Role Purpose
Operationalize NEOM’s Internal Controls Framework (ICF) as it relates to project controls in line with COSO Internal Controls Integrated Framework and other best practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (especially NEOM’s projects sector) to evaluate, improve, and monitor NEOM’s project control environment to mitigate risks, enhance compliance, and drive efficiencies.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES
Assurance Services
- Collaborate with the 1 st line business teams, primarily focusing on the Projects sector, to provide assurance over critical internal controls, with main emphasis on the enterprise project controls.
- Apply data visualization tools to enhance control testing and summarizing results for remediation planning.
- Drive execution of a roadmap for NEOM to achieve compliance with all relevant internal control standards, as per the guidelines in the Internal Controls Manual (ICM).
- Perform risk assessment and scoping exercise to identify key project related risk areas in order to focus assurance efforts on.
- In relation to project controls, plan and execute all stages of Internal Controls Framework (ICF) implementation (i.e., control design assessment, deficiency remediation, controls testing, continuous monitoring).
- Draft process flowcharts, process narratives, risk and controls matrices, and evaluate controls as new systems are implemented and/or processes evolve.
- Develop test plans and execute testing procedures to assess the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls.
- Use the eGRC platform for controls administration and controls lifecycle management.
- Collaborate with 1st line teams to monitor and provide support in issue resolution and when necessary, engage with external and internal audit to resolve their audit recommendations.
Advisory Services
- Work closely with process and control owners to assist in the design and implementation of project controls for existing and new projects within NEOM regions.
- Provide guidance and support to ensure that controls are effectively integrated into project management procedures.
- Upon management’s request, lead and conduct comprehensive reviews of project management processes to identify controls deficiencies, opportunity for optimization and controls automation.
- Act as a subject matter expert in providing guidance and advice on project control-related matters.
- Assist in the development and implementation of program / project control frameworks and best practices.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with teams within GRC as well as various other departments, sectors and regions (e.g., Trojena, Sindalah, Line etc.) to ensure alignment on control objectives.
- Develop control awareness training for key stakeholders within NEOM to ensure a strong internal control structure is embedded within NEOM.
- Regularly interact and communicate with NEOM’s functional, regional and sector management (including subsidiaries) to educate them on the subject of Internal Controls Framework (ICF) compliance and to provide advice in respect of implementing and remediating relevant project controls.
- Provide regular guidance over internal controls to the GRC champions within NEOM regions and subsidiaries. Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of control design and control testing per project on the eGRC platform and on the Sharepoint.
- Prepare detailed and timely operating effectiveness testing reports for senior management and stakeholders summarizing project controls deficiencies, conclusions, and management action plans.
- Ensure compliance with quality and documentation standards, as well as with the regulatory requirements.
BACKGROUND, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 8 years of working experience in internal controls, risk management, consulting, or / and compliance field in a multi-faceted organization or professional services firm, with primary focus on enterprise project controls.
- Strong understanding of internal control frameworks, risk assessment, and compliance standards such as COSO / COBIT.
- Understanding of risk management standards and approaches (e.g., ISO 31000).
- Proven track record of implementing and maintaining internal control frameworks within a large multi-faceted organization.
- Ability to review project controls around all stages of project life-cycle, including, but not limited to, budgeting, tendering, estimation, execution, handovers, etc.
- Previous experience of reviewing procedures on cost control, cash flow management, sub-contractor management, project monitoring, time management, resource (manpower and machinery) management.
- Familiarity with technical subjects such as drawings, BOQs, submittals, NCR’s, site inspections, etc.
- Previous experience within conglomerate / large real estate construction business is preferable.
- Experience in assisting management with quarterly internal control certifications is desirable.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Project and time management skills.
- Must be skillful at fostering collaborative relationships across NEOM and its subsidiaries and across all lines of management.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and user level knowledge of ERPs such as SAP, Oracle, etc.
- Proficiency in using GRC, audit and risk management software/tools such as Enablon, Bwise, TeamMate, or similar.
- Advanced skills in report-writing techniques and styles.
