Internal Controls Associate (Financial Risk SOX Team)

The Finance team is responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial and regulatory reporting for the Firm. Finance team prepares external financial reports for public filings and regulators. For internal reporting Finance team, along with Financial Planning and Analysis (FPA), summarizes, plans and forecasts the organization's financial position, including income statements, balance sheets, and analyses of future revenues, expenses and earnings. Finance team is comprised of Business Unit Controllers, Infrastructure Controllers, Accounting, Regulatory and Reporting groups, and Valuation Review.

Morgan Stanley's Finance Risk & Assurance (FinRiA) team is recruiting an associate to assist in the the Sarbanes Oxley 404 (SOX) program and the overall FinRiA agenda, which includes but not limited to the support of the Risk Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) oversight and EUC governance. SOX is a significant regulatory requirement, which requires management to document, assess and make representations about the effectiveness of its internal control structure surrounding financial reporting. Participation in this requires understanding of internal control activities, interpretation of the regulation and coordination of activities across the division.
The ideal candidate possesses banking/financial services experience, with a focus on internal controls. Additionally, the candidate should have knowledge of project management, process flow mapping, design and documentation of controls and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of management and superior communication (written and oral) and organizational skills.

Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:
>Oversee the identification, documentation and assessment of key controls across Finance and Operations, as well as work with the business areas to institute proper controls and remediation strategies
>Communicate findings and recommendations to management, determine root causes, obtain management's action plan for remediation in a timely manner and track findings through resolution
>Develop and manage working relationships with key stakeholders, including Risk Managers and Business Process owners
>Assist in the development and rollout of scoping methodology, testing strategy, and integrated SOX and operational risk framework
>Track metrics and coordinate reporting to project working groups, steering committees, senior management and external auditors
>Document control deficiencies which are clear, concise and provide value to management
>Review all relevant SOX testing support, inclusive of front-to-back process and product flows
>Able to identify gaps between implemented controls and key risks and recommenced remediation actions Skills Required:
>Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting with a minimum of 3 - 4 years' experience in financial services, banking or Big 4 consulting.
>Professional accountancy qualification preferable.
>Proven controls testing experience e.g. testing of the design adequacy and operating effectiveness of controls.
>Proven understanding of testing methodologies and processes
>Excellent analytical, technical and problem solving skills with strong attention to detail
>Critical dependency on strong oral and written communication skills
>Ability to understand and apply complex concepts
>Flexibility to adapt to a new and changing environment
>Time management skills to meet deadlines on multiple concurrent tasks
>Proven experience in supporting the implementation of a testing framework
>Experience in managing a team of professionals

Skills Desired:
> Experience in risk and control environment (SOX or Operational Risk), including proven controls testing experience e.g. testing of the design adequacy and operating effectiveness of controls.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MORGAN STANLEY:

We are committed to maintaining the first-class service and high standard of excellence that have defined Morgan Stanley for over 85 years. At our foundation are five core values - putting clients first, doing the right thing, leading with exceptional ideas, committing to diversity and inclusion, and giving back - that guide our more than 80,000 employees in 1,200 offices across 42 countries. At Morgan Stanley, you'll find trusted colleagues, committed mentors and a culture that values diverse perspectives, individual intellect and cross-collaboration. We Firm is differentiated by the caliber of our diverse team. While our company culture and commitment to inclusion define our legacy and shape our future, helping to strengthen our business and bring value to clients around the world. Learn more about how we put this commitment to action: morganstanley.com/diversity. We are proud to support our employees and their families at every point along their work-life journey, offering some of the most attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks in the industry.

We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

Certified Persons Regulatory Requirements:
If this role is deemed a Certified role and may require the role holder to hold mandatory regulatory qualifications or the minimum qualifications to meet internal company benchmarks.

Flexible work statement
Interested in flexible working opportunities? Morgan Stanley empowers employees to have greater freedom of choice through flexible working arrangements. Speak to our recruitment team to find out more.

Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunities employer. We work to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where all individuals can maximize their full potential. Our skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the global communities in which we operate and who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and experiences. Our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion is evident through our constant focus on recruiting, developing, and advancing individuals based on their skills and talents.