Lead - Operations Control Testing

Bank of Montreal•Chicago, IL

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a HYBRID role at the office locations noted in this job description. The work Hybrid model is currently 2-3 days in the office. The Lead - Operations Control Testing will collaborate in planning, executing, and reporting on compliance testing, working closely with control owners and cross-functional business teams. This role requires identifying areas where controls may be weak, missing, or where new risks are emerging, and monitoring the progress of remediation efforts and validating the closure of identified issues. The Lead will carry out both manual and automated tests to verify compliance with internal standards and external regulations. This role drives strategic planning and execution by influencing stakeholders, contributing to strategic initiatives, and leveraging emerging trends to inform decisions across business and enterprise contexts. It also involves building and aligning strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure coordinated delivery and shared objectives. The Lead will manage communication planning and change management by creating tailored messaging, selecting appropriate channels, and supporting execution and sustainment activities. Additionally, the role provides analytical and consulting support by transforming data into actionable insights, diagnosing root causes, and solving problems within governance frameworks. The Lead executes end-to-end testing programs, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and high-quality delivery aligned with business strategies and service standards. The role also involves creating and maintaining adequate testing support documentation such as workpapers and testing reports to support the results of reviews, including the write-up of findings/issues for reporting. The Lead provides advice and guidance on control effectiveness, program compliance, and issue descriptions, while maintaining deep knowledge of business processes and Operational controls and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The role operates independently, managing non-routine situations and adapting to broader accountabilities as required.

Requirements

5+ years of banking operational controls testing experience specifically in the areas of Capital Markets, Fraud ,Wealth Management or Personal Banking
Working towards or existing holder of a professional accounting, finance or audit designation (ex. CPA, CA, CFA, CIA, CISA, FRM, CFE) or other industry-relevant certifications
Strong understanding of a bank's risk and regulatory requirements with regards to Capital Markets, Fraud ,Wealth Management or Personal Banking
Good understanding of the key risk and control principles for operations environments, as well as payments & transformation involving operations including Operational Risk, Regulatory Compliance / AML risk, Reputational Risk and Processing and Execution Risk.
Good understanding of control frameworks and audit methodologies.
Advanced knowledge of process and/or project management.
You have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the business, products, risks, processes and related controls specifically within Wealth Management, Finance and Capital Markets
Typically between 5 - 7 years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
General understanding of the business unit’s risk and regulatory requirements.
Good understanding of control frameworks and audit methodologies.
Advanced knowledge of process and/or project management.
Deep knowledge and technical proficiency gained through extensive education and business experience.
Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth.
Collaboration & team skills - In-depth.
Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth.
Influence skills - In-depth.
Data driven decision making - In-depth.

Responsibilities

Collaborate in planning, executing, and reporting on compliance testing, working closely with control owners and cross-functional business teams.
Identify areas where controls may be weak, missing, or where new risks are emerging.
Monitor the progress of remediation efforts and validate the closure of identified issues.
Carry out both manual and automated tests to verify compliance with internal standards and external regulations.
Drives strategic planning and execution by influencing stakeholders, contributing to strategic initiatives, and leveraging emerging trends to inform decisions across business and enterprise contexts.
Builds and aligns strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure coordinated delivery and shared objectives.
Leads communication planning and change management by creating tailored messaging, selecting appropriate channels, and supporting execution and sustainment activities.
Provides analytical and consulting support by transforming data into actionable insights, diagnosing root causes, and solving problems within governance frameworks.
Leads and executes end-to-end testing programs, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and high-quality delivery aligned with business strategies and service standards.
Creates and maintains adequate testing support documentation such as workpapers, testing reports, etc. to support the results of reviews including the write-up of findings/issues for reporting.
Provides advice and guidance on control effectiveness, program compliance and issue descriptions
Maintains deep knowledge of business processes and Operational controls while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
Operates independently, managing non-routine situations and adapting to broader accountabilities as required.