Senior Auditor

Columbia Bank•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Senior Auditor scopes and executes assurance activities to assess risks and controls over assigned processes. Working in agile and matrixed teams, the role plans and delivers risk-based assurance projects and may report to different supervisors depending on the assignment. The Senior Auditor monitors process risks and data trends, documents results in risk assessments, and recommends updates to the multi-year audit plan as appropriate. The role provides effective challenge of audit work products and promotes continuous improvement in processes and technology. The position is responsible for delivering timely, high-quality work within budget expectations and in accordance with professional and regulatory standards. It develops well-supported audit conclusions and practical recommendations, provides guidance on audit methods, and may serve as an escalation point or help prioritize work. The Senior Auditor maintains communication with audit clients and Internal Audit Management, builds relationships with business and risk partners, represents Internal Audit on committees, and presents results to Internal Audit Leadership, Executive Management, and External Auditors. The role also supports regulatory requests and Internal Audit strategic initiatives. The position requires compliance with bank policies, regulations, and required training, including maintaining working knowledge of applicable rules such as the Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, and Regulation E. The Senior Auditor may coach, mentor, or train others, and may perform other duties as assigned. Occasional travel may be required. This is an evergreen posting intended to build a talent pipeline; an immediate opening may not be available.

Requirements

4–7 years of experience in internal or external auditing, risk management, compliance, or a related role, or a combination of business/operational and auditing/risk management experience.
Proficient auditing or operational expertise in one or more areas: Compliance, Legal, Banking Regulatory, Information Technology, Information Security, Data Analytics, Digital Banking, Enterprise Risk Management, Credit risk, Market risk, Operational risk, Model risk, Liquidity risk, or Sarbanes-Oxley.
Proficient knowledge and skills in auditing, compliance, or risk management approaches, tools, and techniques.
Strong project management skills and demonstrated ability to plan and organize, lead teams, shift priorities, and manage complex projects.
Effective professional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Willingness and ability to develop relationships with coworkers and audit clients.
Commitment to continuous learning; ability to work as part of a team using remote collaboration tools; and comfort sharing ideas with others.
Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, strong moral compass, and continuous improvement mindset.
Ability to comply with bank regulations, policies, procedures, and required training.
Occasional travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

Broad, general knowledge of the banking and financial services industry and operations.
Exposure to agile methodologies.
Previous bank internal auditing or external auditing experience.
Knowledge of banking and financial services regulatory requirements, such as FDIC, FRB, CFPB, and FINRA.
Experience with data analytics and visualization, automation, and generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI).

Responsibilities

Scope and execute assurance activities to assess risks and controls over assigned processes.
Work with agile teams to prioritize assurance work, strategic initiatives, and required tasks as department priorities change.
Plan, scope, and execute risk-based assurance projects with a team.
Deliver high-quality work on time, within budget expectations, and in accordance with applicable professional and regulatory standards.
Formulate well-supported audit conclusions and practical recommendations for corrective action or areas requiring attention.
Review and challenge audit work products to maintain quality standards aligned with IIA and department guidance.
Promote continuous improvement in processes and technology.
Provide guidance on audit methods and procedures, serve as an escalation point for assurance projects and programs, and assist with task prioritization.
Monitor assigned process risk profiles by analyzing data trends, internal and external factors, and assurance activities.
Document findings in risk assessments and recommend changes to the multi-year audit plan when appropriate.
Keep audit clients and Internal Audit Management informed of progress, challenges, and issues.
Develop and maintain working relationships with audit clients, business unit leadership, risk and compliance partners, vendors, and Internal Audit colleagues.
Represent Internal Audit on project, risk, and management committees.
Present audit and special-project results to Internal Audit Leadership, Executive Management, and External Auditors.
Support responses to regulatory requests and participate in working groups supporting Internal Audit strategy and priorities.
Comply with bank regulations, policies, procedures, and required annual or job-specific training; stay current on industry and regulatory changes.
Maintain working knowledge of applicable bank policies and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, and Regulation E.
May coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as a subject matter expert.
Demonstrate and foster Columbia's corporate culture, take personal initiative, and serve as a positive example.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans for eligible associates.
401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions.
Employee assistance program.
Life insurance and disability insurance.
Tuition assistance.
Mental health resources.
Identity theft protection.
Legal support.
Auto and home insurance.
Pet insurance.
Access to an online discount marketplace.
Paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays.
Performance-based incentive compensation may be available.