Financial Controls and Compliance Manager

Job Description Summary

#LI-Remote

Location: United Kingdom (Home-based, with travel primarily to Switzerland during audit seasons)

Relocation Support: This role is based in the United Kingdom. While full relocation support is not offered, visa application support may be considered for suitable candidates with UK accessibility

Do you enjoy being at the heart of financial integrity — asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and strengthening controls that protect a global organisation?

In this role, you’ll play a critical part in safeguarding the quality and reliability of Novartis’ financial reporting, working across borders with senior stakeholders and external auditors. If you thrive in complex environments, enjoy international exposure, and take pride in delivering high-quality audit outcomes, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.

You’ll join a highly collaborative, international team responsible for assessing the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, using globally recognised frameworks. From leading risk-based assessments to influencing improvements in control design, your work will directly support trust, transparency, and strong governance across the Novartis Group.

 

Job Description

Key responsibilities:

• Deliver end-to-end internal controls and financial statement reviews across global entities
• Lead group-wide SOX risk assessments covering entities, processes, controls, and transactions
• Identify control gaps, deficiencies, and risks impacting financial reporting accuracy
• Partner with finance, business, and technology teams to assess control design effectiveness and remediating deficiencies by identifying effective solutions to address financial risks.
• Collaborate with ERP assurance teams on technology and application-related SOX controls
• Support the design of robust controls for new systems, projects, and business changes
• Coordinate with external auditors to ensure timely, high-quality audit execution

Essential Requirements

• Chartered Accountant qualification (ACA / ACCA qualified accountant or international equivalent)
• Extensive background in Big 4 external audit or assurance environments, with strong expertise in SOX compliance.
• Strong expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards and audit standards (both ISA and PCAOB)
• Practical experience with technology, application, and information technology controls
• Proven ability to manage complex audits from planning through to completion
• Confidence communicating complex audit matters to senior stakeholders with clarity

Desirable

• Experience within the pharmaceutical sector or shared services environments is advantageous.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

 

Skills Desired

Ability To Influence Key Stakeholders, Building Effective Teams, Critical Thinking, Effective Communications, Financial Accounting, Financial And Management Reporting, People Development, Process Optimization, Resource Allocation, Understanding Value Drivers

Global pharmaceutical company focused on innovative medicines in oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

novartis.com