Director, Front Line Controls Officer

If you're looking for a meaningful career, you'll find it here at Webster. Founded in 1935, our focus has always been to put people first--doing whatever we can to help individuals, families, businesses and our colleagues achieve their financial goals. As a leading commercial bank, we remain passionate about serving our clients and supporting our communities. Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Agility, Respect, Excellence are Webster's values, these set us apart as a bank and as an employer.

Come join our team where you can expand your career potential, benefit from our robust development opportunities, and enjoy meaningful work!

Job Summary:

The Chief Controls Office - Director, Finance Front Line Controls at Webster Bank will play a critical leadership role in overseeing and strengthening the bank's control environment. This individual will be responsible for leading risk identification, assessment and mitigation across Front Line Control Office functions, including Risk and Control Self-Assessment execution, issue management and remediation, risk metrics, transformational projects, and other initiatives, while ensuring compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in Operational Risk Management, Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA), Internal Controls Design, Issue Management, and have previous experience within Finance in the banking sector. This individual will be expected to drive a control-oriented culture across Finance and will also be involved with strategic and transformational initiatives and the delivery of critical, large-scale, complex, high-visibility, regulatory remediation programs.

Key responsibilities:

• Controls Oversight & Design: Assist with the design, implementation, and maintenance of an effective internal control framework across Finance. Ensure that the framework mitigates risks and enhances the bank's operational resilience.
• RSCA Program Management: Execute the documentation of RCSA processes within the Finance Front Line Control Unit and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Risk Assessment: Assist with risk assessment workshops and activities to identify potential risks and control gaps. Analyze risk data to assess the likelihood and impact of risks on the bank's operations.
• Control Testing: Oversee remediation efforts and ensure timely closure of control deficiencies and audit findings.
• Reporting & Communication: Assist with preparing comprehensive reports for senior management, regulatory bodies, board committees, and the Finance Front Line Unit detailing control effectiveness, quality assurance outcomes, and action plans for identified gaps.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with 1st, 2nd and 3rd lines of defense to ensure that risk management practices are embedded within business processes. Act as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding RCSA matters.
• Training & Awareness: Lead training sessions and workshops to enhance awareness and understanding of RSCA processes among staff and foster a proactive risk culture.
• Continuous Improvement: Evaluate methodologies and processes for improvement opportunities and to adapt to changes in the regulatory environment, business operations, and emerging risks.
• Policy & Procedure Development: Contribute to the development and update of Finance policies and procedures.
• Audit & Regulatory Coordination: Support internal audits and regulatory reviews related to risk identification, risk assessment and control testing. Ensure that documentation and evidence are prepared and available for audit and examination purposes.
• Risk Management: Collaborate with senior leadership and department heads to identify and evaluate key risks, implement risk control measures, and monitor risk mitigation efforts.
• Compliance Assurance: Ensure adherence to applicable regulations and banking standards, partnering closely with Compliance, Internal Audit, and other control functions.

Requirements:

Education

• Candidates with advanced degrees (Associates, Bachelor's, and/or Master's) preferred, yet a High School diploma or GED is required. Candidates with some combination of coursework and experience, or else extensive related professional experience, are eligible for consideration.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in risk management, operational risk, or internal audit within the banking or financial services industry.
• Substantial experience in leading Operational Risk Management, Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA), Internal Controls Design or Controls Testing programs within the banking sector.

Knowledge

• Understanding of risk management frameworks and processes, including identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks.
• Ability to design, implement, and assess internal controls to manage risks effectively.
• Strong communication skills for leading workshop discussions and collaborating with stakeholders at various levels. Ability to facilitate the RCSA process.
• Ability to analyze complex issues, identify root causes of risks, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and resources.
• Knowledge of OCC Heightened Standards and Regulatory Category IV banking requirements preferred.

Skills

• Excellent leadership and project management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with the capacity to present complex information clearly.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and build effective working relationships across business units and lines of defense.
• Strategic thinker with attention to detail and operational acumen.
• Strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in risk management software and data analysis tools.

This role has a hybrid work schedule and can be based in our Waterbury, Southington, and Stamford.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $130,000 USD to $160,000 USD. Actual salary may vary up or down depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position is eligible for incentive compensation.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.