Tech & Ops Systems Governance Leader

Synchrony - Dallas, TX

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Dallas, TX

Credit Intermediation and Related Activities

About the position

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. The leader will also 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, and cultural events.

Responsibilities

• Daily supervision, leadership, and support of technical professionals to ensure adherence to enterprise standards for risk management and governance requirements.
• Drive innovation within the systems surveillance team, focusing on automation to eliminate manual work and enhance processes.
• Lead, develop, and execute IT General Controls and IT application control testing, ensuring compliance with SOX controls through automation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and process owners to implement necessary modifications to processes and IT controls to mitigate risks.
• Identify control gaps and potential issues, discussing viable solutions with the business and obtaining management action plans for remediation.
• Influence senior management on significant matters related to IT General Controls compliance, SOX, and process automation.
• Establish preventative and detective IT controls within the centralized Process Control team to identify issues early.
• Ensure control owners develop and document sustainable mechanisms that articulate processes, risks, controls, test results, and adherence to corporate standards.
• Provide strategic direction for all first line of defense surveillance activities within Tech & Ops.
• Promote risk-awareness and enhance the effectiveness of risk management programs.
• Utilize critical thinking skills to define and resolve complex problems beyond existing methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 7+ years in Information Technology, IT Risk, Operational Risk, or Compliance experience, or a High School Diploma/G.E.D. with a minimum of 10+ years in IT, IT Risk, Operational Risk, Audit, or Compliance experience.
• 5+ years of experience with the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and advocating for Agile Software development best practices.
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience working with regulatory compliance frameworks including FFIEC and SOX.
• 5+ years of people leadership experience with a proven track record of building high-performing, engaged teams.
• Experience with cross-functional collaboration across all lines of defense.
• 5+ years' experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, advanced spreadsheet, flowcharting, data analytics, and visualization tools (e.g., SAS, Tableau).
• Willingness to work flexible shifts and timings to respond to emergencies.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience driving improvements across complex organizations and processes of varying maturity levels.
• Experience with industry-standard maturity models.
• Strong project management, presentation, and communication skills with a demonstrated business presence when interacting with senior executives.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate risk/reward tradeoffs appropriate to maintaining risk appetite.
• Proven experience executing with accuracy and timeliness while managing ambiguity.
• Action and detail-oriented with excellent organization and prioritization skills.
• Experience developing and influencing a balanced perspective from the consolidation and analysis of information from multiple perspectives.
• Independent worker with awareness of when to escalate and engage others.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Experience partnering, collaborating, and influencing across a large multilayered organization.

Benefits

• Annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• Salary range of $110,000.00 - $185,000.00 USD annually, adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro, and Seattle.