Senior Audit & Controls Specialist

Description ">About this opportunity At Meridian our aspiration is to integrate our purpose into everything we do for people, the planet, and communities. We believe that our greatest opportunity is to create opportunity and meet people where they are.Purpose of the Job:The purpose of this job is to:Be accountable to lead, manage and execute assigned internal audits;Improve the internal control environment by addressing risks associated with business objectives and evaluating the controls in place to mitigate those risks;Support the Director, Internal Audit Services in developing the Credit Union, Motusbank and OneCap audit plansProvide value-added advice and support to business partners on the creation or modification of policies, procedures, processes, products or services to ensure an appropriate level of internal control and compliance is maintained.This position will primarily perform audits of Corporate Office functions and will perform limited other consultative type and special engagements.Key Responsibilities:Internal Audit Engagements:Plan the scope of the audit, prepare the audit program, and determine the appropriate auditing procedures and examination techniques to be applied (e.g. computer extracts, statistical sampling, etc.).Perform audit assignments which involve research and analysis of the relevant policy and procedures, and an evaluation of audit related documentation as a basis for an objective opinion on the effectiveness and efficiency of operations and the adequacy of internal control.Establish and manage the relationship with Management of the area subject to auditDetermine engagements that will use data mining and analysis techniques to examine 100% of the data on file or as determined by the auditor.Perform assigned audits, taking a hands-on and risk-based approach.Provides recommendations relative to the design and effective operation of internal controls.Develop the report based on analytic results and provide feedback to management as appropriate to address opportunities for improvement.Document conclusions; organize and reference workpapers for review.Perform opening meetings to explain the scope and objectives of the engagement and provide an overview of all steps in the audit process;Perform closing meetings at the end of fieldwork, providing clear explanations for the results of analytics as required.Prepare working papers in accordance with established guidelines within the Internal Audit Services manual.Prepare formal written reports covering the results of assigned engagements and participates in report reviews with auditees and management.Compile information for periodic dashboard and/or quarterly board reporting Other:Responsible for performing the annual risk assessment with Corporate Office Management of activities within the Corporate Audit Universes and updating the Corporate Audit Universes (eg Credit Union, Motusbank, and OneCap) regularly for changes in business operations.Aids the Director, Internal Audit Services and Vice President, Internal Audit Services in developing audit plans and risk management strategies.Supports the Director, Internal Audit Services and Vice President, Internal Audit Services in the development, implementation and execution of elements of the Internal Audit Services Strategic Plan.Contributes to the safeguarding of corporate assets and the interests of Members by ensuring that appropriate internal controls are in place and appropriate.Develops and maintains professional relationships with management of the Credit Union, Motusbank and OneCap. Builds collaborative partnerships with management in order to be an agent for constructive change.Obtains an understanding of the organization’s major systems, including the financial environment, to enhance the development of testing procedures.Assists the Director, Internal Audit Services and Vice President, Internal Audit Services in special investigations, as required. Knowledge and Experience:Undergraduate degree in Business, Accounting or Finance is required.A recognized professional accounting designation (eg CPA/CA, CIA, CPA/CMA,CPA/CGA) is required.Certified Internal Auditor designation is an assetMinimum 3 years’ experience in internal audit, multi-functional banking operations, AML/ Fraud and/or risk management in the Banking or Credit Union industry preferred.Firm understanding of financial statements and auditing practices, as well as, accounting principles, processes, standards, techniques and procedures.Firm working knowledge of audit procedures, planning, and test / sampling methods.An ability to gather, analyze and evaluate facts and to prepare and present concise findings.An ability to establish an effective working relationship with business partners and colleagues.Exceptional written and oral communication skills are required.Demonstrated analytical and quantitative skills.Highly motivated and self-directed. Skills:A solid understanding of internal control concepts and experience in applying them to plan, perform, manage and report on the evaluation of various business processes/ areas/ functions.Has (or will acquire) a working knowledge of applications and databases that encompass all business cycles (including key cycles of revenue, expenses, payroll, and financial).Demonstrated knowledge and use of analytical tools such as, but not limited to Crystal Reports, Diligent (formerly ACL), IDEA, and Access. May also use knowledge of databases, programming, operating systems, or computer networks.Demonstrates proficiency in applying audit principles, skills and techniques in reviewing and testing business/operational systems.Good team and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to communicate effectively (both written and oral) to enable the precise articulation of complex ideas and concepts.Capable of working independently and autonomously on assigned projects with the ability to stand firm on difficult issues when required.Willingness and ability to listen and integrate different perspectives to form conclusionsA collaborative consensus-builder, willing to share knowledge and findings with others in order to arrive at a “win-win” solution.Good understanding of IIA and internal auditing standards and practices, COSO and risk assessment practices.Strong analytical ability, including knowledge of cash flow analysis and financial modeling techniques.Brings a logical approach to identifying/evaluating issues and problem-solving.Results oriented with the ability to prioritize and deliver on key initiatives.Unquestioned personal integrity, highly professional and credible, with strong ethics and values consistent with Meridian’s culture.Demonstrated job commitment, personal flexibility and adaptability in order to meet demanding client and stakeholder expectations. Ability to work effectively in a deadline-oriented environment. Displays sensitivity and an awareness of the potential implications of highly sensitive information.Well-developed organizational skills in order to respond to competing priorities, and work on several projects simultaneouslyProficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)Demonstrated and strong analytical and quantitative skills.Highly motivated and self-directed. Office Location: 3330 Bloor Street West, Toronto.  Meridian has a remote work policy that allows flexibility for employees to work remotely but also requires regular time in the office for purposeful meetings to collaborate, innovate and build effective relationships with your team, your colleagues and your leader which is very important to us. What's in it for you? We have an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success!We provide you with the tools and technology needed to delight your candidates and clients!You'll get to work with and learn from diverse industry leaders, who have hailed from top organizations around the worldHybrid work arrangements with in-person office time to collaborate, innovate and build relationships with your colleaguesThis isn't your typical "corporate" job. We work hard and we have fun! Who we are:Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, and second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of our more than 360,000 Members. Meridian has more than 75 years of banking history and is 100% owned by its members. With 89 retail branches and 15 Business Banking Centers across Ontario and $ 30B in assets under management, Meridian offers a full range of financial products and services to its retail, business banking and wealth members. With over 2000 employees and corporate offices located in Toronto and St. Catharines, Meridian has a track record of creating and delivering innovative new offerings and is committed to investing in the communities that we serve.  Our plan is to build on our momentum as we deliver on our purpose - helping our members achieve their best life. Find our story here: