SOX Compliance Manager

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.).

The base salary range represents a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant work experience, qualifications, internal peer equity, and market and business conditions that exist when extending an offer. A discretionary bonus may be awarded in recognition of individual and company performance.

In addition, Appian provides generous benefits offerings that include a 401(k) plan with company match, flexible time off, paid parental leave, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, disability insurance, wellness programs, flexible spending accounts, health savings account contributions, an employee referral bonus program, and learning and development resources. Certain positions may be eligible for equity awards.

Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation, commission, bonus, or bene…