Manager, Global Controls and Assurance - Santa Monica, 90404

Manager, Global Controls and Assurance - Santa Monica, 90404, United States of America

Universal Music Groups Global Controls & Assurance (GCA) Department is a global team of professionals responsible for defining UMGs ICFR framework, internal control requirements, and related guidance and training. Our team is responsible for:

• Assessing the design and ongoing effectiveness of the companys internal controls;

• Identifying, evaluating, and supporting the mitigation and remediation of risk;

• Providing consultative support to Operating Companies and management;

• Driving continuous improvement, integration, and transformation initiatives; and

• Developing talent through coaching, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Join a dynamic environment where emerging technology, global scale, and an inclusive culture help you achieve your potential while supporting the artists, labels, and businesses shaping the future of music. The team reports to the VP, Global Controls & Assurance.

How youll CREATE

• Drive and lead the day-to-day execution of Global Controls & Assurance initiatives, including internal audit initiatives, internal controls over financial reporting/SOX compliance, risk assessments, maturity assessments, and related control assurance activities across UMG Operating Companies, Corporate functions, and key business areas.

• Manage initiatives or workstreams from planning through completion, including scope, timelines, quality, deliverables, status reporting, stakeholder communication, and timely escalation of risks, delays, or obstacles.

• Lead teams in process and controls services by setting expectations, coordinating work, reviewing deliverables, and confirming that conclusions are evidence-based, methodology-aligned, and action-oriented.

• Coach, mentor, and develop junior staff and team members by providing feedback, supporting development goals, and creating opportunities for on-the-job training and knowledge sharing.

• Develop and maintain a positive, productive, collaborative professional relationship with the business and project teams to provide well-coordinated and consistent high-performance results.

• Identify key risks and controls by monitoring changes in company operations, assessing emerging risks, evaluating business process and IT control environments, and translating risks into practical control recommendations.

• Evaluate and enhance controls around business processes and IT environments by developing, optimizing, and executing test plans to evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of entity-level, process, IT general, and application controls.

• Utilize technology, data analytics, and innovative approaches to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of control assurance activities, reporting, testing, and stakeholder communication.

• Develop and review audit programs, testing steps, working papers, internal control reports, remediation plans, and related deliverables to confirm alignment with initiative objectives, risk areas, and control requirements.

• Identify and clearly communicate observations, root causes, recommendations, leading practices, and performance improvement opportunities that strengthen governance, risk management, control processes, and overall business outcomes.

• Provide objective advice and practical guidance to Operating Companies, Corporate functions, and Business Units to improve control processes, documentation, remediation execution, and readiness for assurance activities.

• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, management, IT, compliance teams, external partners, and initiative teams; communicate risk and control themes clearly and influence action in sensitive situations.

• Manage the day-to-day co-sourcing relationship with external service providers, including monitoring the quality, consistency, and timeliness of their work.

• Contribute to methodology, training, thought leadership, and continuous improvement activities that strengthen GCA delivery quality and team capability.

• Travel as needed domestically and internationally, including leading work on-site.

Bring your VIBE:

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in assurance, controls, and/or or operational roles with a focus on performing internal audits.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in an appropriate field, such as Accounting, Finance, Management Information Systems, Computer and Information Science, or a related discipline.

• CPA, CIA, CISA, or other relevant professional certification is preferred.

• Advanced problem solving and analytical skills with proven ability to use data effectively to identify and resolve issues.

• Ability to identify observations and recommendations for business operations and control issues in correlation with key risk disciplines, including financial reporting, regulatory, and operational

• Advanced risk, controls, accounting and / or information technology operations knowledge, as well as strong understanding of governance and internal control regulations and frameworks, including COSO, SOX, and COBIT; understanding of U.S. GAAP and IFRS is preferred

• Previous experience leading teams and managing projects, and accustomed to taking an active role in executing projects

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with various levels across the organization and influence stakeholders.

• Commitment to operational excellence, quality, continuous improvement, and innovation in how assurance work is delivered.

• Fluent English required; another language is an advantage

• Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally; must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.