Staff Auditor

Position: Staff Auditor
Job Type: Full Time
Location: Taunton, Massachusetts

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Staff Auditor performs internal audits and related activities under the direction of the Chief Audit Executive or Audit Manager. The position is responsible for evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance processes; assessing compliance with Bank policies and procedures and applicable federal and state laws and regulations; and supporting the Bank’s safe, sound, and efficient operations.

This role performs work in accordance with the Bank’s internal audit methodology and applicable professional standards, including the IIA Global Internal Audit Standards, with an emphasis on integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, competency, and due professional care.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform operational, financial, compliance, and other risk-based internal audits to assess risk, evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, and support compliance with Bank objectives, policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform various audits as directed by the Audit Manager to assess control efficiency and effectiveness and the adequacy of governance, risk management, and internal control processes.
• Provide assistance to external auditors, banking examiners, and other independent reviewers, including gathering requested information and maintaining organized supporting documentation.
• Perform ongoing reviews and compile reports of activity, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Conduct surprise branch audits, cash counts, and other operational reviews, and prepare reports summarizing control observations, exceptions, and recommendations.
• Assist with cash counts for teller shortages and perform follow-up work in connection with teller errors, including researching teller terminal source reports, transaction tickets, and processing activity.
• Ensure test work is documented in a clear, complete, and reproducible manner to facilitate reviewer understanding of source data, procedures performed, rationale, results, and conclusions.
• Document test work in accordance with department standards, records retention requirements, and internal audit quality expectations.
• Assess the accuracy of financial information and the adequacy of existing controls to support reliable and accurate financial reporting. This includes proving trial balances, testing for mathematical accuracy, reviewing for abnormalities, ensuring appropriate scope is met, and performing alternate test work under the direction of the Audit Manager.
• Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of key controls and identify opportunities for process improvement or strengthening.
• Assess the effectiveness of management’s risk management efforts and develop recommendations to improve risk management, internal controls, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• Perform follow-up reviews to validate management’s corrective actions and support the tracking, and reporting of audit issues through remediation.
• Maintain and develop workpapers, templates, and other audit documentation to improve efficiency, consistency, and quality within the department.
• Use available systems, reports, and data analysis tools to support audit testing, issue tracking, and reporting.
• Maintain awareness of changes in banking regulations, consumer compliance requirements, BSA/AML/OFAC obligations, information security and privacy requirements, and other industry developments relevant to the Bank.
• Protect confidential customer, employee, and Bank information and maintain independence and objectivity in all audit work.
• Perform other related duties and special projects assigned.

REGULATORY / INDUSTRY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Staff Auditor is expected to develop and maintain working knowledge of banking laws, regulations, and supervisory guidance applicable to assigned audits and reviews. Depending on audit objectives, this may include:

• Federal and state banking regulations and examination expectations
• Massachusetts Division of Banks requirements
• FDIC-related supervisory expectations, as applicable
• Consumer compliance laws and regulations
• BSA/AML and OFAC requirements
• Privacy, information security, and GLBA-related requirements
• Third-party and vendor risk management expectations
• Internal controls over financial reporting and operational controls

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

In carrying out assigned responsibilities, the Staff Auditor is expected to:

• Maintain integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and competency
• Exercise due professional care and professional skepticism
• Prepare workpapers sufficiently to support conclusions and facilitate review
• Communicate issues accurately, clearly, and timely
• Escalate significant control issues, suspected fraud, regulatory concerns, and other high-risk matters promptly
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development
• Perform work in accordance with the Bank’s internal audit policies and procedures and applicable professional standards, including the IIA Global Internal Audit Standards

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business, Finance, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered
• Two or more years of relevant experience within the banking environment or in internal audit, external audit, accounting, compliance, or risk management
• Familiarity with bank operations, policies, procedures, and banking compliance issues
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word
• Knowledge of internal controls and the Bank’s internal control structure
• Working knowledge of risk-based auditing principles and professional internal audit practices preferred
• Ability to travel within the Bank’s footprint

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Progress toward or attainment of one or more relevant professional certifications is required:

• CIA
• CPA
• CRCM
• CAMS
• CISA

INDEPENDENT ACTION

Performs work independently within the scope of established guidelines and practices, approved audit programs, and department methodology. Consults with management where clarification or exception to Bank policy may be required.

Maintains appropriate independence and objectivity and does not assume management responsibility for areas under review.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Any physical demands or work conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.