Compliance and Operations Risk Test Senior Specialist - Associate

If you are a strategic thinker passionate about driving solutions and mitigating risk; you have found the right team. The Testing CoE (Center of Excellence) team is responsible for ensuring a strong and consistent control environment across the firm. This role is a great opportunity to be working with a large Controls Testing team and help establish a newly formed organization which provides the potential hire a good starting point within the firm. 

As a Risk and Controls Testing Associate in the Testing Center of Excellence, you will be responsible for the execution of independent risk-based, point-in-time evaluations of the control design adequacy and execution effectiveness, to mitigate compliance, conduct and operational risks. The role requires overseeing the performance of complex evaluations of business processes through a comparison of actual processes against expected practices (policies, standards, procedures, laws, rules and regulations). Testing activities often include sophisticated data analytics on large datasets and regular engagement with senior stakeholders across the firm. This is an exciting opportunity to work on key risk initiatives as they become the focus of the firm and across the financial services industry. You will excel at creative thinking and problem solving; be self-motivated, confident and ready to work in a fast-paced, energetic environment. Through collaboration and analytical skills, you will contribute to the Testing CoE’s overall success and strengthen the firm’s compliance with regulatory obligations and industry standards.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead comprehensive control evaluations and substantive testing to independently assess the design and effectiveness of controls 
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, procedures, and external laws, rules, and regulations, while identifying necessary remediation actions. This includes developing and executing testing procedures, meticulously documenting results, drawing informed conclusions, making actionable recommendations, and distributing detailed compliance testing review reports.
• Foster collaboration with Compliance and Operational Risk Officers on various engagements. This includes developing detailed test scripts, facilitating issue discussions, participating in business meetings, and drafting comprehensive final reports to ensure alignment and clarity.
• Utilize advanced critical thinking skills to apply substantive testing techniques, thoroughly evaluating the effectiveness of high-risk business processes and identifying potential areas for improvement.
• Proactively assess and monitor risks, ensuring adherence to firm standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. Implement strategies to mitigate identified risks effectively.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to support the design and effectiveness of controls. Drive initiatives that enhance the business control environment through recommended updates to the Compliance and Operational Risk Evaluation (CORE) application.
• Develop and execute robust control test scripts aimed at identifying control weaknesses, determining root causes, and recommending practical solutions to enhance operational efficiency and control effectiveness.
• Document test steps and results in a comprehensive and organized manner, ensuring sufficient support and justification for testing conclusions. Maintain a high standard of documentation to facilitate transparency and accountability.
• Lead meetings with business owners at various management levels, delivering testing results and supporting sustainable control enhancements. Identify and capitalize on opportunities to strengthen controls and improve operational efficiency.

Required qualifications, capabilities, and skills

• A minimum of 3+ years of experience or equivalent expertise in risk management, assessment, control evaluations, or a related field, within the financial services industry. Possess a strong understanding of industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues, develop and implement effective risk mitigation strategies, and communicate insights and recommendations clearly to senior stakeholders.
• Proficient knowledge of risk management frameworks, regulations, and industry best practices. Ability to stay updated with evolving regulatory landscapes and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Exceptional ability to develop and communicate well-founded recommendations based on regulatory guidance and standards, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance requirements.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a proven track record of managing multiple priorities and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner to diverse audiences.

Preferred qualifications, capabilities, and skills

• CISM, CRISC, CISSP, CISA, CCEP, CRCM, CRCMP, GRCP, or other industry-recognized risk and risk certifications preferred.
• A background in auditing and the ability to understand of internal controls is beneficial.
• Proficiency in MS (Microsoft Suite) Office - Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.