Job Description
This role has leadership responsibility for Synchrony’s programs to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) Section 404 and Regulatory Reporting Quality Assurance (RRQA). SOX includes managing the end-to-end SOX compliance program, including scoping, testing oversight, deficiency remediation, and comprehensive reporting to ensure effective internal controls over financial reporting. RRQA provides independent review of the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the Company’s regulatory reporting filings.
This role requires extensive engagement and collaboration within Controllership, external audit, and with leaders across Synchrony, especially Finance, Technology & Operations, and Internal Audit. It is a high-visibility position, and the right candidate embodies core values such as leadership, candor, productivity, responsiveness, quality, and collaboration. This role supervises a team of nine.
Our Way of Working
We’re proud to offer you choice and flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home, near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. Occasionally you may be required to commute to our nearest office for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
SOX
Lead Synchrony’s SOX Section 404 Compliance Program including the SOX program strategy and procedures aligned with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
Annual SOX Scoping and Risk Assessment:
Define annual SOX testing scope through risk assessments of financial reporting and control environment data (e.g., RCSAs, process maps, IT systems).
Identify significant accounts, processes, applications, Non-Model Tools (NMT), and third-party providers impacting financial reporting.
Evaluate fraud risks and adjust scoping accordingly.
Present scoping and risk assessment results for approval to key stakeholders including the CAO and Disclosure Committee.
SOX Testing Oversight:
Develop, communicate, and obtain approval for the annual SOX testing plan, covering business and IT controls.
Coordinate quarterly and annual testing of key controls with the Internal SOX Team (IST) and monitor testing progress.
Ensure appropriate sampling, rigor, and documentation in line with the SOX Testing Working Agreement.
Evaluate service organization (SOC 1) reports and integrate third-/fourth-party control considerations.
Deficiency Management:
Identify, evaluate, document and communicate control deficiencies to CAO, Disclosure Committee, and Audit Committee.
Oversee remediation plans and validate closure of deficiencies following Issue Management procedures.
SOX Reporting and Certifications:
Provide regular updates on SOX lifecycle activities to senior leadership and relevant stakeholders.
Support Management and Executive certifications under SOX Sections 302 and 404 via attestation processes and Disclosure Committee sub-certifications.
Coordinate preparation and review of management representation letters and external audit communications.
Program Governance and Awareness:
Promote SOX compliance awareness across functional leaders, ensuring understanding of their SOX responsibilities.
Provide guidance on control design, deficiency remediation, and policy compliance as needed.
Administer SOX training programs and maintain program documentation and recordkeeping per corporate standards.
RRQA
Provide strategic leadership and direction for the RRQA program to ensure comprehensive risk assessment and quality assurance oversight.
Oversee the development, communication, and execution of the annual quarterly RRQA test plans covering conformance and transaction testing of regulatory reports and schedules.
Prioritize testing based on report risk tiers (Tier 1, 2, and 3) to focus resources on higher-risk areas.
Monitor testing progress, review findings, and ensure documentation standards for audit readiness.
Ensure stakeholder engagement and communication by driving issue management and continuous program improvement:
Oversee the classification, escalation, and remediation tracking of RRQA-identified issues and discrepancies in reporting processes.
Facilitate advisory support on regulatory reporting process changes, regulatory exam preparation, and best practices.
Provide quarterly independent testing reports to senior leadership, second and third lines of defense, highlighting issues, incidents, and process improvement recommendations.
Other
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or in lieu of degree, 10 years equivalent experience.
Minimum 5 years of experience in Audit, SOX, Testing & Internal Controls and Regulatory Reporting Quality Assurance experience.
Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required
Desired Characteristics:
Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent experience.
Prior public accounting experience, preferably with a Big 4 firm.
Proven internal control experience within a Fortune 500 company.
Experience in the financial services industry.
Direct experience in regulatory reporting.
Strong team player with the ability to influence cross-functionally and build credibility.
Excellent analytical skills with a keen attention to detail.
Proven capability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Strong project and time management skills with experience managing multiple priorities.
Solid problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing regulatory and business environments.
Grade/Level: 13
The salary range for this position is 130,000.00 – 210,000.00 USD Annual and is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge.
Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.
Eligibility Requirements:
You must be 18 years or older
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent
You must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints as part of the onboarding process
You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
New hires (Level 4-7) must have * months of continuous service with the company before they are eligible to post on other roles. Once this new hire time in position requirement is met, the associate will have a minimum 6 months’ time in position before they can post for future non-exempt roles. Employees, level 8 or greater, must have at least 18 months’ time in position before they can post. All internal employees must consistently meet performance expectations and have approval from your manager to post (or the approval of your manager and HR if you don’t meet the time in position or performance expectations).
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, ****** orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Our Commitment:
When you join us, you’ll be part of an inclusive culture where your individual skills, experience, and voice are not only heard – but valued. Together, we’re building a future where we can all belong, connect, and turn ideals into action. More than 50% of our workforce is engaged in our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where community and passion intersect to offer a safe space to learn and grow.
