Sr. Specialist, Compliance Auditor

This role will ensure HR operations comply with internal policies, employment laws, and regulatory standards, including Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and CEO Certification. This role involves conducting audits, evaluating internal controls, and using advanced Excel skills to analyze data, identify trends, and support compliance reporting. The ideal candidate will lead HR audit engagements across financial, operational, and compliance areas, providing strategic insights to enhance organizational performance and risk management.

Additionally, this role focuses on supporting SOX compliance within the Human Resources function of our energy utility organization.

This position does not provide employment pursuant to the terms of a STEM OPT Training Plan.

Required Education/Experience

* Bachelor's Degree and a minimum 3 years of work experience or

* Associate's Degree and a minimum 4 years of work experience

Preferred Education/Experience

* Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration, or Organizational Leadership and a minimum 2 years of relevant work experience in auditing, compliance, or business operations; demonstrating strong understanding of internal controls, risk management, and process evaluation

* Bachelor's Degree in Business, Management, Operations, Finance, Human Resources or related field and a minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in auditing, compliance, or business operations; demonstrating strong understanding of internal controls, risk management, and process evaluation

* Associate's Degree in Business, Management, Operations, Finance, Human Resources or related field and a minimum 4 years of relevant work experience including hands-on experience with conducting audits, preferably for HR or business operations; demonstrating proficiency in evaluating business processes and identifying inefficiencies

Relevant Work Experience

* Must have experience in conducting audits and evaluating internal controls, with a strong understanding of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, particularly in relation to HR aspects, required.

* Must demonstrate an understanding of employment laws and regulatory standards (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, EEO, ADA), required.

* Proven experience in achieving successful outcomes through strong collaboration with cross-functional teams is required.

* Must demonstrate strong analytical capabilities, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion, required.

* Must have high proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Power Query, conditional formatting, data validation, and advanced formulas, required.

* Experience with audit software and compliance tracking tools is a plus, preferred.

* Experience with business systems (e.g., Oracle HCM, Archer) is a plus, preferred.

* Certification such as PHR, SHRM-CP, or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), preferred.

Skills and Abilities

* Well organized, detail oriented and flexible to handle multiple assignments

* Performs work independently with minimal supervision

* Develops and delivers effective presentations

Licenses and Certifications

* Driver's License Required

Physical Demands

* Sit or stand to use a keyboard, mouse, and computer for the duration of the workday

Additional Physical Demands

* The selected candidate will be assigned a System Emergency Assignment (i.e., an emergency response role) and will be expected to work non-business hours during emergencies, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Core Responsibilities

* Conduct audits of HR processes, records, and systems to ensure compliance with internal policies, employment laws, and regulatory standards, including Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX); and co-lead the CEO Certification process to support organization-wide compliance initiatives.

* Evaluate the effectiveness of HR controls and prepare detailed audit reports outlining findings, risks, and actionable recommendations for remediation.

* Support internal and external SOX audits through walkthroughs, control testing, and documentation. Maintain and update HR compliance documentation, including control matrices and process narratives.

* Participate in risk management activities, including updates to the HR Risk Universe, Risk Profiles, and periodic Fraud Risk Assessments. Ensure HR records are accurately maintained and retained in compliance with internal policies, legal requirements, and regulatory standards.

* Use advanced Excel functions to analyze large HR datasets, identifying anomalies, trends, and compliance gaps to support compliance reporting and continuous improvement.

* Ensure HR compliance with all training requirements.

* Develop and update HR compliance checklists, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and training materials. Perform benchmarking activities with other organizations and outside utilities to identify best practices.

* Perform other related tasks and assignments as required, demonstrating flexibility and…