Corporate Audit, Managing Director

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Corporate Audit, Managing Director to lead our audit assurance coverage including, but not limited to: State Street Global Advisors EMEA, State Street Institutional Services / Global Delivery, CASS, Alpha – UK, State Street Trustees UK and UK Corporate Functions (Compliance, Financial Crime, Global Human Resources, Legal).  In this role, you will report directly to the Head of Audit for the UK and lead a diverse team of approximately 20 across the UK and Poland. You will develop, own and be accountable for client relationships and the assurance plan over all assigned business area activities. You will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of the audit lifecycle, including, but not limited to: defining the audit universe, reviewing and approving risk assessments, setting the audit plan and overseeing audit engagements.

Additionally, you will be a key member of the UK Corporate Audit team where you will develop and maintain strong partnerships across the lines of defense and within the Division. You will drive change within the Division by helping define strategic initiatives that positively impact underlying processes, improve performance, raise the bar on risk excellence for the firm and develop future leaders for both the Division and the Company. 

This role will be based out of our London, and can be performed in a hybrid model, where you can balance work from home and office to match your needs and role requirements.

Why this role is important to us

The team you will be joining plays an important role in the overall success of the organization. Across the globe, institutional investors rely on us to help them manage risk, respond to challenges, and drive performance and profitability. To make that happen we need teams like yours to help navigate employees and the organization as a whole. In your role you will strive for cutting-edge solutions, that are straightforward and scalable. You will help us build resilience and execute day to day deliverables at our best. Join us if making your mark in the financial services industry from day one is a challenge you are up for.

What you will be responsible for

As Corporate Audit, Managing Director you will

• Lead the provision of independent assurance of the risk and controls environment of assigned business/function areas.
• Collaborate with global audit colleagues and the UK Audit management team in the planning and execution of audits, in accordance with professional standards and in line with Audit methodology and the expectations of local regulators.
• Own and deliver core annual processes which appropriately consider and adapt to address relevant and evolving risks.
• Co-ordinate and perform oversight activities across the UK including execution of the audit plan for business areas assigned.
• Review and approve audit work products to provide effective coverage and escalation of findings and conclusions, and assist in the communication of results and conclusions to stakeholders and senior management.
• Provide relevant management information to the wider audit management team.
• Maintain requisite knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, current trends and technical issues impacting the professional practice of internal audit and the region and adapt Corporate Audit’s services appropriately.
• Drive a business area continuous monitoring program built upon regular relationship meetings, participation in Board meetings, key committees, or working groups with focus on emerging risks, regulatory matters and best practice trends in the industry.
• Maintain and oversee the UK Audit Universe specifically for legal entities in scope. Ensure and validate sufficient coverage over key risks over the course of the four-year forecast period.
• Verify the effectiveness of corrective actions taken and report the status of outstanding issues that may be past due with respect to correction.
• Participate in department-wide initiatives, challenging the department's organization, processes and services to ensure that they remain at or above peer/ industry standards.
• Strengthen internal control disciplines and risk culture within the corporation by influencing relevant policies, promoting education/ understanding of risk and control concepts.
• Represent Corporate Audit on selected governance and operating committees, providing perspectives on risk and internal controls, promoting balanced discussions and encouraging challenge and debate.
• Provide either directly or through direct reports, timely and relevant reporting of objective assessments of risk and controls to the appropriate Boards and governance committees.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key internal stakeholders including business lines and corporate functions as well as external stakeholders.
• Approve staff travel requests in line with corporate travel policies for UK audit staff.
• Act as an escalation point in the absence of the Head of Audit.
• Develop and encourage a learning environment for the team to broaden State Street product and services knowledge while also managing and developing leads.
• Display a culture of individual ownership of tasks to embed a clear individual sense of accountability in performing the role.
• Ensure that the highest level of the Code of Conduct is displayed in behaviours and actions.
• Support the ‘Risk Excellence’ culture of the business.
• Act as a delegate for the SMF5 at Corporate Audit Committees including the UK Country Committee and General Auditor meetings.
• Act as a delegate for the SMF5 for audit execution activities where these have been formally delegated (e.g. tollgate and report approvals).
• Represent and act as a delegate for the SMF5 for external counterparties including regulators and external auditors.

What we value

These skills will help you succeed in this role

• Role model desired behaviours in cross-cultural awareness and establish and maintain a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Ability to co-operate with others and foster an environment that supports effective teamwork.
• Highly collaborative with strong leadership skills that gain trust and credibility with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset and ability to clearly articulate vision; ability to drive adoption and measure success of initiatives.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with multiple stakeholders, including executives, senior management, regulators and audit staff.
• Ability to manage complexity, effectively prioritize multiple tasks and work independently in non-routine situations and in a changing environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and leadership abilities across all levels coupled with effective problem solving, conceptual thinking, quantitative and analytical skills
• A very high degree of professionalism, professional curiosity and skepticism, leadership and proficient organizational, analytical and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal and leadership abilities across all levels, coupled with effective problem solving, conceptual thinking, quantitative and analytical skills.
• Experience in planning and leading strategic initiatives including employee engagement.
• Desire and willingness to drive to the root cause of issues.

Education & Preferred Qualifications

• Degree qualified with relevant audit experience within the financial services industry (15+ years).
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CFA, CIA or CISA is required.
• Strong understanding of the asset management business with additional knowledge of Fund Accounting, Depositary, Custody, CASS, Fraud, Financial Crime or International Regulatory Compliance preferred.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of the European regulatory environment applicable to financial institutions and proven ability to research, interpret and apply regulatory requirements.

Additional requirements

While majority of the time you will work from your primary location, some domestic and international travel may be required to a variety of locations where State Street operates. 

Are you the right candidate? Yes!

We truly believe in the power that comes from the diverse backgrounds and experiences our employees bring with them. Although each vacancy details what we are looking for, we don’t necessarily need you to fulfil all of them when applying. If you like change and innovation, seek to see the bigger picture, make data driven decisions and are a good team player, you could be a great fit.

About State Street

What we do. State Street is one of the largest custodian banks, asset managers and asset intelligence companies in the world. From technology to product innovation, we’re making our mark on the financial services industry. For more than two centuries, we’ve been helping our clients safeguard and steward the investments of millions of people. We provide investment servicing, data & analytics, investment research & trading and investment management to institutional clients.

Work, Live and Grow. We make all efforts to create a great work environment. Our benefits packages are competitive and comprehensive. Details vary by location, but you may expect generous medical care, insurance and savings plans, among other perks. You’ll have access to flexible Work Programs to help you match your needs. And our wealth of development programs and educational support will help you reach your full potential.

Inclusion, Diversity and Social Responsibility. We truly believe our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are a powerful contributor to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their maximum potential while adding value to both our organization and our clients. We warmly welcome candidates of diverse origin, background, ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and personality. Another fundamental value at State Street is active engagement with our communities around the world, both as a partner and a leader. You will have tools to help balance your professional and personal life, paid volunteer days, matching gift programs and access to employee networks that help you stay connected to what matters to you.

State Street is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Discover more at StateStreet.com/careers

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