Job Description

The Specialist, Internal Audit is a key member of the Internal Audit Team and executes its mandate through positive and collaborative relationship with Fairstone Bank of Canada management, employees, and external stakeholders. This role supports providing assurances and value-added recommendations over risk mitigation activities through a disciplined internal audit approach and supports the Internal Audit management team in planning, supervising, and executing internal audit activities.

The Specialist, Internal Audit is responsible for the timely and accurate completion of assigned audit work in a manner consistent with the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, along with the professional standards of conduct of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

In this role, the Specialist, Internal Audit will interact with financial and operational management personnel across the Bank and will be exposed to financial and business operations. The Specialist, Internal Audit assumes a leadership role in evaluating the effectiveness of controls, identifying ineffective practices, and recommending measures for improvements to policies and procedures.

BUSINESS UNIT DESCRIPTION:

Internal Audit\xe2\x80\x99s mandate is to provide independent, objective assurance that Fairstone Bank of Canada\xe2\x80\x99s system of internal controls for risk management and governance processes are designed and operating effectively. Internal Audit helps the Bank accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and recommend improvements for the effective management of risks and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

In order to carry out its mandate with objectivity and impartiality, Internal Audit is independent of activities audited and from the day-to-day internal control processes of the Bank. The scope of internal audit covers all areas of the Bank and all levels of businesses, functions, and management.

To provide for the independence of the Internal Audit Department, the Chief Internal Auditor has direct and unrestricted access to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. The Chief Internal Auditor reports functionally to the Audit Committee and administratively to the Chief Executive Officer.

Internal Audit helps the Bank in accomplishing its objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the enterprise\xe2\x80\x99s control environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Performing audits of significant business processes, risk models, and control systems mitigating enterprise risks, via the effective execution of planning, fieldwork, reporting and issue resolution of assigned audit engagements, while ensuring adherence to International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and internal quality standards.
• Perform audits and reviews of systems, applications, and IT processes, including, information security/cyber security audits, third party risk, and evaluation and testing of information technology general controls (ITGCs).
• Provide recommendations, when appropriate, to increase efficiencies of the Bank\xe2\x80\x99s processes and controls and to improve the quality/efficiency of the Internal Audit service.
• Perform reviews of the design and effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, operational activities and technology activities and provide recommendations on the opportunities of improvements identified and assist business process owners in defining expected controls.
• Prepare audit reports in good form, with recommendations, appraisals, or analyses that will assist the Business Unit Managers with the proper discharge of his or her responsibilities.
• Assess the adequacy of management\xe2\x80\x99s action plans for addressing and correcting audit findings and issues.
• Develop and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with staff and management. Build partnerships within audited areas.
• Ensure timely and adequate two-way communication before during and after each review to ensure mutual understanding of audit scope, process and results, to eliminate \xe2\x80\x9csurprises\xe2\x80\x9d, address client concerns, and add value throughout the audit.
• Provide oversight and/or advisory reviews of special bank projects and initiatives, as instructed.
• Provide Direct Assistance to External Audit\xe2\x80\x99s as part of their financial statements audit. This includes executing Test of Controls, performing walk throughs and alternate procedures and completing specified procedures as assigned.
• Assist Senior Manager, Internal Audits on Audit Methodology, OSFI Supervisory Reviews, Risk Assessment, Audit Universe maintenance and other internal audit support work.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor\'s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or computer science and a professional designation uch as CPA, CISA, or CIA.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in internal/external auditing within the Financial Services industry.
• Strong understanding of processes within Financial Services and Lending activities is preferred.
• Ability to communicate in both English and French is preferred.
• Experience in a technology-based environment, including experience in understanding and documenting IT and business processes and related risk and internal controls.
• Experience in reporting significant findings related to an organization\xe2\x80\x99s system of risk management, controls and governance processes and monitoring of findings to management.
• Strong planning and project management skills, and maintaining composure under pressure while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Possess a high energy level and strong work ethic with a commitment to continuous improvement in a dynamic and changing environment that strives to exceed expectations.
• Strong understanding of business, IT, credit risk, and audit risks and analytical skills to evaluate and identify areas of risks and to develop appropriate solutions.
• Knowledge of and experience with data analytics and business intelligence technologies and database management systems as well as Microsoft Word/Excel/Power Point.
• Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills in working and communicating effectively across all levels of the organization and communicating technical matters in a straightforward, understandable manner.
• Sound business judgment, and flexibility/adaptability to manage multiple engagements, conflicting deadlines, and new areas of expertise as business needs change.
• Proven reputation and track record for acting with complete confidentiality and the highest degree of integrity and professionalism.
• Proven ability to work independently, with limited direction and guidance, and provide appropriate direction to other internal audit project team members.

WE ARE PROUD TO BE: Montreal\'s Top Employers 2023 by Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Top 100 Employers!

We are honored to be recognized for offering a best-in-class workplace, incentives, and initiatives to our dedicated employees who have helped build Fairstone into an employer of choice.

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If you\xe2\x80\x99re seeking a role with a growing business that values employee development, Fairstone is the right place for you!

Fairstone is an equal opportunity employer. Accordingly, we will make reasonable accommodations to respond to the needs of people with disabilities. Individuals who view themselves as Aboriginals, members of visible minorities, and disabled are encouraged to apply in confidence.

Time Type: Full time

Job Type: Permanent

Fairstone