About the role
Director of Internal Control About Mistral Mistral provides full-stack AI solutions: from frontier models to developer tools, applications, and compute. We partner with enterprises tackling the hardest problems—across high-stakes industries like finance, manufacturing, defense, healthcare, and the public sector—co-creating customized AI systems that they can run on their terms. We are a dynamic, collaborative team passionate about AI and its potential to transform society. Our diverse workforce thrives in competitive environments and is committed to driving innovation. Our teams are distributed between Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East. We are creative, low-ego and team-spirited. The Role As a Director of Internal Control on the Finance team, you will build Mistral AI’s Internal Control function from the ground up, ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and strategic agility as the company scales. Reporting directly to the SVP Finance, you will design and deploy a COSO-aligned framework, embedding controls into critical processes such as procurement, payroll, and subsidiary oversight. Collaborating with Legal, CISO, and business units, you will foster a culture of accountability and risk mitigation across global entities, safeguarding Mistral’s high-stakes growth and preparing the company for future milestones. What You Will Do - Design and deploy a risk-based internal control system covering financial, operational, and compliance areas. - Integrate controls into key workflows (e.g., supplier approvals, cash management, datacenter operations) by collaborating with Finance, Legal, Engineering, and HR. - Automate and optimize controls using ERP systems and AI/ML tools to enhance real-time monitoring. - Partner with Legal and CISO to build a company-wide risk matrix and define remediation protocols for high-risk areas. - Coordinate external audits to ensure readiness for regulatory reviews and investor due diligence. - Build and manage a high-impact internal control team, fostering a culture of proactive problem-solving. - Maintain control documentation, evaluate testing results, and escalate gaps to leadership. What We're Looking For - Strong background in internal control and audit, with experience building a control function from scratch or playing a key role in a growing internal control team (e.g., in tech, scale-ups, or highly regulated environments). - Expertise in COSO frameworks, risk identification, and process design with a hands-on, pragmatic approach. - Collaborative and influential communication skills to translate complex risks into actionable solutions for non-finance stakeholders. - Problem-solving mindset to proactively improve processes and challenge the status quo. - Tech-savvy with familiarity in ERP systems, data-driven tools (e.g., Python/SQL), or AI-driven automation. - Global and inclusive leadership with fluency in English to work across 15+ subsidiaries. French is a plus. What We Offer We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Benefits vary by country and may include healthcare coverage, parental leave, retirement plans, relocation support, wellness programs, meal and transportation allowances, and other location-specific perks. For the most up-to-date details on benefits available in your location, please refer to our Benefits page. Privacy Policy Your privacy matters to us. You can learn more about how we handle your personal data in our Applicant Privacy Policy. Paris
Key responsibilities
- check_circleCollaborate with the team on day-to-day project tasks
- check_circleLearn tools and processes used by the organization
- check_circleDocument work and participate in team meetings
- check_circleSupport quality checks and continuous improvement
Requirements
- check_circleDesign and deploy a risk-based internal control system covering financial, operational, and compliance areas.
- check_circleIntegrate controls into key workflows (e.g., supplier approvals, cash management, datacenter operations) by collaborating with Finance, Legal, Engineering, and HR.
- check_circleAutomate and optimize controls using ERP systems and AI/ML tools to enhance real-time monitoring.
- check_circlePartner with Legal and CISO to build a company-wide risk matrix and define remediation protocols for high-risk areas.
- check_circleCoordinate external audits to ensure readiness for regulatory reviews and investor due diligence.
- check_circleBuild and manage a high-impact internal control team, fostering a culture of proactive problem-solving.
- check_circleMaintain control documentation, evaluate testing results, and escalate gaps to leadership.
- check_circleStrong background in internal control and audit, with experience building a control function from scratch or playing a key role in a growing internal control team (e.g., in tech, scale-ups, or highly regulated environments).
- check_circleExpertise in COSO frameworks, risk identification, and process design with a hands-on, pragmatic approach.
- check_circleCollaborative and influential communication skills to translate complex risks into actionable solutions for non-finance stakeholders.
- check_circleProblem-solving mindset to proactively improve processes and challenge the status quo.
- check_circleTech-savvy with familiarity in ERP systems, data-driven tools (e.g., Python/SQL), or AI-driven automation.
Skills & keywords
Benefits & perks
- check_circleMentorship
- check_circleCertificate of completion
- check_circleFlexible work arrangement where applicable