IT Audit Specialist - Internal Audit, SOX Compliance and Risk Management

Internal Audit, Controls, Compliance, and Risk

IT Audit Specialist – Internal Audit, SOX Controls, Compliance & Risk

About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple yet powerful: to add life to a lifetime of learning. Every learning experience is an opportunity for personal and professional transformation. With nearly 20,000 employees worldwide, Pearson is the world’s leading learning company, delivering digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data to learners in almost 200 countries.

Learning isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are.

Learn more at www.pearsonplc.com

Role Overview

Pearson is seeking a highly skilled and motivated IT Audit Specialist – Internal Audit, Controls, Compliance & Risk to support our global SOX compliance program. This role is execution‑focused and plays a critical part in evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of IT Application Controls (ITACs) across key systems.

You will work closely with IT, Finance, Business stakeholders, and External Auditors across the US, UK, and India to ensure strong control design, compliance, and risk mitigation within a fast‑paced, global environment.

Key Responsibilities

SOX & IT Controls Execution

• Support Pearson’s global SOX compliance program, collaborating with stakeholders across multiple geographies
• Execute design assessments and operating effectiveness testing for IT Application Controls (ITACs)
• Perform walkthroughs of IT application processes, documenting control narratives and flowcharts
• Prepare detailed SOX-compliant testing workpapers to support control validation
• Conduct day-to-day ITAC testing and document results clearly and accurately
• Monitor compliance with internal policies, SOX requirements, and external regulations

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with Finance, IT, Developers, Business teams, and control owners to ensure effective control design
• Coordinate with external auditors on walkthroughs, PBC requests, testing inquiries, and remediation follow-ups
• Proactively communicate risks, findings, and improvement opportunities

Risk & Continuous Improvement

• Assist with control deficiency impact assessments and risk evaluations
• Support remediation planning and execution for identified audit findings
• Recommend enhancements to improve control sustainability, automation, and efficiency
• Take on additional assignments related to SOX, IT controls, audit, and compliance as required

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Information Technology, Finance, Accounting, or a related field
• Professional certification required: CISA, CIA, CPA, or Chartered Accountant
• 3+ years of experience in SOX ITAC / ITGC testing within a public company or public accounting environment
• Strong understanding of: 
  • IT automated controls
  • IT-dependent manual controls
  • Interface controls
  • Report-based and key financial system controls
• Knowledge of risk management frameworks including SOX, COSO, and COBIT
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Hands-on experience with ERP systems such as Oracle, Fusion, FCCS, or similar platforms
• Exposure to infrastructure and cloud environments, including: 
  • Servers and databases
  • Password vault and identity tools
  • Cloud-based systems
• Background in both IT controls and finance is highly desirable

Why Join Pearson?

• Be part of a purpose-driven global organization
• Work in a role with high visibility and global exposure
• Collaborate with experienced professionals across IT, Finance, and Audit
• Gain exposure to complex systems, large-scale SOX programs, and global audits
• Continuous learning, career growth, and professional development opportunities

Experience Level

Entry Level