Compliance Testing Advisor - M&T Securities and Institutional Services & Wealth Management (ISWM)

Overview:

The Compliance Testing Advisor is responsible for the managing, leading, and execution of compliance testing engagements utilizing a risk-based approach in line with department standards to ensure the Bank’s compliance with applicable laws, rules & regulations. The Compliance Testing Advisor is also responsible for the oversight and coaching of team members to deliver a quality product in line with department standards. This role supports continued enhancements to testing methodology, ongoing stakeholder engagement,  and overall promotion of the Compliance Testing Group within the organization. This position would support the testing of M&T Securities, Institutional Services &Wealth Management Marketing, The Volcker Rule and other regulations covered under the Institutional Services &Wealth Management umbrella.

Position Responsibilities:

• Interface with all layers of the organization independently to obtain information related to processes and controls.
• Perform compliance testing in accordance with department and professional standards.
• Oversee planning and execution of testing, including multiple simultaneous testing engagements across a defined testing portfolio.
• Ensure testing engagements are completed within established timeframes, and/or provide early escalation of anticipated delays to senior management.
• Draft and communicate substantive testing findings and control execution weaknesses to all levels of compliance and business unit management under the direction of a Manager.
• Lead collaborative testing team discussions with all levels of management where judgment and opinions are effectively challenged.
• Review test findings with testing management and other compliance officers to confirm validity of issues; make recommendations to Senior Compliance Testing Manager regarding the appropriate tier rating of identified issues.
• Work with business units and compliance groups to ensure consistent understanding of requirements.
• Responsibilities may also include system administrative duties such as maintenance, validation, and/or updating in the compliance data management system (Archer).
• Review work papers of all team members and provide related feedback, coaching, and mentoring.
• Build a working relationship with mid-level Internal Audit, Business Units, and Corporate Compliance Portfolio Managers.
• Encourage integrated testing approaches with the data & systems team and make suggestions on testing approaches to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of testing procedures.  
• Serve as knowledge resource for all staff.
• Maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of regulatory requirements to ensure an appropriate level of testing.
• Provide feedback to team members regarding assessments of business unit process and controls and respective risk focused input on effectiveness and efficiency of testing approach.
• Independently document and assess all levels of test scripts.
• Participate in special projects and department wide initiatives, as necessary.
• Multitask assignments and meet established deadlines.
• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies, and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite. Identify risk-related findings needing escalation to a Manager.
• Promote an environment that supports diversity and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.

• Conduct Virtual and In Person FINRA Branch Inspections (some travel may be required)

• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Nature and Scope:

The position works under the direction of the Compliance Testing Manager and is required to exercise independent judgment and discretion utilizing a risk based approach.
The position collaborates extensively with (a) Corporate Compliance subject matter deputies (PCMs) to gain an appropriate understanding of applicable regulatory requirements, (b) business unit staff and PCMs to understand work flows and processes, and (c) Internal Audit as a resource for review and coordination of testing plans and methods.

Education/Experience Required:

• FINRA Series 7 and 24 Licenses (or the ability to obtain within 6 months)

• Bachelor's Degree in related field.
• 6 years’ experience in compliance, legal, audit, risk or other relevant function,
• OR in lieu of degree,
• A combined minimum 10 years higher education and/or work experience, including 6 years in compliance, legal, audit, risk or other relevant function
• Demonstrated coaching experience.
• Ability to read and understand laws, regulations, and common law applicable to subject matter.
• Ability to exercise judgment and sound discretion, and understand when Corporate Compliance Management guidance is needed.
• Strong, comprehensive understanding of financial services functions.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, having the ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing to mid-level management.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Possess regulatory subject matter expertise related to aspects of the portfolio.
• Strong proficiency with spreadsheet, presentation, and word processing software.

Education/Experience Preferred:

• Related certifications (CPA, CIA, CISA, CAMS, CRCM or similar certifications)
• MBA or Master's Degree in an appropriate field
   

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $85,104.04 - $141,840.07 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation. The range listed above corresponds to our national pay range for this role. The specific pay range applicable to you may vary based on your location.

Location

Clanton, Alabama, United States of America