Sr Manager, Internal Controls

PayPal • San Jose, CA

3d • $123,500 - $212,850 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Internal Controls for SE is a strategic leader responsible for driving a consistent, high-impact internal controls program across the organization. This role oversees Business Continuity (BIA, BCPs), Issue Management, and Exam Coordination while ensuring alignment with company-level strategies and risk frameworks. The Senior Manager operates as a trusted advisor to VP-level stakeholders, translates complex risks into actionable insights, and accelerates the adoption of AI and automation to modernize and optimize key control processes.

Requirements

• 8+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8+ years of relevant experience (e.g., internal controls, audit, risk, compliance, operations, regulatory, or related disciplines) combined with a Bachelor’s degree, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex risk-related functions in a large, matrixed environment.
• Experience managing multi-level teams, with a track record of building capability and driving accountability.
• Strong executive presence and experience engaging VP-level and above stakeholders.
• Proven ability to introduce and scale automation or technology-enabled improvements within control or risk processes.
• Strong risk judgment, with the ability to translate risk frameworks into actionable, business-aligned approaches.
• Advanced communication skills, capable of simplifying complex concepts for diverse audiences.
• Strong project and program management capability, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure.
• Expertise in developing and evolving control or process design.
• Ability to identify automation opportunities, lead digital transformation efforts, and leverage data insights.
• High proficiency in MS Office and comfort with GRC or workflow tools.
• Strong collaboration skills across global, matrixed environments.
• High integrity and discretion with sensitive information.
• Natural curiosity, with a drive to understand root causes and prevent recurrence.
• Demonstrates agility—able to pivot quickly in response to enterprise strategy or shifting risk conditions.
• Strong judgment and ability to make independent assessments that balance risk and business needs.
• Operates as a coach and mentor, developing talent and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Embeds the role of risk as an enabler of strategy, helping teams understand and internalize the value of strong controls.

Nice To Haves

• The ideal candidate brings a proactive mindset, a strong command of enterprise risk practices, and the ability to lead a multi-level global team in a fast-moving environment.
• Familiarity with emerging AI governance frameworks (e.g., ISO 42001) is a significant plus.
• Familiarity with enterprise risk frameworks and emerging AI governance standards including ISO 42001 or related approaches is preferred.
• Familiarity with AI-related governance or emerging standards such as ISO 42001 is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex projects related to internal controls and risk management.
• Resolve complex problems by applying specialized knowledge in internal controls.
• Develop methods and procedures for new assignments to improve internal control processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practices in internal controls.
• Analyze current business trends to inform internal control strategies and improvements.
• Provide strategic leadership for Internal Controls across SE, ensuring consistent delivery and governance across Business Continuity, Issue Management, and Exam/Regulatory Request Coordination.
• Lead VP-level and senior-executive engagements, enabling clear risk storytelling, confident challenge, and alignment on prioritized actions.
• Embed automation opportunities into internal control processes, increasing efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Oversee and continuously enhance Business Impact Analysis (BIA), Business Continuity Plans (BCPs), and related controls, ensuring readiness, quality, and alignment with enterprise expectations.
• Direct the end-to-end lifecycle of Issue Management, including identification, documentation, remediation oversight, and sustainable closure.
• Coordinate internal and external examinations, partnering with cross-functional teams to ensure timely, accurate, and complete responses.
• Drive consistency and excellence across risk deliverables through standardized methodologies, templates, and review protocols.
• Monitor and analyze trends across incidents, complaints, KPIs/KRIs, and control evaluation results to proactively identify areas of exposure or emerging risks.
• Serve as a connector between SE leadership and the Second Line, ensuring adherence to frameworks while enabling business agility.
• Champion continuous improvement, leveraging data, automation, and industry best practices—including proactive approaches aligned with standards such as ISO 42001.
• Lead and standardize execution of Internal Controls activities across the Operational Unit, ensuring alignment with enterprise policies and SE strategic objectives.
• Drive timely remediation of issues, Risk & Compliance Plan (RCP) actions etc ensuring sustainable fixes and strong documentation.
• Oversee the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of GRC system data for the team’s area of responsibility.
• Support clear, up-to-date documentation (e.g., Work Instructions, methodology guides, continuity procedures).
• Analyze risk indicators, dashboards, and reporting to derive insightful, actionable risk conclusions for leadership.
• Provide authoritative assertions on risk exposure and escalate critical risks with clarity and precision.
• Represent SE in first line risk forums and ensure strong connectivity to enterprise frameworks and expectations.
• Coach and mentor team members, fostering development, consistency, collaboration, and a high-performance culture.

Benefits

• At PayPal, we’re committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can’t do this without our most important asset-you. That’s why we offer comprehensive, choice-based programs, to support all aspects of personal wellbeing—physical, emotional, and financial—delivering meaningful value where it matters most.
• We strive to create a flexible, balanced work culture with a holistic approach to benefits, including generous paid time off, healthcare coverage for you and your family, and resources to create financial security and support your mental health.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees