Manager, Internal Audit EMEA

Overview The Manager of Internal Audit role requires strong leadership, communication, judgment, and technical expertise in GAAP and SOX. The position is responsible for independently assessing business activities, evaluating internal controls, and providing recommendations to strengthen the control environment. The manager will conduct operational, compliance and SOX audits, gain broad global business exposure across the company’s processes and will work closely with internal teams both in the Netherlands and US offices and external advisors and accountants. Success in this high visibility role also depends on effectively leveraging technology to assess financial reporting controls and support fraud prevention and detection. Responsibilities Operational Audits Perform end-to-end, risk-based audits (scoping, planning, fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up) for: Store and Distribution Center Audits Compliance audits such as GDPR, labor laws and regulations, anti-corruption laws (Italy Law 231, UK ECCTA), and ESG Operational reviews. Translate findings into clear, business focused recommendations and oversee remediation. Communicate results to management/business partners and assist them with developing corrective action plans, including root cause analysis. Maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of accounting and auditing standards, industry and technology trends and strong regulatory awareness (e.g., GDPR, ESG related frameworks, Italy Law 231). SOX/Financial Auditing Coordinate with external auditors on financial statement audits, SOX compliance audits, and SOC reporting. Serve as one of the Company’s key contacts for EMEA and Global SOX/internal control related issues or questions. Participate in the evaluation of the Company’s internal control environment and assess the design, effectiveness and adequacy of key EMEA processes based on walkthroughs and compliance testing. Partner with key EMEA and Global leaders to ensure accuracy of the control process documentation. Facilitate requests between the control owners and the external audit team. Responsible for the escalation of critical issues to Director, EMEA Internal Controls and/or VP Foot Locker Internal Audit. Must be able to interpret business data and translate into insightful recommendations. Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited university or college in business, accounting, finance, management of information systems, or related discipline. CPA/RA or CIA preferred. Must have a minimum of 5+ years accounting, auditing and/or data analytics experience. Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SOX. Experience with COSO, COBIT or similar frameworks is desired. Organizational skills, interpersonal communication. Big 4 public accounting firm experience preferred. Must demonstrate competency, understanding risks and controls to mitigate those risks such as technology-enabled controls and process-oriented controls. Must be able to think critically and perform analytical procedures on complex tasks such as risk assessment and quantification of control deficiencies. Ability to lead SOX compliance activities as well as the ability to work independently with minimal managerial supervision. Fluent in English required, preferably combined with another European language. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Willingness to travel 10-20%. Benefits Recognition, inclusion and belonging in a diverse environment 25 holidays and flexible working (hybrid position, in office ~2 days p/w) Employee Discount on in-store and online products Casual Sneaker Culture Learning & Health/Wellbeing programs Career development and growth in an ambitious international team Travel reimbursement Access to premium wellness apps Bike plan and contribution to gym subscription Pension Plan Discounted Collective Health plans Activities organized by our Social Committee # Operational Audits Perform end-to-end, risk-based audits (scoping, planning, fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up) for: Store and Distribution Center Audits Compliance audits such as GDPR, labor laws and regulations, anti-corruption laws (Italy Law 231, UK ECCTA), and ESG Operational reviews. Translate findings into clear, business focused recommendations and oversee remediation. Communicate results to management/business partners and assist them with developing corrective action plans, including root cause analysis. Maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of accounting and auditing standards, industry and technology trends and strong regulatory awareness (e.g., GDPR, ESG related frameworks, Italy Law 231). SOX/Financial Auditing Coordinate with external auditors on financial statement audits, SOX compliance audits, and SOC reporting. Serve as one of the Company’s key contacts for EMEA and Global SOX/internal control related issues or questions. Participate in the evaluation of the Company’s internal control environment and assess the design, effectiveness and adequacy of key EMEA processes based on walkthroughs and compliance testing. Partner with key EMEA and Global leaders to ensure accuracy of the control process documentation. Facilitate requests between the control owners and the external audit team. Responsible for the escalation of critical issues to Director, EMEA Internal Controls and/or VP Foot Locker Internal Audit. Must be able to interpret business data and translate into insightful recommendations. Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited university or college in business, accounting, finance, management of information systems, or related discipline. CPA/RA or CIA preferred. Must have a minimum of 5+ years accounting, auditing and/or data analytics experience. Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SOX. Experience with COSO, COBIT or similar frameworks is desired. Organizational skills, interpersonal communication. Big 4 public accounting firm experience preferred. Must demonstrate competency, understanding risks and controls to mitigate those risks such as technology-enabled controls and process-oriented controls. Must be able to think critically and perform analytical procedures on complex tasks such as risk assessment and quantification of control deficiencies. Ability to lead SOX compliance activities as well as the ability to work independently with minimal managerial supervision. Fluent in English required, preferably combined with another European language. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Willingness to travel 10-20%.