Senior Director, Audit Quality and Operations (Hybrid)

This is a hybrid role located in Charlotte, NC or Raleigh, NC with the expectation that time working will regularly take place inside and outside of a company office. Three days a week in office. While remote work may be considered for exceptional candidates, this leadership role is required to have the ability to travel on-site for critical interactions (e.g., certain regulator meetings, select team events, etc.) as the need arises.

The Senior Director, Audit Quality & Operations is responsible for providing strategic oversight of the Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) and Operations functions (e.g., vendor management, financial budget oversight, and FTE allocation management processes). This critical position provides both strategic and tactical direction as needed, ensuring high quality program and process execution and talent development.

With executive-level presence, this Senior Director role will support the Chief Internal Audit Officer in assessing alignment of Internal Audit activities with department and Bank policies and procedures as well as expectations of key stakeholders (i.e., the Audit Committee, regulators, etc.). This role will leverage knowledge of industry trends and key risk areas to enhance the department.

• QAIP and Operations Oversight - Supports the Chief Internal Audit Officer through providing strategic oversight and development for the QAIP and Operations functions. Support Department Leadership by advising on emerging risks, contributing to long-term planning and aligning to organizational priorities. This includes providing strategic oversight of QAIP-specific planning, execution, continuous monitoring and issue validation processes in collaboration with dedicated QAIP leadership. In addition, this role will, at a minimum, ensure department expenses are within the established budget, vendor relationships are compliant with Bank requirements, headcount allocations and records are accurate, and that Internal Audit leadership and certain groups (e.g., the Audit Team Chief Operating Officer group) are equipped with operational information needed to fulfill their responsibilities. Ensure all assigned responsibilities are performed accurately with high quality and adheres to established project plans, resource budgets and timelines.
• Governance, Risk and Controls - Provide strategic insight and thought leadership related to all phases of the audit life cycle, addressing emerging issues, recognizing and escalating broad themes or trends. Demonstrate influence and effective challenge by providing expert technical level subject matter expertise and industry knowledge to Internal Audit leadership to improve Internal Audit's quality and efficiency. Oversee and drive proactive and effective regulatory remediation activities within assigned areas of coverage. Identify emerging and evolving risks to the organization which may impact risk profiles, driving potential changes to assurance activities.
• Build Productive Relationships - Owns and maintains influential and well developed, trust-based relationships within their assigned areas of responsibility, including strong relationships with multiple levels of Audit and Bank Leadership, stakeholders, and regulators. This role may also serve on key organizational committees. Utilizes external networks and other resources to keep current on and provide insight on industry risks, regulatory updates, and pronouncements to assess relevance and impact to the Bank. Model an open mindset and curiosity about different cultures, values, beliefs and approaches.
• Judgement and Decision Making - Lead audit team to consistently and confidently apply critical thinking skills, effectively challenge, and apply sound reasoning skills to arrive at valid conclusions. Apply executive level judgment when assessing audit results, project conclusions, and ensure audit teams are providing clear rationale for audit conclusions, and ratings and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Leadership - Directly manage a team of leaders and/or individual contributors and provide leadership in the coaching, and long-term development of associates. Foster an inclusive environment, build team effectiveness and associate engagement and proactively guide and lead team through change, while championing organizational culture. Champion a continuous improvement mindset by seeking and applying feedback from others, including regulatory guidance, etc. Drive alignment with Internal Audit strategic initiatives, while setting and communicating clear performance expectations and ensuring achievement of approved performance measures and metrics. Assist in shaping the culture of the department by setting tone, priorities and performance expectations for ethical, high-quality work, through modeling accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement. Effectively manage the recruitment, hiring and training to build an effective audit team. Maintain relevant professional certification.
• Technology and Innovation - Champion and consistently drive advanced utilization of innovative tools and methodologies to work more efficiently (e.g. Data Analytics, full population testing, etc.) and effectively. Demonstrate forward thinking to accomplish goals and objectives. Model a growth mindset for taking unique or creative approaches and finding new ways of doing things.

Bachelor's Degree and 12 years of experience in Audit including at prior leadership or management experience. OR High School Diploma or GED and 16 years of experience in Audit including at prior leadership or management experience.

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of regulatory major areas of focus including but not limited to Consumer Compliance Regulations, FFIEC Guidance, Stress Testing, Model Risk Management, Capital Planning and Forecasting, Enterprise Risk Management, Operational Risk Management, Data Governance, etc.
• Large Financial Institution (LFI) audit experience including prior senior leadership and management experience.
• Designation as a Certified Internal Auditor ("CIA"), Certified Information Systems Auditor ("CISA"), or Certified Public Accountant ("CPA") or other relevant industry certification.
• Significant LFI Professional Practices, QAIP, and/or Operations Program Leadership
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to demonstrate courage and independence when communicating with executive management and senior leadership when presenting complex issues, recommendations, and audit opinions
• Ability to travel as needed

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of Financial Services Audit Execution, specifically within an LFI
• Subject matter expertise in executing and/or assessing key Internal Audit program activities (e.g., Audit Plan development, risk assessment, methodology, etc.)
• Direct experience with audit engagement execution
• Demonstrated aptitude in building and maintaining influential relationships at all levels of the organization
• Advanced problem solving, conflict resolution, critical thinking and communication skills.
• Attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholder perspectives and demands
• Strong project management skills
• Advanced degree in the fields of Business, Accounting or Finance

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.