Senior SOX Compliance Specialist

Job Title

Senior SOX Compliance Specialist

Job Description Summary

Job Description Summary
The Senior SOX 404 Compliance Specialist reports to the SOX Compliance Manager and supports Cushman & Wakefield’s annual SOX 404 compliance cycle and related activities. The role is responsible for the in‑depth documentation and testing of business process controls, identifying and reporting control gaps, following up on remediation actions, and educating control owners and business functions on SOX compliance requirements.
In addition, the Senior SOX Compliance Specialist independently owns assigned SOX processes or Business Units end to end, applies professional judgment in scoping and testing decisions, reviews the work of other testers to ensure quality and consistency, and serves as a key point of contact for senior stakeholders and external auditors. The role plays an important part in the ongoing evolution and continuous improvement of the firm’s SOX 404 program.

Job Description

Responsibilities :

• SOX Documentation:  Lead and support process owners in updating process flowcharts and other key SOX documentation, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and alignment with SOX methodology
• SOX Project Management Participation:  Actively support the planning and delivery of annual, quarterly, and ongoing Sarbanes‑Oxley 404 and 302 compliance activities in collaboration with SOX Compliance Managers and key stakeholders
• SOX Scoping:  Assist and perform risk assessment analyses and scoping of SOX processes and controls for assigned regions, entities, or Business Platforms in support of Cushman & Wakefield’s SOX 404 certification
• SOX testing:  Own and perform end‑to‑end SOX 404 control testing for assigned processes and entities, including complex areas such as revenue, purchasing, financial close, fixed assets, payroll, IT General Controls, and corporate controls
• End‑to‑End Ownership: Independently own assigned SOX processes, entities, or Business Platforms from planning through walkthroughs, testing strategy, issue evaluation, and final conclusions
• External Auditor Interface: Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors (e.g., KPMG) for assigned areas, managing inquiries, follow‑ups, and issue resolution
• Professional Judgment: Apply professional judgment to identify higher‑risk areas, determine appropriate testing approaches and sample sizes, and escalate issues where necessary
• Stakeholder Leadership: Lead discussions with senior control owners and finance leadership on SOX requirements, testing outcomes, deficiencies, and remediation plans
• Program Support: Support the SOX Compliance Manager with planning, resource allocation, prioritization, and timeline management activities
• Process Improvement: Proactively identify and drive opportunities to improve SOX processes, testing efficiency, and documentation standards, including leveraging automation and data analytics
• Coaching & Development: Provide on‑the‑job guidance, coaching, and informal mentoring to SOX Compliance Specialists, including reviewing work and providing constructive feedback

Regular tasks:

• Lead and oversee process flowchart updates and the mapping of key and non‑key controls for assigned processes, ensuring alignment with SOX methodology and risk assessment outcomes
• Perform risk assessment analyses to scope SOX processes and controls for assigned regions, entities, or Business Platforms as part of the annual SOX testing cycle
• Execute process walkthroughs and associated SOX control testing, including review of documentation and testing evidence prepared by other team members
• Oversee the follow‑up and validation of control remediation actions, evaluating the adequacy of remediation and supporting conclusions
• Lead or co‑lead SOX Controls and Compliance trainings, including development of content and delivery to control owners and business stakeholders
• Act as a primary liaison with external auditors for assigned areas, coordinating walkthroughs, responding to audit requests, and facilitating auditor testing activities

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Economics, or Finance
• 3+ years of external or internal auditing experience with a public accounting firm or publicly‑traded company, preferably with SOX exposure
• Professional postgraduate qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIA) is a plus
• Fluent English (both oral and written)
• Strong expertise in Sarbanes‑Oxley 404 compliance, including scoping, walkthroughs, and control testing across complex processes
• Solid understanding of GAAP accounting principles, internal control concepts, Segregation of Duties, and related risks
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and the ability to analyze and interpret data to support risk assessment and testing conclusions
• Ability to apply professional judgment when using generally accepted accounting principles, IT general controls, and the COSO 2013 framework
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders. Work collaboratively and constructively across geographies, functions, and time zones. Provide accurate and timely reporting of status and results
• Strong problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills, with the ability to identify root causes of control issues and drive process improvements
• Excellent soft skills, including effective communication, stakeholder management, negotiation, and the ability to influence outcomes and drive win‑win solutions
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including reviewing the work of others, providing constructive feedback, and supporting the development of junior team members
• Strong analytical, accounting, and audit skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands
• Self‑starter with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for assigned processes or Business Units, ensuring timely and high‑quality delivery
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders and external auditors

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits designed to reward your expertise and ambition.
• Hybrid working model (1 day in the office/week) to balance office collaboration and remote productivity.
• Continuous learning and career development through global training programs, mentorship, and clear progression paths.
• Loyalty-based benefits, including recognition programs for long-term team members.
• Work in a modern, award-winning office overlooking the Danube, a space built for collaboration and creativity in a prime central location with excellent public transport for easy commuting.
• A vibrant, supportive team culture where your ideas matter and innovation thrives.
• Additional holidays to compensate for Hungarian public holidays falling on a weekend.
• Global exposure, partner with multinational clients and projects that shape the future of real estate.
• Join a trusted global leader with 100+ years of success and a steadily growing presence in Hungary.

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”