Business Finance Risk & Controls Specialist
Amsterdam (HQ), North Holland
Finance – Finance /
Fulltime /
Hybrid
ABOUT THE BRAND
At Karl Lagerfeld, we are driven by Karl’s mantra: “Embrace the present and invent the future.”
Always contemporary and forward-looking, the House of KARL LAGERFELD shares the creative vision and design aesthetic of its iconic founder, Karl Lagerfeld.
We are the only fashion house that carries Karl’s name on its door and we strive to live up to this responsibility in everything we do, every day, with the utmost joy and passion.
Our headquarters in Paris and in Amsterdam are home to a highly diverse and driven team of KARL family members that hail from over 50 countries. Together, we aim to create meaningful stories and product concepts that connect to Karl’s world and iconic attributes.
Women’s & Men's ready-to-wear, bags, small leather goods, swimwear and underwear are managed directly from our Amsterdam headquarters, while other categories, including footwear, fragrances, eyewear and more, are developed with best-in-class licensing partners.
We connect with our consumers on multiple levels, ensuring that our online and offline approach goes hand in hand. We thrive to maximize consumer engagement via more than 200 KL stores worldwide, our premium wholesale partners, and our strong digital footprint, spearheaded by our KARL.COM flagship store, which reaches 96 countries. Our digital channels currently represent more than 30% of our overall full-price business.
We are a dynamic, fast-growing and inclusive company built on professionalism and strong values. At KARL LAGERFELD we’re committed to working toward the highest standards of sustainability and integrity across all areas of our business,. In 2019, KARL LAGERFELD joined as a founding member of the Fashion Pact, a global sustainability initiative seeking to transform the fashion industry through objectives in three areas: climate, biodiversity and ocean protection.
THE ROLE
As Karl Lagerfeld is now part of a U.S. publicly listed company, we have continued to expand our risk and internal controls department. We are looking for a proactive, detail-oriented Business Finance Internal Controls Specialist to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Karl Lagerfeld’s internal control environment. In this role, you will collaborate closely with our IT control team, process owners, and senior management to drive a high standard of compliance and operational efficiency.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Internal Control Framework: Own and lead the design, implementation, documentation, and ongoing monitoring of our internal control framework, ensuring compliance with both US and Dutch GAAP and US PCAOB / SOX standards.
- Policy and Procedure Development: Work with cross-functional teams to develop policies and procedures that strengthen internal controls, mitigate risks, and support financial and operational integrity.
- Testing and Remediation: Conduct regular walkthroughs and testing of key financial and operational controls, identifying deficiencies and formulating action plans for remediation with relevant stakeholders.
- Coordination with Auditors: Collaborate with external auditors and internal audit teams, managing audit requests, documentation, and testing protocols. Partner with process owners to prepare for annual and interim audits.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Serve as a risk and compliance advisor for Finance, IT, and other departments, providing guidance on control design and fostering a risk-aware culture across the organization.
- Continuous Improvement: Support major initiatives and cross-functional projects by assessing risks, advising on controls, and implementing best practices in process documentation and efficiency.
- Reporting: Deliver timely and comprehensive reports on internal control activities, audit findings, and remediation progress to senior management.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, BusinessAdministration, Computer Information Systems, or a related field.
- Professional Certification: CPA, CA, CIA, ACCA, or equivalent certification preferred.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in audit, internal controls, or risk management, with a strong understanding of SOX and familiarity with COSO frameworks. Prior experience in a Big 4 audit firm and/or the fashion retail or consumer products industry is a plus.
- Technical Proficiency: Experience with ERP and reporting systems, particularly Infor M3, SSRS, Okta, Oracle, ADP, AuditBoard, and strong knowledge of IT and financial controls.
- Analytical and Organizational Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues, identify control risks, and implement effective solutions. Exceptional attention to detail and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
- Communication and Influence: Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to present complex control issues clearly and confidently to senior management and cross-functional teams.
- Proactivity and Problem Solving: A self-starter with the capacity to work independently and anticipate control needs, proactively driving initiatives and improvements with limited oversight.
- Interpersonal Skills: Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment and promoting a high standard of integrity.
At Karl Lagerfeld, we offer a flexible and innovative workplace where you’ll collaborate with a passionate team to make a tangible impact. If you’re a proactive, solutions-oriented individual who thrives in an intense, fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you!
Why #TEAMKARL? (HQ)
· Learning and development courses/training
· Opportunity to make an impact
· Remote working arrangements
· Relocation Package
· Bonus holidays
· Working in the heart of Amsterdam
· Brand discounts
· And exclusive sample sales only for #TEAMKARL
JOIN #TEAMKARL
The collective vision of KARL LAGERFELD is to be the most connected global designer brand, inspiring consumers through luxury collections and immersing them in the World of KARL. If you are interested in joining #TEAMKARL, we invite you to submit your application today.
At #TEAMKARL, everyone can give their opinion, grow in their career, and be part of a genuinely caring and inclusive team. We welcome people from all backgrounds, with different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to work with us.
