Head of SOX and Internal Controls

Zum is a rapidly expanding Series E startup backed by industry leaders Sequoia Capital, SoftBank, Spark Capital, and GIC, with a bold mission to transform the stagnant school transportation industry. Operating in over 15 states across the United States—with flagship hubs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle—we are actively extending our reach to the East Coast and Midwest regions. As a technology-driven company, we deploy cutting-edge solutions to manage and operate school district transportation systems while also launching our own charter platform and developing proprietary SaaS offerings. Additionally, we are spearheading a nationwide initiative to electrify school transportation fleets, simultaneously supporting local utilities by feeding much-needed energy back into the grid. We have been recognized as CNBC 50 disruptor, Financial Times 500 fastest growing companies, Fast Company World Changing Ideas.

As Zūm's Head of SOX and Internal Controls, you will play a key role in implementing internal controls and periodic testing of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFOR). This role will  work closely with our outsourced service provider to coordinate and manage overall SOX compliance including design and operating effectiveness testing. Reporting directly to the VP Corporate Controller you will oversee all aspects of the SOX compliance program.

• Lead Risk Assessments: Drive comprehensive risk assessments across key financial and operational processes, including revenue, procure-to-pay (PTP), payroll, accounting, and infrastructure to identify control gaps and emerging risks

• Design and Implement Control Activities: Develop and operationalize a robust internal controls framework for financial reporting, grounded in the COSO model. Design preventive and detective controls that ensure data integrity and reporting accuracy, with a focus on scalability and audit readiness

• Execute the Controls Program Through Co-Sourced Providers: Oversee the day-to-day execution of the controls program by managing co-sourced partners and vendors. Ensure alignment with internal standards, timelines, and quality expectations, while maintaining strong coordination with internal stakeholders and auditors

• Integrated Monitoring Framework: Oversee the health, execution, and ongoing refinement of all internal controls, providing visibility into control performance. Rapidly identify gaps and recommend targeted remediations to establish a high-quality control environment

• Regulatory Compliance and Standards Adherence: Align control activities with prevailing regulatory requirements and recognized industry frameworks for internal controls, ensuring readiness for public-company standards or similar large-scale compliance obligations

• Controls Readiness: Coordinate with cross-functional teams to redesign or enhance systems and processes to achieve compliance and improve overall control effectiveness. Drive projects focused on addressing control gaps and proactively preparing for future control requirements

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with Finance, Operations, Compliance, and other stakeholders to build consensus on control objectives, adapting processes and policies to meet organizational needs at hyper scale

• External Audit Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact for external auditors on Internal Controls, ensuring efficient handling of audit inquiries and proactive resolution of any findings

• Evaluate and Map Business Process Flows: Conduct detailed mapping and analysis of end-to-end business processes, identifying and addressing financial reporting risks in a rapidly evolving environment

• Educate Stakeholders: Provide clear guidance on internal controls and financial risk concepts to diverse audiences, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement around risk management

• 8+ years of experience with SOX, IT audit, and IPE, preferably combined experience in the technology industry and a Big 4 accounting firm

• Recent position as an audit leader of public companies in a Big Four accounting firm or equivalent experience as an Internal Audit or SOX program leader in a public company environment

• Demonstrate strong project management skills and enhance the integrated control environment using current technology

• Controls Readiness / Controls Implementation Experience: Demonstrated background in preparing for and executing financial or IT controls programs (or similar compliance initiatives) in a fast-paced, innovative setting

• Technology Proficiency: Technologically savvy with advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills. You know how to do things like data visualization, detailed reporting, interpreting large datasets, and using Excel formulas for analysis to ensure data integrity. Exposure to modern ERP systems and control/risk management tools (e.g., Workiva, AuditBoard, Netsuite, Carta) is advantageous

• Strong Leadership and Communication Skills: Adept at leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities are essential

• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Skilled at analyzing processes, identifying risks, and devising effective, scalable controls. Experience driving process improvements that enhance efficiency and reliability is highly valued

• Professional Certifications: CPA, CA, CIA, CISA or similar accreditation preferred, demonstrating a deep understanding of the COSO framework and its application in dynamic, high-growth environments

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Management Information Systems or Finance

The targeted base salary range for this role is listed in the compensation section below. Actual salary may be above or below this range based on factors such as location, skills, and relevant experience. In addition, this position may include additional compensation in the form of equity or commissions. If you are a full-time salaried or hourly worker, we offer the following benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Holidays, Wellness, Vacation, and more. The targeted pay range for this role in US CA is: $212,000 to $236,000