Principal, Risk Management Consultant

Principal, Risk Management Consultant

At Early Warning, we've powered and protected the U.S. financial system for over thirty years with cutting-edge solutions like Zelle, Paze?, and so much more. As a trusted name in payments, we partner with thousands of institutions to increase access to financial services and protect transactions for hundreds of millions of consumers and small businesses. Positions located in Scottsdale, San Francisco, Chicago, or New York follow a hybrid work model to allow for a more collaborative working environment. Candidates responding to this posting must independently possess the eligibility to work in the United States, for any employer, at the date of hire. This position is ineligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Overall Purpose: We are seeking an experienced Principal, Risk Management Consultant to help drive an enterprise-wide risk transformation initiative. This role serves as a technical subject matter expert supporting the achievement of risk transformation objectives through sound risk management practices. Responsible for the development, implementation and coordination of foundational risk management practices (including process risk management, risk identification, risk assessment, and control design and documentation, control testing, and issue management) this role is designed to drive maturity across Early Warning's risk capabilities. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with deep expertise in risk management frameworks and the ability to partner effectively across business units and functions.

Risk Transformation

Develop applicable risk frameworks to ensure alignment with industry best practice, regulatory requirements and threat-informed risks and controls. Ensure proper and consistent execution of enterprise frameworks and templates required to conduct risk assessments, define processes and complete RCSAs, consistent with ERM policies and procedures and in alignment with industry frameworks and regulations. Work across risk and business leadership to design and implement risk capabilities that result in best-in-class risk management practices and frameworks. Support the design and execution of the company's enterprise-wide risk transformation roadmap. Partner with business leaders to integrate risk management principles into strategic planning, operations, and decision-making processes. Drive adoption of consistent, sustainable risk practices across the enterprise.

Process Risk Management

Develop and implement standardized approaches to identifying, assessing, and managing process-level risks. Facilitate process mapping, control evaluation, and risk mitigation planning across key business areas.

Risk Identification & Assessment

Organize and lead forums to identify risks (including cross-functional and emerging risks) and controls related to processes, new initiatives and significant changes, providing credible challenge throughout and providing input on the treatment of any control gaps or weaknesses. Lead and execute independent assessment and credible challenge of 1st line of defense risk management activities. Responsibilities include RCSAs, risk frameworks (including applicable policies), control testing, issues management, key risk indicators, reporting and escalation to various governance committees. Develop and maintain enterprise risk inventories and risk assessment methodologies. Provide analysis and insights to inform enterprise risk reporting and governance.

Control Design, Documentation, and Testing

Work with leaders to develop best-in-class control testing approach and ensure clarity around testing and validation requirements/schedule Evaluate existing control environments and recommend improvements to strengthen risk management capabilities. Partner with process owners to design effective and efficient controls that address identified risks. Ensure thorough and consistent documentation of risks, controls, and mitigating actions.

Governance, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

Support the development of enterprise risk governance structures, roles, and responsibilities. Contribute to regular risk reporting for senior leadership and board committees. Promote a culture of proactive risk management and continuous improvement. Support the company's commitment to risk management and protecting the integrity and confidentiality of systems and data.

Minimum Qualifications: 15+ years of experience, with a minimum of 6 years in enterprise risk management, operational risk, internal audit, or related risk consulting roles in a financial institution or highly regulated environment. Strong understanding of risk management programs and industry best practices for regulated entities in the financial services industry Strong understanding of ERM frameworks (e.g., COSO ERM, ISO 31000) and internal control principles. Experience providing independent review and challenge of first line of defense technology risks and controls. Demonstrated aptit