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SES is implementing the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“SOX”) due to the terms of its announced intention to acquire Intelsat. Successful implementation of the company’s Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (“ICFR”) program in compliance with SOX is a critical factor to the success of the transaction. For the first time, SES will be required to submit CEO and CFO certifications regarding the effectiveness of its ICFR program and to undergo an external audit of its ICFR under Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) auditing standards.

The incumbent leads the implementation and maintenance of the company’s ICFR program. This includes leading an external advisory team and the management of an internal SOX team. The role requires deep understanding of financial reporting, internal controls, and SOX requirements. The incumbent drives the ICFR implementation with various departments, including finance, operations, IT, People & Culture, internal audit, and external audit to ensure effectiveness of the company’s ICFR program.

This position is being hired for a period of 12 months.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of an effective ICFR program based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”)
• Manage a qualified external advisor to assist with implementation of the ICFR program
• Manage a team of internal personnel to assist with design, implementation, and maintenance of the ICFR program
• Lead the development and documentation of processes, policies, and controls to ensure compliance with SOX
• Lead planning activities, walkthroughs, and status updates with process and control owners, external and internal auditors, and external advisors
• Identify and assess key risks and controls
• Ensure control owners timely design and implement key controls to mitigate risks
• Ensure control owners maintain appropriate documentation of control activities and processes
• Ensure that Sox controls are well embedded and automated in the new ERP system under implementation
• Implement and manage a third-party Governance, Risk and Compliance IT tool to manage SOX program and workflows
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting
• Identify control deficiencies, work with process owners to develop and implement remediation plans, and evaluate the severity of deficiencies
• Track and report on the status of remediation efforts to ensure timely resolution
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors regarding SOX compliance matters
• Provide reports and updates to senior management and the Audit & Risk Committee on the status of the ICFR program
• Design and implement a SOX certification process to support the CEO and CFO SOX certifications required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
• Ensure employees are educated and trained on SOX requirements
• Recommend and implement improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the ICFR program

COMPETENCIES

• In-depth knowledge of SOX requirements and the COSO framework
• In-depth understanding of PCAOB audit requirements
• Excellent knowledge of financial reporting processes and controls
• Excellent project management skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Leadership skills and able to effectively manage a team
• Ability to communicate at various levels of granularity depending on the audience
• Effective in negotiating with stakeholders and resilience when discussing audit findings
• Willingness to challenge status quo and drive continuous improvement

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Management
• U.S. Certified Public Accountant preferred
• Minimum 15 years of experience in accounting, finance, or audit
• Extensive experience with SOX compliance, internal controls, and financial reporting within large companies
• Experience managing teams
• Significant experience in a Big 4 accounting firm implementing SOX-compliant ICFR programs and/or auditing ICFR programs in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB
• Experience planning, scoping, and performing multi-location audits of internal controls
• Experience in the satellite industry is a plus