Internal Control Corporate Specialist - (Non) Financial Reporting Processes

We supply the sustainable and innovative paints and coatings that our customers, communities – and the environment – are increasingly relying on. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering paints company that’s committed to science-based targets and is taking genuine action to address globally relevant challenges and protect future generations.

Job Purpose

Join us in Amsterdam HQ as we embark on shaping the future of Corporate Internal Control! Are you ready to be the driving force behind Financial and Non-Financial Reporting Processes? 

As a Center of Expertise (CoE), with a pool of high-profile experts, the RIC team offers subject matter advice, procedures and tools to successfully support our businesses and their employees. The Internal Control CoE supports the business change agenda with specialized knowledge and advice in risk management, fraud prevention, internal controls design, authorization & automation and continuous improvement. 

The Internal Control Design team drives the companywide Internal Control Framework design, leveraging automation and application controls where possible; and provides guidance and instructions to help manage financial and business processes across the company. 

The Internal Control Corporate Specialist business partners with Global Functions and is actively involved in projects regarding the respective Global Processes, ensuring the Internal Control Framework stays relevant and complete, coving all key Risks.

In this Financial and Non-Financial Reporting Processes role, the specialist has a primary focus on the design and implementation of the internal control framework for the Financial and Non-Financial (i.e. Sustainability Reporting) related controls, assisting management to ensure risks are adequately managed and controls are properly embedded in the organization. 

Job responsibilities

The main responsibility of the Internal Control Corporate Specialist is to ensure that the Internal Control Framework (ICF) is properly maintained; that it is relevant, current and aligned to business needs. This is achieved through the following:

• Animating the Yearly Internal Control Framework Review(s) cycle:
• Liaise with Global Process Owners/Process Managers/Process Architects to develop and maintain Risk and Control Matrices (RCM)
• Advise them in the identification of controls to mitigate identified risks to the objectives of the company and/or functions
• Advise them in the design of controls to ensure compliance with internal requirements, financial and non-financial reporting, compliance with regulations and efficiency of operations (including, but not limited to, description (when, who, what, how), authority rules, SOD conflicts mitigation, mitigation controls, etc.)
• Advise them in the development, when applicable, of Control Self-Assessment (CSA) Instructions, ensuring these are in line with the Control Descriptions.
• Ensuring that roles and responsibilities are clearly understood by the different participants in the Internal Control cycle.
• Translating business requirements within Corporate Internal Control agenda.
• Participating in projects that (could) have an impact on the ICF and ensure changes are properly, duly and timely designed and incorporated in the framework.
• Advising respective Global Process Owners/Delivery Leads/Architects on Continuous Improvement Initiatives, ensuring adequate set-up of Internal Control framework (Global Processes RCM’s).
• Liaising with system experts within Internal Control organization and the Information Management function, to design and implement an adequate Internal Control framework within the main ERP systems.
• Providing functional direction, training and support to Corporate Departments and Global Functions.
• Ensuring that Corporate and Global Functions meet timelines, required quality and completeness of agreed action plans (from audit findings, control deficiencies and Internal Control process).
• Providing visibility to the Global Process Owners over the results of the yearly control cycles.
   

Other responsibilities include:

• Providing internal control business partnership support to the Financial Reporting and Non-Financial reporting related functions.
• Supporting the Sustainability Reporting function (i.e. Non-Financial Reporting) in the building of their Risks and Control Matrix; including advice on the design and implementation of the Internal Control Framework for both the related processes and related IT applications, in collaboration with business and project teams (where applicable), establishing new controls or redesigning the existing ones, in-line with best practices.
• Share knowledge of developments in the Sustainability Reporting landscape, such as CSRD developments and EU Taxonomy. 
• Support and advise on the design and implementation of the Internal Control Framework for ESG related processes and related IT applications in collaboration with business and project teams (where applicable), including establishing new controls or redesign of existing controls in-line with best practices. 
• Share knowledge of developments in the Sustainability Reporting landscape, such as CSRD developments and EU Taxonomy. 
• Discussing with in/external auditors to resolve identified issues; including agreeing on the audit plan, support Corporate and Global Functions in preparation of exit meetings and/or review of audit reports and provide advice on the implementation of agreed actions.
• Providing support to other RIC areas (i.e. Enterprise Risk Management, Technology and Continuous Control Monitoring and Control Monitoring).

Experience 

• MSc in Economics (MSc Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or similar and/or CPA qualifications)
• Professional certifications such as CIA, CA, CPA, CISA, or equivalent is a plus
• Solid experience (from 3-5 years in total) in Financial Reporting (ICFR, accounting, controlling, reporting, and consolidation are all a must; tax and treasury are a bonus)
• Preferably, experience (at least one year) in Sustainability Reporting (i.e., non-Financial Reporting) process
• English (fluent)
• Experience with SAP (or other widely used ERP system)
• Experiences in finance, controlling/accounting, and reporting, and capable of connecting these activities with IC needs
• Preferably having working experience with E2E processes
• Strong business acumen
• Adequate expertise/knowledge in control design, compliance, and how to leverage on system automated controls (includes proper SOD assurance)
• Strong knowledge in MS Office 365 applications
• Analytical skills
• Adequate communication skills, experience in working with local, regional, and BU/Divisional business management
• Capacity (proven) to work effectively with teams from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Absolute ethical integrity, leading by example.
• Is flexible, capable of multitasking, and can work independently with limited required direction and guidance.
• Willing to travel (max. 10% of the time)

Please note: This is a temporary position until December 2025

Become part of an outstanding company

AkzoNobel is consistently rated as one of the top employers in The Netherlands. You will join a company that is committed to achieving real sustainability. At a personal level you will also benefit from:

• A competitive salary;
• 46 vacation days
• Participation in the AkzoNobel pension plan; 
• Travel expenses to and from work
• opportunities for education that will help you to grow beyond this role
• Flexible working environment

More information and how to apply:

We welcome your online application via https://www.akzonobel.com/en/careers. Only online applications will be considered. If you have any questions, please contact Bobby Heideman, Talent Acquisition Partner or send an email to Bobby.Heideman@akzonobel.com.
 

An employment screening may be part of the selection process.
 

#LI-Hybrid
 

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 38758