Audit Specialist

Role Purpose

Responsible for providing full support and assistance to Global Financial Governance function for ensuring that IHG is compliant with SOX which includes audit- planning, internal audit, Statutory and Internal audit management, Balance Sheet reconciliation reviews and any other legislation which may be applicable in future. This will include significant interaction with regional/hotel, BSC and IT management and external auditors. In addition, occasional ad-hoc involvement in the other activities of the Controller Group may be required.

Key Accountabilities

1. Assist for the audit management function, year-end across India BSC and Managed Hotels. This will include liaising with the Regional Finance Teams, Hotels and working hand in hand with the manager or Director to achieve the timelines. Responsible for reviewing CSA / SOX documents to ensure that process documents are up-to-date and are up to desired standard and assist the processes in designing of controls.
2. Responsible for completing end to end SOX /CSA testing of controls for the allocated for Hotels Or processes within BSC and ensure compliance with Group internal auditing standards and practices in the planning, conducting, and documenting of audits and for all reports prepared.
3. Perform SOX / CSA tests throughout IHG functions and Hotels as assigned with testing worldwide. This may involve travel to other IHG Regional offices and key owned hotels.
4. Assist in the documentation of results and conclusions as required by CSA, including maintenance of IHGs database of controls and tests to develop and maintain an effective understanding of the business strategy and the hospitality industry. Maintain awareness of best practices, trends and issues impacting the industry including conducting training and awareness sessions for Owned & Managed Hotels.
5. Continuously develops and documents procedures to improve the quality and efficiency of HAM. Also, develop regional tactical initiatives and create an environment of continuous improvement.
6. Liaise with internal and external auditors to ensure that IHG management, SOX / CSA team & auditors have similar understanding on all subject matter & assist in any queries that may arise.
7. Perform reconciliations review for IHG owned and Managed BU's. This will involve interactions with other BSCs processes and key owned and managed hotels
8. Maintain a consistent, high-quality stakeholder-focused orientation. Respond to individuals in manner and timeframe promised. Provide clear, accurate information; explain procedures or materials or provide supplemental information; anticipate problems or questions.
9. Continuously identify areas of potential risk, opportunities and effectiveness and propose plans for review of the areas concerned. Prioritize new risks against previously identified risks and revise the audit plans as necessary to provide the most value to the Company.
10. Assisting with all other aspects of global process management, including advising Director, and Manager Global Financial Governance of process inconsistencies and/or improvement opportunities. Recommending (and assisting in implementing) solutions to address these matters.
11. Regularly interface with Regional Hotel Champions to identify/scope of continuous improvement opportunities within the e-CSA tool.

Key Skills & Experiences

Education

• Qualified accountants (ACA, CIMA, CPA, CMA) or MBA with strong Accounting and process knowledge.

Experience

• 0-2 years' work experience in hotel and or Corporate Accounting, Internal Audit or Consulting role, Sarbanes Oxley, with demonstrated proficiency in multiple disciplines/processes related to the position.
  • Previous experience in Sarbanes Oxley Act and knowledge on the Indian Companies Act would be added advantage.
  • Experience in the design, mapping. delivery of processes, process improvements and Hotel Accounting will be preferred

Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices as well as SOX and IFRS guidelines
  • Experience in MIS reporting and Project management skills
  • Ability to competently liaise and articulate with fellow colleagues and external auditors, demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Experience in working alongside a global team.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in recognizing and resolving problems or inconsistencies in transactions and systems.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office products. Demonstrated knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and practices as well as IAS / IFRS
  • Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Extensive working knowledge of audit & control process, procedures in related environment
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of People-Soft 8.0 or other E.R.P. systems or Property Management System
  • This position has significant impact for meeting deadline, escalating issues and making actionable plans to achieve operational targets