, integrity, honesty and concern. Constantly strives for excellence. Complies with Company policies and procedures. Perform other related tasks and assignments as required. Qualifications Required Education/Experience Bachelor's Degree Accounting, engineering, the sciences, economics, finance, or business and 5 years' work experience or Master's Degree Accounting, engineering, the sciences, economics, finance, or business and 3 years' work experience Relevant Work Experience Understanding in IT general controls and application controls, required. Understanding in accounting and auditing, required. Understanding in financial reporting and IT risks, processes, and controls, including COSO and IT control frameworks, preferred. Experience and understanding of Sarbanes-Oxley Act 404 controls, preferred. Experience and understanding of investigative and root cause analysis approaches, preferred. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, required. Experience collaborating and engaging with large and diverse group of stakeholders, required. Ability to present information and successfully convey a point of view in a clear and concise fashion, required. Ability to deal with conflicts, required. Maintain a high energy level, with proven ability to develop and implement innovative process improvement initiatives, required. Strong computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products, required. Knowledge of IT Systems such as Oracle, preferred. Skills and Abilities Ability to build strong customer relationships Performs work independently with minimal supervision Ability to drive multiple projects to successful completion Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills Licenses and Certifications Driver's License Required Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Preferred Other: Certified Information Systems Auditor Preferred Other: Certified Internal Auditor Preferred Additional Physical Demands Must be able to respond to Company emergencies by performing a System Emergency Assignment to restore service to our customers. Must be able and willing to travel within Company service territory, as needed.