SOX Compliance Manager at Appian

Here at Appian, our values of Intensity and Excellence define who we are. We set high standards and live up to them, ensuring that everything we do is done with care and quality. We approach every challenge with ambition and commitment, holding ourselves and each other accountable to achieve the best results. When you join Appian, you’ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to accomplishing hard things, together. As a SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act) Compliance Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing and strengthening Appian’s controls to ensure accurate financial reporting as well as protecting our financial systems by driving SOX compliance across key business processes. You will collaborate with cross-functional partners to build and audit scalable Appian solutions that keep our controls robust in a fast-paced technology landscape. This role is based at our HQ in McLean, VA. Appian was built on a culture of in-person collaboration, which we believe is a key driver of our mission to be the best. Employees hired for this position are expected to be in the office 5 days a week to foster that culture and ensure we continue to thrive through shared ideas and teamwork. We believe being in the office provides more opportunities to come together and celebrate working with the exceptional people across Appian. What you’ll be doing (i.e., job duties): • Define and maintain the enterprise SOX business process control framework, including scoping, risk assessment, control design standards, and documentation requirements. • Ensure alignment of the SOX program with evolving business activities, new products, system changes, and external regulatory expectations. • Oversee annual SOX risk assessment, scoping, and materiality determinations for business processes. • Lead the design and implementation of key and non‑key business controls, including manual, automated, and IT‑dependent controls. • Drive timely remediation of control deficiencies, including the design and implementation of sustainable corrective actions. • Partner across all areas of the business, including Finance, Operations, and Technology • Coordinate with internal and external auditors by serving as the primary liaison for SOX business controls and process testing, walkthroughs, and evidence requests. Align on testing strategies, reliance on management, and expectations for control operation and documentation. • Drive continuous improvement and automation by seeking and identifying opportunities to streamline, standardize, and automate controls, reducing operational friction while maintaining control effectiveness. Champion data‑driven monitoring and analytics to enhance control precision and early‑issue detection. What we look for in you (i.e., job requirements): • 5+ years of progressive experience in SOX, internal controls, internal audit, or risk management, with significant exposure to public company environments. • Strong technical understanding of SOX 404, PCAOB standards, COSO framework, and best practices for business process control design and testing. • Proven ability to work effectively with senior leaders (Controller, Head of Internal Audit, business and product leaders) and to influence without direct authority. • Deep experience with core finance and operational processes (e.g., revenue recognition, financial reporting, procurement, disbursements, payroll, digital asset movement and safeguarding, etc.). • Experience in managing key ITGCs and ITACs • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex control concepts into clear, actionable guidance for non‑experts. • Professional certification such as CPA, CA, CIA, CISA, or CRMA is preferred. • Experience in high‑growth, technology‑driven or financial services / crypto / fintech companies preferred. • Familiarity with ERP systems and subledgers, workflow tools, and control automation technologies (e.g., NetSuite, Workiva, Workday, RPA, data analytics, continuous control monitoring, etc.). Tools and Resources • Training and Development: During onboarding, we focus on equipping new hires with the skills and knowledge for success through department-specific training. Continuous learning is a central focus at Appian, with dedicated mentorship and the First-Friend program being widely utilized resources for new hires. • Growth Opportunities: Appian provides a diverse array of growth and development opportunities, including our leadership program tailored for new and aspiring managers, a comprehensive library of specialized department training through Appian University, skills based training, and tuition reimbursement for those aiming to advance their education. This commitment ensures that employees have access to a holistic range of development opportunities. • Community: We’ll immerse you into our community rooted in respect starting on day one. Appian fosters inclusivity through our 8 employee-led affinity groups. These groups help employees build stronger internal and external networks by planning social, educational, and outreach activities to connect with Appianites and larger initiatives throughout the company. Benefits Appian offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and financial future. Benefits may include health coverage, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free mental health support, life and disability insurance, an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), a retirement/pension plan, wellness dollars, tuition reimbursement, family-forming benefits and more. Benefits vary by country—please ask your Talent Acquisition contact for details specific to the location you are applying to. About Appian Appian provides process automation technology. We automate complex processes in large enterprises and governments. Our platform is known for its unique reliability and scale. We’ve been automating processes for 25 years and understand enterprise operations like no one else. For more information, visit appian.com. [Nasdaq: APPN] Follow Appian: LinkedIn, Youtube, Instagram, Facebook Appian is an equal opportunity employer that strives to attract and retain the best talent. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Appian provides reasonable accommodations to applicants in accordance with all applicable laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [Upgrade to PRO to see contact]. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Appian's Applicant & Candidate Privacy Notice