Associate Director, IT SOX Compliance

Axsome Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company leading a new era in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) conditions. We deliver scientific breakthroughs by identifying critical gaps in care and develop differentiated products with a focus on novel mechanisms of action that enable meaningful advancements in patient outcomes. Our industry-leading neuroscience portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for major depressive disorder, excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea, and migraine, and multiple late-stage development programs addressing a broad range of serious neurological and psychiatric conditions that impact over 150 million people in the United States. Together, we are on a mission to solve some of the brain’s biggest problems so patients and their loved ones can flourish. For more information, please visit us at www.axsome.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

About This Role:

Axsome Therapeutics is seeking an Associate Director, IT SOX Compliance who will be responsible for ensuring the integrity, security, and compliance of our critical IT systems and data supporting our financial operations. The Associate Director, IT SOX Compliance will be responsible for proactively assessing, implementing, and improving Axsome’s IT SOX compliance framework, ensuring all IT risks related to financial reporting are monitored and addressed in a timely fashion. The Associate Director, IT SOX Compliance will be a trusted business partner across finance, Axsome’s Information Technology Department, and Axsome’s internal and external audit partners. This role will report directly to the Senior Director, Finance.

This role is based at Axsome’s HQ in New York City with an on-site requirement of at least three days per week. We are unable to consider candidates who are looking for fully remote roles.

Job Responsibilities and Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Own and manage the design, implementation, and testing of IT General Controls in support of Axsome’s SOX compliance framework
• Develop, implement, improve and maintain Axsome's IT SOX compliance framework across existing and new systems impacting the Axsome organization
• Document risks of control design gaps or operational audit findings and areas for process improvements
• Prepare narratives, flowcharts, and risk assessment matrices to document control processes, identify risks and mitigate controls
• Manage compliance over Axsome’s System and Organization Controls audits in support of Axsome’s annual audit plan
• Collaborate with Axsome’s internal and external audit partners, including leading IT walkthroughs and providing necessary documentation, evidence, and support for IT SOX audits and other compliance assessments
• Establish and manage IT SOX compliance policies, procedures, and standards to ensure consistent application of controls and best practices
• Prepare IT SOX compliance observations, and communicate audit findings to management, along with recommendations for improvement

Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Accounting, Finance, or a related field; relevant certifications applicable to IT SOX compliance are a plus
• 7+ years of relevant experience in Process and Information Technology auditing, focused on internal control reviews around IT SOX and IT General Controls
• Proficiency in assessing IT general controls, IT application controls, key reports, and SOC reports a must
• Ability to work on site Monday, Tuesday & Thursday. We are unable to consider candidates who are looking for fully remote roles

Experience and Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of IT control frameworks as they pertain to IT SOX compliance, with a strong emphasis on the COSO framework
• Proficiency with Governance, Risk and Compliance tools and technologies used to manage risk and compliance programs, specifically in the context of IT SOX
• Excellent oral, written and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate compliance concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Possess a problem-solving mindset with demonstrated “lean-forward” approach and the ability to think critically
• Strong planning and organization skills, attention to detail, execution, and follow-through

Salary and Benefits:

The anticipated salary range for this role is $150,000 - $180,000. We encourage candidates of all levels to apply as there may be flexibility on final job title and responsibilities. The salary offer will be based on a variety of factors, including experience, qualifications, internal equity and location. Axsome offers a competitive employment package that includes an annual bonus, significant equity and a generous benefits package.

Axsome is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Axsome Therapeutics does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or third-party recruitment agencies and will not pay placement fees for unsolicited candidates that are sent to hiring managers, the HR team or other Axsome team members. Only approved vendors who have been explicitly asked to support a specific search will receive access to our Applicant Tracking System to submit candidates for consideration.