Systems and Compliance Accountant - Americas

Who We Are:

We are Newark, an Avnet Company, part of Farnell Global, the fast and reliable distributor of products and technology for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance, and repair. From research and design through prototype to production, we are here to help you access the products and services you need 24/7. With more than 80 years of experience, 47 localized websites, and a dedicated team of over 3,500 employees, we provide every component you need to build the technology of tomorrow.

Farnell Global trades as Farnell in Europe, Newark in North America, and element14 throughout Asia Pacific. We also sell direct to consumers through a network of resellers, and our CPC business in the UK.

We have been part of the established global technology distributor, Avnet, since 2016. Today, this relationship allows us to support our customers at every stage of the product life cycle, offering a truly unique distribution model, as well as expertise in end-to-end delivery and product design.

Job Summary 

Ensure a high level of compliance and control is maintained within the financial systems and processes of Farnell Americas, providing guidance and support for SOX compliance and embedding of effective financial control activities.  This includes supporting existing control processes, designing and implementing new processes to address control weaknesses, and proactively working with stakeholders to promote process improvements and efficiencies, whilst always being aware of the importance of controls.  

Principal Responsibilities

• Support Finance in respect of both Internal and External Audit activities within Farnell Americas region maintaining a strong SOX control environment. Manage open audit points, proactively taking ownership to drive their timely resolution and closure, working with control owners as needed.
• Coordinate the completion of Internal Control Questionnaires within the Farnell Americas Finance Function, assessing for any control gaps and working with control owners to drive action to close identified gaps.
• Provide proactive advice into process and control improvements, ensuring efficiencies are balanced with robust controls.
• Provide expert advice to regional finance teams on best practice in financial controls, conducting in depth reviews of specific balances or processes as needed
• Leading the balance sheet review activities for Farnell Americas including: reporting, follow up and driving resolution of issues.
• Maintaining and developing the Delegation of Authority matrices within the Americas region.
• Champion/advocate and communicate (including training) compliance and internal control best practice and insight within Farnell Americas
• Work with the Global Compliance colleagues within the Finance Systems Team, to ensure that control is at the heart of all change activity, promoting consistency and process efficiency.
• Assist in the definition of Finance requirements and related process design on systems change projects within Farnell Americas. Work closely with colleagues in GIS, finance and the wider business to ensure that these projects are fully tested and delivered on time and to specification.
• Provide flexible ad hoc project support on compliance and control activities across the region.

Job Level Specifications

• Self-starter with practical, can-do approach– able to work independently and a with strong desire to be involved in process change and improvement.
• Excellent communication skills (verbally and written) with staff at all levels of the organization, both within Finance and non-Finance Functions.
• Proactive approach with a desire to learn new things and be flexible in taking on different tasks
• Strong technical SOX / internal audit and accounting skills, with understanding of importance of internal controls and effective control design
• Goal oriented and strong delivery/milestone focus with focus on quality and attention to detail

Experience

• Qualified accountant with at least 1-3 years post-qualification experience

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Internal/external audit experience
• Experience of Sarbanes Oxley compliance process
• Experience in implementing system change and re-engineering process
• Experience in supporting compliance activities within a complex global business.
• Experience in PCI compliance activities
• Experience in project management

What We Offer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.

Avnet is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy of non-discrimination also applies to religious dress and grooming practices. Avnet will accommodate employee religious dress standards and grooming practices that do not result in undue hardship for the Company.  If you are interested in applying for employment with Avnet and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position contact our Human Resources Service Center at (888) 994-7669.