Director - Axial Global Controls Lead – ITGC

Role Title: Director - Axial Global Controls Lead – ITGC

Location: Chennai

We are one purpose-led global organisation. The enablers and innovators, ensuring that we can fulfil our mission to push the boundaries of science and discover and develop life-changing medicines. We take pride in working close to the cause, opening the locks to save lives, ultimately making a massive difference to the outside world.

AstraZeneca (AZ) is in a period of strong growth and our employees have a united purpose to make a difference to patients around the world who need both our medicines and the ongoing developments from our science.   In this journey AZ must continue to work across borders and with partners and new colleagues in a fast and seamless way.  The ambition, size and complexity of the organisation, coupled with the opportunities afforded by new technology, has led the Board to approve a large-scale transformation programme – Axial.

The Axial Programme will be powered by S/4HANA a new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system which will be implemented right across the organisation and will provide our business with standardised processes, enhanced financial management, common data and real time reporting, transforming the way we work through our entire supply chain - from bench to patient.

The new system will be used by more than 20,000 employees daily, is foundational to all AZ entities and is central to most core business processes.  This is a once in a generation programme for AstraZeneca and will shape our ways of working globally for many years to come.

The Axial programme needs the best talent to work in it.  Whether it’s the technical skills, business understanding or change leadership, we want to ensure we have the strongest team deployed throughout.  We are aiming to deliver a world class change programme that leaves all employees with a fuller understanding of their role in the end-to-end nature of our global company.  This programme will provide AZ with a competitive edge, to the benefit of our employees, customers and patients.

Join us in a pivotal role as the Global Controls Lead for the Axial Programme, where you will be accountable for the development and implementation of the enduring General IT controls framework. This role is integral to the adoption of standard processes and the increase of process and controls automation within the programme. Your work will directly impact the controls over all financial IT systems and Internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR). The role will also need to ensure tactical controls to cover the interim state and the impact of integrating non-SAP solutions into our global processes have been considered, designed and implemented. This role is a unique opportunity to shape our ways of working globally for many years to come.

What you’ll do

In this role, you will drive the development and delivery of the Axial Programme General IT Controls (ITGC) aligned with the AstraZeneca Financial Controls Framework.

• Accountable for the design and implementation of the General IT controls framework with a strong focus on automation, aligned to the strategic adoption of the latest SAP S/4 capabilities
• Provide expert E2E Controls advisory and support for SAP and Non-Sap Applications
• Document Risk and Control Matrix’s and testing approach for General IT controls, including databases, tools, applications, operating systems and Infrastructure (On Premise and Cloud)
• Define how General IT controls will operate at both application and infrastructure level aligned to Best Practices
• Work with IT and Programme management to ensure that appropriately designed controls are implemented for all in scope entities and perform high level testing to validate design and operating effectiveness
• Review SOC1 and SOC2 reports as required, to confirm alignment and coverage of scope to the AZ Controls framework and define or document complimentary user entity controls (CUEC) to assure an effective internal controls structure
• Establish baseline key performance indicators to gauge improvements within the IT General Controls environment
• Lead controls outcomes in the “fit to standard” workshops and validate the standard design. Identify where exceptions lead to local business outcome requirements
• Establish influential and highly collaborative relationships across IT, Finance and Axial Programme, within the SAP S/4 leadership team, the BAU IT Architect and Security teams, user groups and the SI/BI Partners
• Ensure strong collaboration with the AZ Financial Controls & Compliance Group and at the appropriate time with our auditors

Essential for the role

• In-depth knowledge of financial controls, and General IT Control frameworks including SOX and UK DBT proposals
• Significant experience in assurance, risk management or IT Systems auditor
• Solid understanding of Application and Infrastructure controls
• Ability to influence and persuade tactfully, to obtain desired outcomes while maintaining effective, positive, organizational relationships
• Experience relating to controls over data transfer, Access Management including privileged user access and “firefighter”, Change and Programme Development, Computer Operation and Cyber Security
• Strong influencing skills in a matrix organization

Desirable for the role

• Bachelors degree (or equivalent) in relevant scientific or business field
• SAP Basis/Security/OTC/P2P/R2R/MM experience is desirable

Why AstraZeneca?

At Astrazeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imaging yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.
• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available and hope its yours
• If you’re curious to know more then we welcome your application no later than

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en

Date Posted

01-Sept-2025

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.