Lead, Internal Audit and SOX Compliance

About the role

We are seeking a strategic and seasoned Lead, Internal Audit and SOX Compliance to join our Finance team reporting to the Head of Internal Audit.

This is a broad, high-impact role that goes well beyond traditional compliance. You will help to establish and elevate Notion's internal controls program end to end — designing the governance framework, leading our SOX lifecycle, embedding AI and automation into how we test and monitor controls, and serving as a trusted strategic advisor across the business as we scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive, strategic governance program that evaluates Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) against the COSO framework, ensuring the design and operating effectiveness of controls company-wide
• Drive enterprise-level risk assessment, proactively identifying emerging risks and continuously calibrating control coverage to where the business is heading, not just where it has been
• Oversee the full lifecycle of SOX documentation — scoping, narratives, risk-control matrices, walkthroughs, testing, deficiency evaluation, remediation, and reporting — and drive automation and efficiency across the program
• Act as a strategic advisor on cross-functional business transformation initiatives (new systems, new revenue streams, M&A, process redesign), ensuring sound financial controls are built in from day one
• Partner with and educate business process owners across the organization, deepening their understanding of the controls framework and building a culture of ownership and accountability
• Design and execute value-added operational audits that surface insights and drive measurable improvements beyond compliance
• Manage relationships with third-party service providers, including external auditors and co-source partners, ensuring quality and accountability
• Provide regular reporting and insight to Finance leadership, the Audit Committee, and senior stakeholders on the health of the control environment
• Champion the adoption of AI and modern tooling to make the audit function smarter, faster, and more forward-looking

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive internal audit experience, with a combination of Big 4 and high-growth technology company experience
• Deep understanding of PCAOB standards, SEC requirements, and the COSO framework, with hands-on ownership of SOX/ICFR programs
• Software or SaaS industry experience is a must — particularly involving complex revenue recognition or consumption-based reporting
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CIA, CPA, or equivalent certification required
• Proven success implementing AI and automation into the SOX program — from automated control testing and anomaly detection to AI-assisted documentation
• Process leadership — a track record of building functions, designing new processes and policies, and driving continuous improvement
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and educate partners across all levels of the organization
• A strategic, business-minded approach to controls — you see audit as a lever for value creation, not just a checkbox

Skills

• Software or SaaS industry experience is a must — particularly involving complex revenue recognition or consumption-based reporting
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CIA, CPA, or equivalent certification required
• Proven success implementing AI and automation into the SOX program — from automated control testing and anomaly detection to AI-assisted documentation
• Process leadership — a track record of building functions, designing new processes and policies, and driving continuous improvement
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and educate partners across all levels of the organization
• A strategic, business-minded approach to controls — you see audit as a lever for value creation, not just a checkbox