This starts when you choose to apply for a role at Synchrony. We ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, ****** orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We’re proud to have an award-winning culture for all.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice:
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
If you need special accommodations, please call our Career Support Line so that we can discuss your specific situation. We can be reached at 1-86XXXXXX. Representatives are available from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time
Job Family Group:
This role requires extensive engagement and collaboration within Controllership, external audit, and with leaders across Synchrony, especially Finance, Technology & Operations, and Internal Audit. It is a high-visibility position, and the right candidate embodies core values such as leadership, candor, productivity, responsiveness, quality, and collaboration. This role supervises a team of nine.
Our Way of Working
We’re proud to offer you choice and flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home, near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. Occasionally you may be required to commute to our nearest office for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
SOX
Lead Synchrony’s SOX Section 404 Compliance Program including the SOX program strategy and procedures aligned with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
Annual SOX Scoping and Risk Assessment:
Define annual SOX testing scope through risk assessments of financial reporting and control environment data (e.g., RCSAs, process maps, IT systems).
Identify significant accounts, processes, applications, Non-Model Tools (NMT), and third-party providers impacting financial reporting.
Evaluate fraud risks and adjust scoping accordingly.
Present scoping and risk assessment results for approval to key stakeholders including the CAO and Disclosure Committee.
SOX Testing Oversight:
Develop, communicate, and obtain approval for the annual SOX testing plan, covering business and IT controls.
Coordinate quarterly and annual testing of key controls with the Internal SOX Team (IST) and monitor testing progress.
Ensure appropriate sampling, rigor, and documentation in line with the SOX Testing Working Agreement.
Evaluate service organization (SOC 1) reports and integrate third-/fourth-party control considerations.
Deficiency Management:
Identify, evaluate, document and communicate control deficiencies to CAO, Disclosure Committee, and Audit Committee.
Oversee remediation plans and validate closure of deficiencies following Issue Management procedures.
SOX Reporting and Certifications:
Provide regular updates on SOX lifecycle activities to senior leadership and relevant stakeholders.
Support Management and Executive certifications under SOX Sections 302 and 404 via attestation processes and Disclosure Committee sub-certifications.
Coordinate preparation and review of management representation letters and external audit communications.
Program Governance and Awareness:
Promote SOX compliance awareness across functional leaders, ensuring understanding of their SOX responsibilities.
Provide guidance on control design, deficiency remediation, and policy compliance as needed.
Administer SOX training programs and maintain program documentation and recordkeeping per corporate standards.
RRQA
Provide strategic leadership and direction for the RRQA program to ensure comprehensive risk assessment and quality assurance oversight.
Oversee the development, communication, and execution of the annual quarterly RRQA test plans covering conformance and transaction testing of regulatory reports and schedules.
Prioritize testing based on report risk tiers (Tier 1, 2, and 3) to focus resources on higher-risk areas.
Monitor testing progress, review findings, and ensure documentation standards for audit readiness.
Ensure stakeholder engagement and communication by driving issue management and continuous program improvement:
Oversee the classification, escalation, and remediation tracking of RRQA-identified issues and discrepancies in reporting processes.
Facilitate advisory support on regulatory reporting process changes, regulatory exam preparation, and best practices.
Provide quarterly independent testing reports to senior leadership, second and third lines of defense, highlighting issues, incidents, and process improvement recommendations.
Other
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or in lieu of degree, 10 years equivalent experience.
Minimum 5 years of experience in Audit, SOX, Testing & Internal Controls and Regulatory Reporting Quality Assurance experience.
Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required
Desired Characteristics:
Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent experience.
Prior public accounting experience, preferably with a Big 4 firm.
Proven internal control experience within a Fortune 500 company.
Experience in the financial services industry.
Direct experience in regulatory reporting.
Strong team player with the ability to influence cross-functionally and build credibility.
Excellent analytical skills with a keen attention to detail.
Proven capability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Strong project and time management skills with experience managing multiple priorities.
Solid problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing regulatory and business environments.
Grade/Level: 13
The salary range for this position is 130,000.00 – 210,000.00 USD Annual and is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge.
Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.
Eligibility Requirements:
You must be 18 years or older
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent
You must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints as part of the onboarding process
You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
New hires (Level 4-7) must have * months of continuous service with the company before they are eligible to post on other roles. Once this new hire time in position requirement is met, the associate will have a minimum 6 months’ time in position before they can post for future non-exempt roles. Employees, level 8 or greater, must have at least 18 months’ time in position before they can post. All internal employees must consistently meet performance expectations and have approval from your manager to post (or the approval of your manager and HR if you don’t meet the time in position or performance expectations).
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, ****** orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Our Commitment:
When you join us, you’ll be part of an inclusive culture where your individual skills, experience, and voice are not only heard – but valued. Together, we’re building a future where we can all belong, connect, and turn ideals into action. More than 50% of our workforce is engaged in our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where community and passion intersect to offer a safe space to learn and grow.
This starts when you choose to apply for a role at Synchrony. We ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, ****** orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We’re proud to have an award-winning culture for all.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice:
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
If you need special accommodations, please call our Career Support Line so that we can discuss your specific situation. We can be reached at 1-86XXXXXX. Representatives are available from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time
Job Family Group:
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The VP, Controllership – SOX & Regulatory Reporting Quality Assurance Leader position is now open for candidates interested in the Operations Executive Jobs sector. This role in Atlanta offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Operations Executive Jobs is a plus.
