Audit Lead - AI Model Risk

United Services Automobile Association (USAA)•Charlotte, NC

50d•Hybrid

About The Position

As an Audit Lead, you'll support audit engagements of varying complexity, often participating in cross-functional, risk-based assurance and advisory projects, contributing to the quality of audit work. A key aspect of this role involves testing models and model-related tools as part of audit engagements. You will support Auditor-In-Charge (AIC) responsibilities and maintain knowledge of financial services regulations, effectively responding to and interacting with regulators. This role provides support and oversight to multiple audit engagements and participates in the review of engagement planning, fieldwork, and reporting. You will also manage strategic initiatives and assist with the development and implementation of a risk-based audit plan. You will serve as, and/or partner with, subject matter expert(s) within audit or the business to analyze issues, establish collaborative client relationships, and proactively work with client management to assess risk and improve internal controls. You will also adhere to the Institute of Internal Auditors' International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards) and Code of Ethics. We offer a flexible work environment that requires an individual to be in the office 4 days per week. This position can be based in one of the following locations: San Antonio, TX, Plano, TX, or Charlotte, NC. Relocation assistance is available for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business or relevant field such as Finance, Accounting, Business, or Information Technology. Four additional years of related experience beyond minimum required may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
8 years of audit, financial, insurance, banking, information technology or related business and/or leadership experience.
Experience performing internal audits, external audits, or applying audit, risk, or compliance acumen in a complex operational and regulatory environment.
Broad and comprehensive experience in Audit theory, internal audit principles with demonstrated experience in audit examining, analyzing, assessing, and drawing conclusions from audit work.
Demonstrated experience effectively communicating and challenging Controls with business partners and influencing business outcomes.
Understanding of risks and internal controls and the ability to evaluate and determine adequacy and efficiency of controls.
Experience in a support role, mentoring, and providing feedback to audit team members throughout the audit.
Experience in overseeing work with both internal and external partners in a highly collaborative environment
Demonstrated critical thinking and knowledge of data analysis tools and techniques and decision-making abilities.
Demonstrated experience in highly dynamic environment undergoing change; ability to deal with competing priorities.

Nice To Haves

AI/ML Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of AI/ML concepts, lifecycle stages, data sourcing, model types, tools, applications, and model risk management principles.
AI Risk Management Expertise: Proficient in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with AI systems (e.g., safety, data integrity, privacy, security, biases).
Model Risk & Control: Deep knowledge of model risk frameworks and control testing methodologies.
Regulatory & Governance Expertise: Familiarity with AI-related regulatory guidance (e.g., SR 11-7, OCC 2011-12) and emerging governance principles (e.g., NIST AI RMF, ISO/IEC 42001, EU AI Act).
AI Explainability & Transparency: Ability to evaluate interpretability techniques for regulatory and business transparency.
Emerging Technology Awareness: Awareness of generative AI, LLMs, and automated decisioning frameworks to assess evolving risks and adapt audit techniques.

Responsibilities

Contribute to continuous monitoring, advisory activities, special reviews, and investigations.
Ensure assigned audit engagements are completed objectively, professionally, and timely, adhering to audit standards.
Identify control weaknesses and recommend improvements, drafting audit issues and reports for client leadership and conducting follow-up.
Support quality of audit reviews and propose updates to the universe risk assessment based on audit results.
Build client relationships to drive strategic objectives.
Communicate effectively with business/clients, delivering risk-based and difficult messages, and potentially with regulators and executive leaders.
Provide coaching and guidance to other auditors, ensuring timely and quality deliverables, and may provide engagement evaluations.
Provide input into the internal audit universe and risk profiles, updating risk assessment information.
Participate in the development and execution of the annual audit plan, assessing and covering risks.