■MISSION STATEMENT
In the context of the creation of an autonomous CHC internal control department, the Internal Control Lead is a key member of the Opella Japan and Opella Australia Finance organizations. Responsible for establishing and maintaining a reliable control environment adequately supporting the countries operations, he/she is a key interlocutor of local managements.
His/her initiatives aim at ensuring, at local level, the reliability and exhaustiveness of the financial information, the security of assets as well as the compliance with established guidelines and procedures. In addition, his/her actions contribute to the efficiency of business processes and projects.
Based on his/her experience of complex environments and thanks to his/her ability to work effectively with cross-functional partners, the Internal Control Lead develops an effective internal control program. In particular, he/she conducts a risk-assessment process, identifies internal control deficiencies, recommends improvements, helps to develop adequate action plans, and follows up their implementation. Progress updates as well as practices inconsistent with our standards are communicated in transparency and regularly to the local management. Overall, the Internal Control Lead plays an essential role for the reinforcement of the level of internal control within the countries in scope.
■DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintaining the Control Environment
・Establish and maintain a strong internal control framework, supporting process owners in the implementation of Opella’s standards,
・Supervise annual Control Self-Assessments conducted by control owners,
・Collaborate with local management on remediation plans and monitor progress to address identified gaps,
・Test mandatory controls, based on the global testing campaigns,
・Ensure that all new projects consider internal control requirements from inception.
On-site walkthroughs (Narita - JP - and Virginia - AU)
・Collaborate with site management to develop a detailed risk assessment and prepare a review schedule that aligns with operational cycles and prioritizing high-risk areas.
・Conduct comprehensive walkthroughs, evaluate the application of internal controls, and verify adherence to established policies and procedures. This includes engaging with key personnel through interviews and observing live processes.
・Assess both the design and operational effectiveness of controls. Identify any discrepancies, vulnerabilities, or non-compliance issues that could impact the control environment.
・Record detailed findings during each review and provide immediate feedback to site management.
・Work closely with local teams to develop actionable remediation plans for any deficiencies discovered during the review. Monitor the implementation of these plans to ensure that corrective actions are completed promptly and effectively, reinforcing continuous improvement.
・Leverage insights gained from on-site reviews to refine the internal control framework.
Procedures and policies
・Assist in formalizing local procedures to ensure alignment with Group policies, standards, and guidelines. Ensure these documents are regularly updated, properly approved, and effectively communicated.
・Ensure policies, standards and guidelines issued by Corporate / Region are locally communicated.
Trainings
・Provide training on internal control topics to new employees and conduct targeted sessions when specific needs arise.
・Work with departments to train employees on relevant policies and procedures.
Other control activities
・Collaborate with process owners to define and enforce effective segregation of duties rules.
・Conduct annual reviews of segregation of duties conflicts and assess mitigating controls.
・Contribute to initiatives aimed at strengthening internal controls and ensure that control considerations are integrated into all new projects.
■MONITORING AND RELATIONSHIP WITH AUDITORS
・Act as a key point of contact for the Internal Audit before, during and after internal audit reviews,
・Ensure a timely and detailed follow-up of the implementation of internal audit recommendations,
・Support activities conducted by external auditors related to internal control and facilitate exchange of information between the affiliate and external auditors,
・Follow up internal control weaknesses highlighted by external auditors, ensure adequate action plans have been defined, follow up implementation and report progress.
■休日:完全週休二日制, 土, 日, 祝日, 年末年始