Group Head Internal Controls

GF_Finance & Controlling, Accounting-E484

Group Head Internal Controls - Full Time - Madrid, Spain

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

We are looking for a Head of Internal Controls to join our Global Finance team.

As Head of Internal Controls, you will be the strategic driver of financial governance across Sulzer’s global operations. You will lead the design and implementation of robust control frameworks, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and embed a culture of risk awareness and accountability. This role is pivotal in shaping Sulzer’s financial control environment and supporting transformation initiatives across all divisions.

Your main tasks and responsibilities:

Own and enhance the Internal Control System (ICS) across all legal entities globally.
Define and communicate clear policies and procedures for financial controls.
Assess control effectiveness, identify weaknesses, and implement improvements to meet evolving business and regulatory requirements.
Work closely with internal and external auditors to address findings and ensure timely remediation.
Drive standardisation and automation of control processes across ERP systems.
Lead initiatives impacting finance and controls.
Manage and mentor a remote team based in Madrid and India.
Engage senior leaders to enforce changes and foster a culture of compliance and excellence.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

Chartered Accountant qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
Extensive experience in internal controls, risk management, or finance leadership within large or international organisations.
In-house experience in leading a global internal controls program.
Proven track record implementing and managing ICS frameworks.
Strong knowledge of financial processes, governance frameworks, and compliance standards.
Exceptional communication and influencing skills with the ability to lead challenging conversations with senior stakeholders.
Experience with ERP systems and process optimisation.
Ability to manage complex projects and lead remote teams effectively.
Active engagement with local teams and Group functions, providing pragmatic, hands-on guidance and support.
Sector experience in engineering or manufacturing preferred, but not essential.

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.

We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2025 in Brazil, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.