Summary The Head, 1LOD Control Testing & QA is responsible for leading the development and management of the overall Control Testing strategy and framework for the Bank. This role oversees the First Line of Defense (1LOD) testing plan, ensuring alignment with Control Testing requirements. The position also leads a Quality Assurance (QA) team responsible for providing assurance that 1LOD testing activities are fit for purpose and identifying targeted opportunities for improvement. The role requires extensive experience in banking, risk management, control design, testing, stakeholder management, and strategic initiatives across complex organizational environments.
Responsibilities
Define the overall control testing strategy and framework for the Bank in partnership with Risk.
Own and maintain the Group Control Testing Methodology.
Identify high-risk areas and prioritize control testing activities in line with the Bank&rsquos risk appetite and regulatory requirements, working closely with Risk, business units, and functions.
Lead the development of the annual control testing plan, ensuring comprehensive coverage of Material and Key Controls.
Present summaries of control testing results, including significant deficiencies and remediation progress, to senior management.
Ensure the quality and consistency of control testing activities across the Bank through periodic reviews of testing methodologies and results.
Lead and manage a QA team responsible for providing assurance over 1LOD testing activities.
Drive automation and other strategic initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of control testing.
Promote and maintain control testing best practices across the organization.
Collaborate with stakeholders across businesses and functions to support the control testing framework and continuous improvement initiatives.
Education Requirements
Bachelor&rsquos or master&rsquos degree.
Experience Requirements
At least 15 years of experience in the banking industry.
Extensive experience in risk management and control design and testing.
Strong understanding of corporate, institutional, and retail banking businesses, as well as supporting functions.
Ability to understand how processes, technology, and operations connect across end-to-end workflows.
Experience working in cross-cultural, cross-geographical, and matrixed organizations.
Required Skills
Strong experience in risk management, control design, and control testing.
Ability to define and implement enterprise-wide testing strategies and frameworks.
Strong stakeholder management skills.
Ability to manage and influence multiple stakeholders, including senior management.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Strategic, delivery-focused, and solution-oriented mindset.
Ability to assess and understand business and organizational requirements.
Strong team orientation and collaboration skills.
High level of responsiveness and sense of urgency.
Ability to operate effectively in a highly dynamic and pressurized environment.
Ability to manage end-to-end processes and connect business, technology, and operational considerations.
Preferred Skills
Experience leading quality assurance activities related to control testing.
Experience driving automation initiatives to improve testing efficiency and effectiveness.
Experience developing and maintaining testing methodologies and frameworks.
Ability to identify high-risk areas and prioritize testing activities within a risk-based framework.
Experience presenting testing outcomes, deficiencies, and remediation progress to senior leadership.
