Director, SOX Compliance at AngloGold Ashanti

Objective of the role 

• The incumbent will be responsible for leading and managing the day-to-day activities of AngloGold Ashanti’s Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance program to ensure adherence to Sections 302 and 404 requirements, reporting to the VP: SOX Compliance.
• The Director plays a critical role in driving the strategic direction, design, execution, and continuous improvement of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR).
• This role partners with cross-functional teams, including Finance, IT, Technical Mining Departments, Internal Audit, and External Auditors to identify control risks, evaluate deficiencies, and promote a strong control environment aligned with regulatory expectations and business growth. 

Education & Qualification

• Relevant post-graduate degree(s) in Chartered Accountant (SA).

General Knowledge & Experience

• Minimum 5 – 8 years of experience in SOX compliance and internal control design within a multi-jurisdictional public company or professional services firm (Big 4 preferred).  Preference will be given to mining experience.
• In-depth knowledge of IFRS and USGAAP to identify and manage financial reporting risks.   Such experience in the mining sector will be beneficial.
• In-depth knowledge of COSO 2013 framework, PCAOB standards, and SEC reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with IT General Controls (ITGCs), system access and change management controls, and IPE (Information Prepared by the Entity).
• Knowledge of key financial statement assertions, control testing methodologies, and deficiency evaluation criteria.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating internal controls in accordance with SOX 404 requirements using the COSO 2013 framework.
• Proven experience in presenting training on SOX related matters, such as SOX 404 and SOX302.
• Demonstrated track record of managing and remediating deficiencies, significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting processes, systems, and data flows.
• Hands-on experience working with ERP and other financial reporting-related systems.  Specific experience with SAP, HFM (required), Nomos One, Workiva (beneficial).
• Experience leading or coordinating external audit interactions.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a detail-oriented, risk-focused mindset.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills; able to translate complex control issues into business language for executive and audit committee audiences.
• Proven leadership and project management capabilities in cross-functional environments.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive a culture of compliance and accountability.
• Adept at identifying process improvement opportunities without compromising control effectiveness.
• Ability to design and deliver effective training programs related to SOX compliance, internal controls, and risk awareness across various levels of the organisation.

Role Accountabilities

SOX Compliance Leadership and Oversight

• Lead the planning, execution, and management of the company’s SOX 302 and 404 compliance program, ensuring timely and effective completion of quarterly and annual cycles.
• Support the VP SOX Compliance in driving continuous improvement in SOX program maturity, scalability, and risk coverage.

Risk and Control Assessment

• Oversee the day-to-day activities, including scoping, risk assessment, and control identification process in collaboration with key stakeholders for final approval by the VP: SOX Compliance.
• Evaluate new risks arising from organisational changes, acquisitions, systems implementations, or regulatory updates.

Internal Control Design and Testing

• Ensure proper design and implementation of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR).
• Manage the control testing strategy, including reliance on management testing or internal audit, and ensure timely remediation of deficiencies.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Serve as a key liaison with external auditors, Internal Audit, Finance, Technical Mining Disciplines and IT to align on control testing, controls reliance, and deficiency remediation.
• Support the VP: SOX Compliance in providing clear and timely communication to senior leadership and control owners on SOX matters, including deficiencies and remediation plans.

Governance and Reporting

• Prepare and present regular updates enabling the VP SOX to report to the CFO, SVP Audit and Risk, Audit and Risk Committees on SOX compliance status, key findings, and emerging risks.
• Maintain documentation standards and oversee control certifications and quarterly sub-certification processes.

Team Leadership and Development

• Manage and mentor a team of SOX professionals, providing guidance, feedback, and development opportunities.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Process and Technology Optimization

• Identify opportunities to leverage technology, automation, and data analytics to enhance control effectiveness and program efficiency.
• Drive alignment with broader internal control and governance initiatives, including ESG and enterprise risk management (ERM), where relevant.