Our client, an elite global investor, is looking for an AVP to join their growing IT Audit team in New York.
26th July, 2022
About the Client
Our client is the world’s largest alternative asset manager. They seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for investors, the companies they invest in, and the communities in which they work. Our client does this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Their $731 billion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis.
Job Description & Synthesis
Our client's internal audit team provides independent and objective assurance to the Board of Directors and Executive Management by evaluating that the businesses across the global platform are well governed, operating effectively and meeting risk management objectives. The IA team is guided by a philosophy of adding intrinsic value by improving the operations of the Firm and protecting its reputation. The team works collaboratively with client senior leadership to understand the requisite risks and to evaluate and contribute to effective governance, internal control, and risk management. The IA team has a global footprint of exceptionally talented people, with diverse professional backgrounds, and works in a highly collaborative manner.
Internal Audit's four primary areas of responsibility include:
Internal Audit – As part of its approved annual global audit plan, IA performs business unit, enterprise, technology and jurisdictional reviews. As part of these reviews, IA assesses the design and operating effectiveness of controls supporting the businesses.
Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance – IA facilitates the project management, quality assurance and oversight of internal control testing related to financial reporting and compliance for the SOX Compliance program.
Advisory – Collaborate with senior management to gain insight on the Firm’s strategic, operational, financial and compliance initiatives.
Enterprise Risk Monitoring – Assess risks and controls related to business imperatives, such as launching new products, implementing new technologies or remediating control issues.
Specific Responsibilities
The Internal Audit Technology AVP will be involved in all core activities undertaken by IA including annual risk assessment, assurance and advisory activities, including audit planning and execution, and contributing to department wide strategic initiatives. IA’s remit spans across all areas of the Firm, including the business strategy teams who are responsible for investment and asset management; corporate functions such as Human Resources, Finance and Compliance; as well as the regional entities across EMEA and APAC. While primarily focused on technology risk, this role will offer exposure to other key areas, including investment and asset management, risk management, operations, finance, and compliance. Specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Assist in the annual risk assessment process and contribute to the formation of the annual audit plan through direct input, insight and perspective related to the Technology environment
Perform risk-based technology audits and reviews of systems, applications and IT processes across Blackstone’s global businesses, products, regions, and enterprise functions
Write reports to management to communicate the results of the work performed, recommend management action plans, and validate completion of action plans
Identify and evaluating key controls (i.e., SOPs, ITGCs, applications controls, etc.) from a design and operating perspective to provide independent assurance of risk mitigation
Develop technology audit work programs, perform testing, document test results, identify findings as applicable, and work with internal staff to design corrective actions that mitigate risk, drive efficiency and add value
Develop ongoing working relationships with key technology stakeholders across the firm, communicate ways to improve controls and have a strong understanding of new firm wide initiatives in the pipeline
Manage, develop, train, and mentor colleagues on projects and assess performance for engagement
Champion innovation and find opportunities to drive efficiency through automation with existing technical infrastructure and new technologies, including the use of data analytics
Leverage industry experience to provide advisory services during the development of new businesses, design of new processes and implementation of systems
Participate in firm and industry events that will enhance your skills and expand your knowledge of the alternative asset management field
Key Qualifications
Our client seeks to attract and develop best-in-class talent from diverse professional backgrounds including finance, technology, risk management, operations, and compliance. Successful professionals should demonstrate a strong understanding of the asset management business and a history of cultivating strong working relationships with business partners through the delivery of impactful services focused on strengthening the risk and control environment. The small size of this group offers an opportunity to gain significant exposure across their platform.
The ideal candidate will require adaptability, intellectual curiosity, strong judgment, and superior problem-solving skills to successfully navigate the complexities associated with evaluating risk across various business units and enterprise-wide functions. In addition, the successful candidate should have:
6-8+ years of IT Governance/IT Audit – Internal Audit and/or Big Four experience in the financial services industry
A degree in accounting, finance, computer science or business-related field / MBA or CPA is a plus
CISA, CISM, CIA or CISSP certification preferred
Understanding of internal control environments within the IT function
Experience with multiple technology domains including aspects of Windows, Unix, Cloud and/or database administration, software development and networking
Knowledge of emerging technologies (e.g., robotics, AI, Cloud, Mobile) and data analytics is a plus
Experience with internal audit risk assessments, SOX/Internal controls and/or ERP security and control review
Personal and professional integrity of the highest order
Strong attention to detail and analytical rigor
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while, at times, under pressure
Ability to be proactive and work well within a team and individually
Ability to work with various level of management
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Energetic and enthusiastic attitude
Ability to think critically and strategically to develop innovative recommendations to mitigate risks and add value
Ability to recommend technology and tools to enhance the effectiveness of deliverables