Internal Control Analyst

Role Overview

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. This role suits an experienced, forward-thinking professional looking to bridge the gap between risk compliance and digital modernization. Beyond core compliance testing, you'll need an agile mindset — flexibly adapting to ad hoc management initiatives, pilot projects, and cross-functional problem solving as business needs evolve.

Scope & Scale

Testing coverage spans Ford's global process landscape across multiple business units and geographiesRegular engagement with process owners and stakeholders across multiple time zones

Direct exposure to senior stakeholders, including process owners and functional leadership, in addition to day-to-day coordination with global IC teams

Key Roles And Responsibilities

SOX Control Testing: 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.Smart Reviews: 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.Data Analytics & Automation Translation: 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.Critical Evaluation & Root Cause Analysis: 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.Insightful Communication: Articulate complex control gaps, system workarounds, and root causes clearly to global process owners and senior stakeholders, including defending testing conclusions when challenged.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with local management, process owners, and global IC teams across time zones to design and implement sustainable remediation plans.Agile Governance: Maintain and update Risk Control Matrices (RCMs) and process documentation, leveraging GRC platforms such as AuditBoard / Optro or similar GRC platforms.Mentorship & Quality Oversight: Provide guidance and quality review support to junior team members, drawing on depth of prior audit/IC experience.Dynamic Project Support: Maintain flexibility to support emerging management priorities, special project support, and executive reporting

Tools & Technology

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

Selection Criteria

Audit Exposure: Strong, hands-on foundation in internal controls, internal audit, risk frameworks, and statutory/internal audit methodologies, gained through 3–4 years of relevant experience.Data Analytics Aptitude: 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.AI Aptitude: Demonstrated working experience using AI tools for drafting, summarizing, analyzing control documentation, or applying AI/ML concepts to anomaly detection and pattern recognition.Tech Aptitude: Hands-on experience with data-driven tools such as Alteryx, Power BI, or RPA concepts.Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Proven ability to analyze ambiguous situations, apply professional skepticism, identify root causes, and independently drive practical solutions — not just flag issues.Agile Mindset: Comfort with ambiguity; proven ability to pivot between structured testing and urgent, unstructured requests.Communication & Collaboration: Strong presentation and coordination skills; comfortable presenting findings to senior stakeholders and working with diverse global teams.Continuous Improvement Bias: Analytical mindset with curiosity to explore data patterns, automation, and AI-driven opportunities.Global Collaboration: Comfortable working with cross-functional, geographically distributed teams across multiple time zones.GRC Tool Experience: Hands-on experience with Audit Board or similar GRC platforms.

Qualification Requirements

Chartered Accountant (CA) / Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) / Certified Management Accountant (CMA) / equivalent professional qualification, with 3–4 years of relevant experience in Internal Controls, Internal Audit, or related risk/compliance functions.Demonstrated working experience using AI-enabled tools in an audit, controls, or compliance context.Prior hands-on experience with AuditBoard/ Optro (preferable)