AVP, Finance Risk & Controls (1st Line Governance))

Job Description:

Role Summary/Purpose:

The AVP Finance Risk & Controls (Governance) will be part of a new first line of defense centralized team who are responsible for driving compliance with the Governance standards across the Finance organization which will include (but not limited to) Issues & Incident Management, Risk & Control Self-Assessment, Change Management and a variety of Monitoring and Reporting on risk and governance activities and results. Additionally, the successful candidate will be helping to drive the stand up of the new centralized operating model across Finance and supporting our Finance colleagues on that journey.

The successful candidate for this role is an individual with strong verbal and written communication skills with individuals of various levels in the organization, skilled attention to detail, have the ability to manage through influence and be an expert multi-tasker.

Our Way of Working

We’re proud to offer you choice and flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home, near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. Occasionally you may be required to commute to our nearest office for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.

Essential Responsibilities:

• This role has primary responsibility for delivering a centralized Finance Governance Model by driving adherence, providing expertise, and standardizing execution of enterprise-wide governance programs to the Finance Organization.
• Key deliverables will relate largely to Issue & Incident Management with aspects of Risk Assessment & Change Management, Monitoring and Reporting.
• Aspects of Issue Management deliverables will include but are not limited to the delivery of process improvements; standardizing the documentation, challenging root cause, assuming ownership of coordinating issue administration, supporting and project managing cross functional discussions and complex issues, data and trend analysis, assessing the impact of cross functional issues on Finance, the reporting of emerging issues, open issues, trend analysis, status and preparing materials for forums/committees.
• Aspects of Risk Assessment & Change Management will include facilitating the completeness of the Process Universe of process, risks and controls, challenging and reporting on the results of Risk and Control Assessments, embedding and facilitating risk identification as part of Change initiatives and maintaining and facilitating the controlled maintenance of Models, Non-Models, Policies and Procedures.
• Aspects of Monitoring and Reporting will include supporting and facilitating Finance to maintain relevant metrics to monitor governance activities and risks, escalation as needed and having an aggregated view of the governance and risk results across Finance.
• The role will work with matrixed Governance representatives across Finance and be an individual contributor.
• The role will overall support Finance to drive effective risk identification and management of compliance or operational risks and connect Governance programs outputs within Finance for ensuring that Risk Assessments and Monitoring & Reporting is complete.
• Establish effective relationships with all operational areas including, but not limited to Compliance, Operational Risk, Cross functional 1st Line Governance teams, Internal Audit, etc. at the leadership level and other supporting levels.
• Work directly with 1st Line Governance counterparts (Technology & Operations, Growth, Sales, Credit, & Growth etc.) in coordination on Issue Management, RCSA, Change Management standards and activity needs (not limited to).
• Coordinate the activities required to support various committees, ensuring applicable presenters are scheduled to speak as well as completed materials are provided to the appropriate committee coordinators.
• Support the development of Finance specific policy, procedures, job-aids and training as it pertains to the evolution of the team and activities.
• Support the delivery of webinars and training that build understanding and delivery within the Finance Function.
• Given the establishment of the team and operating model, additional responsibilities may include assisting with other governance responsibilities such Exam Support, Supplier oversight, Surveillance Testing and Quality Assurance work.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting or related business field or in lieu of degree, 8 years equivalent experience in a regulated Financial Services organization or External/Internal Audit within Financial Services practice
• 4+ years of exp