Associate Vice President, Technology Risk & Controls

Company: CGL
Department: IT - Ent Inf & Ops Serv
Employment Type: Regular Full-Time
Work Model: Hybrid (2 days in office)
Language: Bilingualism in English and French is an asset.

The Opportunity:

We are a leading Canadian financial services co-operative committed to being a catalyst for a sustainable and resilient society and our team is essential to deliver on this strategy. That’s why we prioritize our people, to ensure we provide a strong culture and development opportunities which enables our team to thrive and to live our purpose. The best part is that you will work with people that care passionately about you, our clients and our communities.

The AVP, Technology Risk and Controls, is responsible for leading a team that provides independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to: Strengthen Technology’s’ controls and oversight structure; provide holistic management of risks across all of the Technology organization; promote internal controls, fraud and risk awareness, and evaluate related activities; monitoring/testing, identify opportunities for process and control improvements; monitor compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; safeguard assets, and share best practices throughout technology. This role is accountable to oversee Technology’s execution of all Enterprise certification and compliance programs in the identification, testing and reporting of internal controls and provides regular reporting to senior management, Co-operators Risk Committee and the Co-operators Audit Committee. In addition, the role is responsible for championing the Enterprise Risk Management program within Technology and oversight of building appropriate frameworks.

How you will create impact:

• Foster a strong risk culture across Technology, ensuring risks are identified and addressed.
• Lead and develop the Technology 1B Function; define team structure; oversee capacity planning and performance management.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with 1A, 2LoD, Internal Audit, Legal, and Central Control Functions, to embed a strong risk culture and drive sustainable outcomes.
• Establish and support the 1LoD Technology Risk Committee, including charter, agendas, actions, and escalation; represent management as needed.
• Set the strategic vision for risk reporting across the business and ensure risk assessment results inform business unit monitoring and testing plans, reporting, and remediation priorities.
• Oversee the design of business unit risk reporting to senior management and enterprise stakeholders, with actionable insights and recommendations including forward looking insights and emerging risk themes, aligned with enterprise standards.
• Where applicable, follow the 2LoD monitoring and testing enterprise requirements, establish a risk-based 1LoD control monitoring and testing program.
• Conduct an assessment of the existing KCIs, KPIs and KRIs against Tech risks identified through the Risk Scoping activity and determine whether they sufficiently support ongoing risk
• Inspiring, motivating and leading your team to define and execute strategic objectives through effective coaching and mentoring, identifying and developing leadership talent, and fostering an innovative, collaborative, diverse, and agile culture.

To join our team:

• 10 + years of progressive technology risk/audit leadership experience within the insurance and/or audit firm industry
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance or Risk Management
• CPA, CIA and/or Certified Fraud Examiner designation is preferred
• Extensive experience working with/managing 1LoD functions, understanding Technology business models.
• In-depth understanding of the 3LoD operating model and how the 1B function supports Technology, and 2LoD expectations.
• Thorough knowledge of risk management methodologies, ERM, business continuity, control frameworks and risk management techniques.
• Proven track record of successfully leading regulatory audits.
• Demonstrated knowledge of related social, political, regulatory, technological, and economic factors that impact the insurance business, to influence risk management practices.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing and managing in a complex and dynamic environment

How you will succeed:

• You cultivate a client centric culture, drive organizational change and champion innovative thinking.
• You foster sustainable relationships with stakeholders to identify strategies, explore broader solutions and collaboratively resolve contentious issues.
• You build trust with employees and business partners and inspire your team through compelling communication.
• You role model the co-operative values, encourage the development of your leaders and build high performing teams to meet the evolving needs of the organization.
• You are integral in identifying and implementing the long-term vision for the organization and apply a strategic mindset to adjust business priorities based on emerging trends.

What you need to know:

• You will be subject to a Background check as a condition of employment, in the event you are the successful candidate.

What’s in it for you?

• Training and development opportunities to grow your career.
• Flexible work options and paid time off to support your personal and family needs.
• A holistic approach to your well-being, with physical and mental health programs and a supportive workplace culture.
• Paid volunteer days to give back to your community.
• In addition to our competitive salary and incentive programs, eligible employees also benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package including group retirement savings plans, pension and benefits (, health and wellness, dental, disability and life coverage), mental health support and an employee assistance program.

Salary to be discussed with successful applicants. The salary amount for the successful candidate is determined by Co-operators in its discretion and will vary depending on several criteria including but not limited to: local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualification, experience and education.