Audit Director

Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses. We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,300 people working together. Our capability is diverse with more than 550 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements.

Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our enterprise businesses — Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and River Source Insurance and Annuities.

Where you’ll fit in & what our team goals are… The Risk and Control Services (RCS) team provides independent assessment and advice on the control and risk implications of the firm’s activities. This is achieved through internal audit reviews, involvement in business change projects, special investigations, and regular and proactive liaison with business areas. You will report to the Head of Global Asset Management Audit, leads the EMEA RCS team and oversees planned and ad hoc audit and review activity across EMEA and APAC, with support for North America where required.

Your role covers Columbia Threadneedle Investments business activities and operations and may oversee multiple businesses, functions, subsidiaries and geographies concurrently. In your role you will use a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve risk management, control and governance processes, and is accountable for consistent, high-quality delivery in line with RCS methodology, technology and department policies. You will build credible relationships through insightful audits, informed relationship management and clear thought leadership.

You will work closely with Risk and Compliance, Legal, Finance and other RCS teams to coordinate assurance activity, resolve complex issues and support effective governance. A clear understanding of, and commitment to, applicable regulation is expected, together with the ability to lead the regional RCS function in line with regulatory and IIA best practice.

• Plan and oversee multiple RCS activities concurrently, delivering the allocated audit plan on time, within budget and to required quality standards.
• Respond to emerging risk, schedule and deliver ad hoc reviews, and recommend ongoing changes to the plan so activity remains appropriately focused.
• Maintain detailed business, industry, regulatory and company knowledge to support complex risk assessments and issue resolution.
• Lead, develop and coach the team; set and cascade goals, provide action-oriented feedback and hold others accountable.
• Undertake capacity and resource planning across the Asset Management team and wider RCS to deploy resources effectively.
• Coordinate across RCS, including Technology and North American peers, to deliver the plan and contribute to strategic, process and methodology improvements.
• Review reports and work papers to a final-draft standard.
• Recruit and develop talent, arranging training and other experiences that foster learning and capability.
• Oversee closure of RCS-identified actions to ensure adequate implementation.
• Maintain detailed understanding of SOX and other relevant assurance plan status, and oversee testing and walkthroughs in line with methodology.
• Prepare clear plan reporting and materials for executive, Board and governance forums, as necessary.
• Coordinate with appropriate control groups and relevant third-party assurance providers in planning and…