Director, Risk & Controls

About the role

The Director, Risk & Controls provides strategic leadership within Polaris’ Finance organization and serves as the second line of defense for the company’s Sarbanes-Oxley compliance program and internal control over financial reporting. Reporting to the Polaris Corporate Controller, you will own the governance, management, and continuous improvement of the global SOX program while strengthening a consistent and sustainable control environment. Leading the controls workstream for the ERP implementation, you will collaborate across Finance, Information Technology, business functions, audit organizations, implementation teams, and third-party consultants. This role offers significant ownership of enterprise controls, executive reporting, and the integration of scalable controls into future-state processes and systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the global SOX compliance program, including governance, planning, risk assessment, execution, monitoring, and reporting.
• Maintain and enhance the Internal Control over Financial Reporting framework, coordinating annual risk assessments and SOX scoping activities.
• Lead the controls workstream for the ERP implementation, partnering with Finance, Information Technology, business process leaders, and implementation teams to embed effective and scalable controls into future-state processes and system configurations.
• Manage the SOX calendar, certifications, management testing oversight, deficiency evaluation process, remediation monitoring, and management reporting.
• Serve as the primary liaison among management, Internal Audit, and external auditors regarding internal control over financial reporting and SOX-related matters.
• Partner with controllership, Finance, Information Technology, operations, and business leaders to identify financial reporting risks and design practical, sustainable controls.
• Oversee third-party consultants supporting the SOX program and ERP controls workstream, including scope, deliverables, quality, timelines, and knowledge transfer.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase the effectiveness and efficiency of controls.
• Promote strong accountability, risk awareness, and effective control ownership across functions, cultures, and geographies.

Skills

• Leadership: You inspire, guide, and empower others to achieve their best by setting clear direction, fostering trust, and creating an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and accountable for delivering results.
• Critical Thinking: You analyze information objectively, evaluate options, and apply sound judgment to solve problems and make informed decisions.
• Technical / Functional Expertise: You apply the required technical or professional knowledge to perform your role effectively and stay current within your area of expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, information systems, business, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive professional experience in SOX compliance, internal controls, public accounting, internal audit, controllership, risk management, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of SOX, internal control over financial reporting, COSO, financial reporting processes, risk assessment practices, and control governance.
• Experience managing complex SOX programs within a public company environment and partnering with external auditors and internal audit organizations.
• Strong knowledge of business process controls, IT general controls, automated controls, system access, segregation of duties, interfaces, reports, and data conversion risks.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex programs, manage multiple priorities and dependencies, and deliver high-quality results within established timelines.
• Strong project, change, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence leaders, challenge constructively, and drive accountability across Finance, Information Technology, and business functions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and executive presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex control matters effectively at all levels of management.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted cross-functional relationships; lead, coach, develop, and mentor team members; and manage third-party consulting resources and implementation partners.
• Manufacturing, consumer products, or global company experience preferred.
• CPA, CIA, CISA, or other relevant professional certification preferred.
• Experience with SAP, GRC technology, data analytics, automation, or other controls technology tools preferred.
• Travel required, including travel to international locations, up to 15%.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
• Former employees must be eligible for rehire; current employees must be in good standing.

Pay

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $175,000 to $225,000 per year. Individual salaries and positioning within the range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, and geography. While individual pay could fall anywhere in the range based on these factors, it is not common to start at the high end or top of the range.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation including a market-leading profit-sharing plan fundamental to a pay-for-performance culture.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contributions.
• Discounted employee stock purchase plan.
• Generous matching contribution to 401(k).
• Financial wellness education and consultation.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness programs.
• Paid time off.
• Gym & personal training reimbursement.
• Life insurance and disability offerings.
• Paid volunteer time off through Polaris Gives and the Polaris Foundation.

About the company

As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris' high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman® all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota,