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 solid 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

Qualified certification required : CISA, CIA, CPA, or Chartered Accountant

3+ years of experience in SOX ITAC / ITGC testing within a public company or public accounting setting

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

Who we are:

At Pearson, our purpose is easy: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [email protected].

Job: Finance

Job Family: ENTERPRISE

Organization: Corporate Strategy & Technology

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Req ID: 23575

📌 Specialist, Internal Audit, Controls, Compliance, and Risk (Chennai)
🏢 Pearson
📍 Chennai