Internal Control Analyst

You'll drive automation, AI, and data analytics-led SOX control testing across Ford's global process landscape , spanning multiple business units, geographies, and process areas , leveraging modern data analytics, automation enablement, and Generative AI tools to streamline "Smart Review" execution, eliminate manual testing effort, and enhance audit coverage.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute SOX-mandated control testing across Ford's global process landscape, ensuring strict adherence to compliance timelines and quality benchmarks, applying sound professional judgment built from prior audit experience.
• Conduct data-driven "Smart Reviews",leveraging data analytics and AI-assisted pattern and anomaly detection where applicable,to proactively identify control gaps, process bottlenecks, and operational inefficiencies.
• Analyze manual control test steps, apply data analytics techniques to identify testing patterns and exceptions, and translate manual steps into automated workflows in partnership with transformation teams.
• Apply critical thinking to challenge surface-level explanations, evaluate control design effectiveness, and drive investigations to true root cause , including professionally challenging initial explanations to validate the actual root cause.
• Articulate complex control gaps, system workarounds, and root causes clearly to global process owners and senior stakeholders, including defending testing conclusions when challenged.
• Partner with local management, process owners, and global IC teams across time zones to design and implement sustainable remediation plans.
• Maintain and update Risk Control Matrices (RCMs) and process documentation, leveraging GRC platforms such as AuditBoard / Optro or similar GRC platforms.
• Provide guidance and quality review support to junior team members, drawing on depth of prior audit/IC experience.
• Maintain flexibility to support emerging management priorities, special project support, and executive reporting.

Tools & Technology

• Data Analytics & Automation- Alteryx, Power BI, SQL and RPA concepts
• Generative AI - Copilot / ChatGPT-style assistants for drafting, summarization, and pattern analysis
• GRC Platform- AuditBoard / Optro or similar GRC platforms

Selection Criteria

• Strong, hands-on foundation in internal controls, internal audit, risk frameworks, and statutory/internal audit methodologies, gained through 3–4 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated working experience using data analytics tools and techniques (e.g., Alteryx, Power BI, SQL) to analyze large datasets, identify trends/exceptions, and support control testing conclusions.
• Demonstrated working experience using AI tools for drafting, summarizing, analyzing control documentation, or applying AI/ML concepts to anomaly detection and pattern recognition.
• Hands-on experience with data-driven tools such as Alteryx, Power BI, or RPA concepts.
• Proven ability to analyze ambiguous situations, apply professional skepticism, identify root causes, and independently drive practical solutions , not just flag issues.
• Comfort with ambiguity; proven ability to pivot between structured testing and urgent, unstructured requests.
• Strong presentation and coordination skills; comfortable presenting findings to senior stakeholders and working with diverse global teams.
• Analytical mindset with curiosity to explore data patterns, automation, and AI-driven opportunities.
• Comfortable working with cross-functional, geographically distributed teams across multiple time zones.
• Hands-on experience with Audit Board or similar GRC platforms.