Associate Director - Accounting Operations and Financial Controls

Key Objectives

Collaborate with finance and related business partners or control owners, with a risk management mindset, for control process and design changes, with a focus on technology, automation and AI.

Serve as the key point person in CFR for investor relations materials and related deliverables, provide creative solutions, and support other accounting operations needs when required.

Position Responsibilities

• SOx Compliance: Lead regional and corporate SOx compliance efforts through a period of significant transformation (in technology and financial processes), serving as a change champion who shapes how internal controls evolve alongside Lilly’s changing financial environment.
• Challenge existing models, anticipate control risk in new and dynamic processes, and serve as a partnering expert in risk and controls to Finance, business and technology leaders to enhance the control framework.
• Develop or review SOx assessment programs, help business partners identify key risks and controls, and evaluate design and operating effectiveness of internal controls in an environment where processes, systems, and tools are actively changing and being implemented.
• Ensure consistency and standardization of control activities while remaining agile and monitoring for SOx requirements.
• Evaluate control deficiencies in accordance with SEC Guidance for Management and advise process and control owners on internal control enhancements or needed process changes, including those driven by technology, automation or AI adoption.
• Train new or existing processes and control owners on the internal control compliance process and stay current on PCAOB and SEC guidance.
• Serve as the US lead for the SOx Steering Committee, a group which addresses ongoing SOx compliance and controls matters and includes internal audit, external audit, Corporate Financial Reporting and IT, and serve as the key US liaison with internal and external auditors.
• In this capacity, bring a forward-looking perspective that bridges audit rigor with the pace of business change.

External Reporting: Prepare and review portions of the annual report, quarterly SEC filings, earnings releases, investor workbook, and related investor presentations. Prepare the Audit Committee results presentations quarterly and prepare tie-out packets confirming accuracy and consistency of financial results for all Investor Relations materials and Audit Committee materials. Serve as a critical collaborator on the Press Release Disclosure Committee which includes Investor Relations, SEC Legal, Accounting, and Communications representatives.

Special Projects

Lead or assist with other special project work as identified.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field
• Minimum of 6 years work experience of audit, SOx compliance, and/or financial accounting and reporting
• CPA, CIA, or equivalent current certification

Preferences

• Additional degrees or experience in information technology, process transformation, and risk mitigation and controls consulting
• Public accounting experience
• Solid technical accounting background with knowledge of current US GAAP and SEC reporting requirements
• Demonstrated commitment to process improvement and organizational effectiveness
• Intellectual curiosity with the ability to rapidly adapt to evolving regulatory and business environments
• Experience with automation and AI initiatives
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Strong leadership and teamwork
• Able to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Strong critical thinking skills, and ability to be innovative and identify creative solutions
• Strong business partnering skills with a willingness to challenge when necessary
• Experience with large, multi-national corporations