Synchrony - Rapid City, SD
posted 2 months ago
The VP, Tech & Ops Systems Governance Leader at Synchrony is a pivotal role that reports directly to the SVP, Tech & Ops Systems Governance Leader. This position is primarily responsible for establishing automated mechanisms to ensure compliance with Synchrony's policies, standards, and procedures, particularly in relation to SOX controls. The focus will be on developing innovative processes to measure compliance with Information Technology General Controls (ITGC) within the Tech & Ops first line of defense (1LOD) function. The role necessitates significant interaction with employees across various functions and levels within the organization, requiring the ability to influence and provide credible challenges for effective risk management. The individual will collaborate closely with multiple teams within the Tech & Ops function, various process owners, Independent Risk Management (2LOD), Audit (3LOD), and executive management. A strong leadership presence is essential to elevate the core capabilities of Tech & Ops 1LOD risk management. Additionally, the leader will guide a collaborative team of professionals dedicated to developing and implementing technical controls aimed at eliminating manual ITGC testing work across Tech & Ops. Synchrony prides itself on offering flexibility in the workplace, allowing employees to choose between working from home, near one of the company’s hubs, or in one of its offices. There may be occasions where commuting to the nearest office is necessary for in-person engagements such as business meetings, training sessions, and cultural events. The essential responsibilities of this role include daily supervision and leadership of technical professionals to ensure adherence to enterprise standards for risk management and governance requirements, fostering a culture of high performance, feedback, and growth. The VP will drive innovation within the systems surveillance team, focusing on automation to eliminate manual tasks, collaborative problem-solving, and proactive process enhancements. The role also involves leading the development and execution of IT General Controls and IT application control testing, ensuring compliance with SOX controls through automation. Interaction with stakeholders and process owners is crucial for implementing necessary modifications to mitigate operational, regulatory, and financial risks. The VP will identify control gaps, discuss viable solutions with the business, and obtain management action plans for remediation. Furthermore, the position requires influencing senior management on significant matters related to IT General Controls compliance, SOX, and process automation, while establishing preventative and detective IT controls within the centralized Process Control team to identify issues early and limit their severity. The VP will ensure that control owners have developed sustainable mechanisms that clearly articulate processes, risks, controls, test results, and adherence to corporate standards. A strategic approach is necessary to ensure that the required controls and monitoring are effectively executed. The role sets the strategic direction for all first line of defense surveillance activities within Tech & Ops, promoting risk-awareness and enhancing the overall effectiveness of risk management programs. Critical thinking skills are essential to look beyond existing methodologies to define and resolve complex problems, while performing other duties and special projects as assigned.