Audit Manager - (Wealth Mgmt & Trust) - Atlanta, Columbus or Birmingham (Hybrid) - Synovus

Job Summary

Plans and manages multiple engagement teams performing complex, value-added assurance and consulting activities for critical and high-risk functions with a particular focus on the wealth management and trust services areas of the company, in accordance with established corporate standards. Understands business risk and serves as trusted advisor to business-line managers at all levels. Uses experience and business acumen to provide innovative approaches to assurance and consulting activities, including the use of data analytics. Coordinates activities with regulatory examiners and external auditors. Develops and leads a strategy for ensuring that assigned business units receive quality, timely, efficient and risk-focused audit services. Maintains an understanding of the organizational goals and strategies, as well as industry trends especially those relevant to wealth management and trust services. Cultivates relationships and serves as a liaison with management to promote a business partnership. Assists in setting strategic direction for the Audit department, including audit methodology, automation techniques, and audit plans. Provides input development of recruiting strategies based upon analysis of department skill sets and business needs and executes recruiting strategies. Leads, guides and directs professionally and technically competent staff members in a variety of assignments, covering a wide geographic range, simultaneously. Manages diverse assignments. Communicates results of engagements with senior managers, advises in solution development, and monitors corrective actions to ensure business improvements are effectively implemented.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

* Manages multiple teams conducting complex assurance and consulting engagements. Approves engagement planning, scoping, and test plans, including the use of Data Analytics. Documents audit activities in accordance with professional standards. Effectively allocates resources and individuals in accordance with skills and schedules. Manages day-to-day performance and oversight of audits (i.e., assessing risk, defining scope, managing time budgets, resolving issues).

* For assigned areas, knows the business and understands risks and other key factors impacting the company's ability to accomplish business objectives. Ties the annual plan to business line, focus priorities and business strategy. Suggests adjustments to plan and resource allocation as necessary to focus on key risks and initiatives.

* Develops audit programs and control guidelines for activities within areas of expertise. Reviews and approves planned audit objectives and work to be performed by engagement teams during the audit. Reviews audit work papers to ensure appropriate audit scope, testing adequacy, accuracy of findings, and to verify that audit objectives were satisfied. Maintains focus on being agile and nimble, pivoting as risks change and engaging in key initiatives early and often.

* Using subject-matter expertise and understanding of business strategy and objectives, provides input in the development and execution of the annual risk-based Audit Plan. In tandem with staff, schedules assigned audits. Coordinates audit activities with regulatory examiners and external auditors.

* Communicates results of audits to key department stakeholders and senior management. Develops meaningful, relevant, and well-supported audit reports that effectively communicate deficiency findings and best practice recommendations.

* Evaluates the adequacy of recommendations offered, and ensures appropriate corrective action is taken to reduce unacceptable or undesirable risk. Looks beyond the obvious to ensures audit reports contain practical, actionable and effective recommendations. Develops solutions to business problems and leverages experience and relationships to effect change.

* Develops and maintains relationships with clients, regulators and external auditors. Develops a network of resources to promote the free flow of information within the department and across assigned lines of business. Participates in exit conferences to discuss audit findings and recommendations. Initiates and participates in on-going monitoring activities including meetings with business unit leaders. Serves as subject-matter expert concerning internal control process design and may consult with management on major project initiatives.

* Ensures adherence to audit department policies, processes and quality assurance standards in accordance with departmental goals and industry best practices.

* Assists in development of recruiting strategies based upon analysis of skill sets and business needs. Builds, maintains and leverages a pipeline of candidates to recruit and hire new internal Audit staff.

* Manages timely and quality delivery of multiple tasks, including audits, projects and special assignments. Provide advisory services, as necessary, in the implementation of new systems and changes in systems or processes. Performs special reviews or investigations. Participates in due diligence work performed on potential acquisitions. Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement.

* Teaches and leads seminars on relevant topics which are encountered on audit engagements as appropriate, ensuring transfer of knowledge.

* Identifies areas of opportunity to improve the department's functionality either administratively or operationally.

* Manages the annual performance management and merit processes for direct and indirect reports. Coaches and develops team members and builds a work environment where team members are engaged and feel a positive sense of achievement about their role in the company. Works closely with Human Resources regarding employee relations, compensation, training, posting and filling vacant positions and other Human Resources related matters.

* Each team member is expected to be aware of risk within their functional area. This includes observing all policies, procedures, laws, regulations and risk limits specific to their role. Additionally, they should raise and report known or suspected violations to the appropriate Company authority in a timely fashion.

* Performs other related duties as required.

The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Synovus is an Equal Opportunity Employer supporting diversity in the workplace

Minimum Education:

* Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Risk management, Finance, Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Scienced or discipline related specifically to business function supported.

Minimum Experience:

* 5 years of experience managing audit teams, developing and maintaining audit programs, assessing risk and reviewing the integrity of systems of internal control, and/or infrastructure components for deficiencies and risk or equivalent other combined enhanced experience.

Certifications:

* Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or other certification related to competence in evaluating systems of internal control

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

* Demonstrated proficiency in the wealth management and trust services industry.

* Understanding of concepts related to risk and controls

* Knowledge of auditing standards, federal and state laws and regulations

* Leadership skills with the ability to develop teams

* Project management skills; and skill in managing multiple projects simultaneously

* Advanced organizational, analytical and negotiating skills

* Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled