Internal Audit & Control Testing

About the role.

Wells Fargo is seeking a Lead Independent Testing Officer.

This role is in the Technology, Chief Operating Office, Emerging Risk and Data team (TCRED) IT&V group as a part of the Chief Operating Office Testing team. The Independent Testing & Validation team is responsible for the development and design of methodologies and standards for review activities across the Enterprise in alignment with the Risk Management Framework, and ensuring effective and appropriate testing, validation, and documentation of review activities for risk programs, risks, and controls according to standards and other applicable policies.

In this role, you will:

• Lead complex initiatives executing moderate to high risk or complex review activities and engagements in a matrixed environment
• Communicate emerging risks with broad impact and act as key participant in large scale planning for Independent Testing
• Develop and design methodologies and standards for review activities across the enterprise in alignment with the risk management framework
• Review and research complex development and design of methodologies and standards for review activities companywide in alignment with the risk management framework
• Ensure effective and appropriate testing, validation, and documentation of review activities for risk programs, risks and controls
• Make decisions in complex situations requiring solid understanding of risk management framework and the risk and control environment that influence and lead enterprise testing to meet deliverables and drive new initiatives
• Collaborate and consult with Audit, Legal, external agencies, and regulatory bodies to resolve risk related topics
• Lead project teams and mentor individuals

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of Independent Testing experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education

Desired skills 

• Strong experience in risk management (includes control testing, compliance, financial crimes, operational risk, internal audit, business process management)
• Knowledge and understanding of financial services industry, including compliance, risk management, and/or audit operations
• Strong ability to obtain, validate, research, trend, and analyze data. 
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy. Specialized knowledge or prior regulatory compliance testing or review experience
• Experience reviewing testing strategies and methodologies; evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of policies, procedures, processes, initiatives, products and internal controls; and identifying issues
• Experience creating, executing, and documenting compliance, control, and business process testing
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to take on a high level of responsibility, initiative, and accountability
• Demonstrated success with influencing business units to identify, formulate and implement processes/procedures to mitigate risk
• Demonstrated negotiation skills, especially with difficult topics when partnering with lines of business and other key stakeholders. This includes the willingness and ability to question decisions, understand direction and escalate issues where necessary
• One or more of the following certifications:
• Chartered Accountant
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM)
• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
• Certified Financial Crimes Specialist (CFCS)

Job Expectations:

• Lead complex initiatives executing moderate to high risk or complex review activities and engagements in a matrixed environment
• Develop and design methodologies and standards for review activities across the enterprise in alignment with the risk management framework
• Review and research complex development and design of methodologies and standards for review activities companywide in alignment with the risk management framework
• Ensure effective and appropriate testing, validation, and documentation of review activities for risk programs, risks and controls
• Make decisions in complex situations requiring solid understanding of risk management framework and the risk and control environment that influence and lead enterprise testing to meet deliverables and drive new initiatives
• Collaborate and consult with Audit, Legal, external agencies, and regulatory bodies to resolve risk related topics
• Lead project teams and mentor individuals
• Leading and supporting execution of design and operating effectiveness control testing for RCSA (Risk & Control Self-Assessment) based controls.
• Proactively engaging business partners to kick-off testing and lead ongoing meetings with minimum supervision.
• Documenting test results and any issues identified while also providing and communicating recommendations to management, compensating controls and residual risks.
• Identifying and implementing efficiencies and process improvements, including automation opportunities pertaining to metrics and reporting.
• Reviewing and interpreting new and revised corporate and ITV policies and procedures and assess impacts.
• Developing clear and concise reporting to be shared with IT&V management and Front Line Units.
• Providing credible challenge to business and senior leader stakeholders as needed.
• Building relationships and collaborating with key stakeholders in the applicable line of business, other second and third line functions, and IT&V functions.
• Monitoring metrics and associated data to identify and escalate potential issues and providing recommendations for resolution to ensure optimal performance