Job Details

• The QA Lead, Regions (GCNA, ASA, GBS), GIA reports directly to the Global Head, Quality Assurance, GIA (hereafter referred to as he “Global Head QA”) and is accountable for the end-to-end design and delivery of the QA’s regional and country coverage within the GCNA & ASA regions, and across GBS locations. The role is responsible for assessing and improving the quality of audit work in accordance with the GIA Methodology, Audit Charter and the IIA Standards.
• The QA Lead, Regions is accountable for the QA outcomes around Audit activity owned by the GCNA, ASA & GBS Audit portfolios and for providing relevant regional thematic and regulatory insights into the QA work owned by other QA Leads to the extent they touch the GCNA, ASA & GBS areas.
• The QA Lead, Regions (GCNA, ASA, GBS) supports the delivery of the strategy and development of the broader GIA function through providing insights and recommendations to the Global Head QA, as well as the relevant GIA MT members, for improving GIA’s function’s strategic approach and contributing to process improvements based on the results of QA.
• Through the impact of their QA work, the QA Lead, Regions is a key partner with the GIA MT in delivering an uplift in the quality of audit work performed and in the management of GIA’s audit risk and the implementation of GIA’s functional strategy.
• The QA Lead, Regions also leads a team of QA professionals within GIA. The job holder will be a senior member of an independent team who will be tasked to help develop and deliver a class leading Quality Assurance (QA) function within GIA.

Strategy

• Perform a comprehensive risk assessment of the region to develop and implement an appropriate end-to-end regional/country QA coverage approach, that provides assurance to the QA Lead, GIA MT that the operation of the GIA local teams is in line with the expectations as defined within the GIA charter and external regulations.
• The QA Lead, Regions will be expected to make a strong and proactive contribution across all core QA activities including:
• In conjunction with the other QA Leads, overseeing the effective delivery and execution of the Quality Assurance Plan across GIA to a high standard;
• Developing and ensuring that the Quality Assurance Plan and QA Coverage Strategy for the region appropriately addresses the GIA Methodology, IIA Standard and regulatory requirements/expectations;
• Providing a valued, quantitative and a qualitative programme of quality assurance across their region on all material GIA activities and processes and solution orientated improvement plans;
• Collaborating with the GIA Governance and Delivery to enhance existing approaches, methods and toolkits to ensure they remain leading class and current;
• Maintaining an external focus and strong network within the industry to identify trends in QA

Business

• Strong awareness and understanding of the wider business, economic and market environment in which the Group operates.
• Ensuring flexibility in the QA approach to meet the evolving requirements of the risks associated with the audit universe.
• Ensuring timely, effective and impactful written and verbal communications with key stakeholders on the progress of QA activity.

Processes

• Develop the GCNA, ASA & GBS regional/country quality assurance plan to align to the audit strategy, manage its overall execution with optimum scope and efficient use of QA resources. The plan should be developed in collaboration with the Regional QA Leads to achieve a holistic approach to the assessment of GIA quality assurance and improvement plan/strategy.
• Assist in the information gathering and preparation of the periodic summary reports by QA to GIA senior management and the audit committee (including reports of the results of internal and external quality assessments and improvement programmes).
• Lead in the development and implementation of a QA and Quality management framework.
• Lead in the development, administration and maintenance of QA standards, policies and procedures.
• Lead GIA in keeping current on changes and emerging best practices of the internal auditing profession; undertake research into other emerging issues and opportunities.
• Assist GIA MT, the Governance and Delivery team and other GIA staff in preparing for and participating in external assessment conducted by regulators and other third parties. Oversee tracking of recommendations and outcomes of resultant improvement programmes.
• Participate in ongoing assessment processes e.g. GIA strategic projects or operational programmes (e.g. guest auditor or graduate programmes) as agreed and directed by Group Head of GIA and/or Global Head, QA
• Plan, execute and report upon special project or ad-hoc work as directed by the Global Head, QA and /or GHoA.
• Advise and validate the quality requirements associated with major GIA change programmes and operational/process improvements;
• Promote knowledge sharing, conducting training and educating QA Partners and GIA staff through improvement programmes on best practice across GIA.
• Provide opportunities for individual development and learning and enhancing the GIA leadership capability

People and Talent

• Ensure the QA team have access to the necessary training / learning programmes to execute their role and meet local regulatory requirements / expectations and, where required, maintain any professional qualifications and memberships.
• Provide leadership, management and coaching to direct reports to ensure they are highly engaged, have development opportunities and are performing to their potential.
• Lead by example and build the appropriate culture and values according to Bank’s Priorities / Strategy. Set appropriate tone and expectations from the QA team and work in collaboration with risk and control partners.
• Set and monitor job descriptions and objectives for direct reports and provide feedback and rewards in line with their performance against their responsibilities and objectives.

Risk Management

• Responsible for identifying, assessing, monitoring, controlling and mitigating risks to GIA and the Group. Also, an awareness and understanding of the main risks facing GIA and the Group and the role the individual plays in managing them.
• The ability to interpret the Group’s financial information, identify key issues based on this information and put in place appropriate controls and measures

Governance

• Maintain oversight of the GCNA and ASA region and GBS audit and QA coverage, to corroborate compliance with the highest standards of regulatory conduct and compliance practices as defined by internal and external requirements.
• Maintain awareness and understanding of the regulatory framework in which the Group and GIA operates and the regulatory requirements and expectations relevant to the role.
• Embed the Group’s values and Code of Conduct in Group Internal Audit QA team to ensure that adherence with the highest standards of ethics, and compliance with relevant policies, processes and regulations among employees’ form part of the culture.

Regulatory & Business conduct

• Display exemplary conduct and live by the Group’s Values and Code of Conduct.
• Take personal responsibility for embedding the highest standards of ethics, including regulatory and business conduct, across Standard Chartered Bank. This includes understanding and ensuring compliance with, in letter and spirit, all applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and the Group Code of Conduct.
• Direct the QAR coverage of GCNA, ASA and GBS portfolio to achieve the outcomes set out in the Bank’s Conduct Principles: The Right Environment; Fair Outcomes for Clients; Effective Financial Markets; Financial Crime Prevention.
• Effectively and collaboratively identify, escalate, mitigate and resolve risk, conduct and compliance matters.

Key Stakeholders

• GCNA, ASA Regional Heads of Audit
• GCNA, ASA Country Heads of Audit
• GBS Heads of Audit
• External Auditors / Professional Services Companies and Regulators, as required

Other Responsibilities

• Embed Here for Good and Group’s brand and values.
• Perform other responsibilities assigned under Group, Country, Business or Functional policies and procedures where relevant.

• Strong understanding of governance and control frameworks within a banking environment.
• Strong, proven leadership qualities, interpersonal, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical and sharp business acumen, be proficient in risk based control analysis and audit concepts for a wide range of products.
• Commercial awareness and a strong understanding of internal banking interdependencies.
• Knowledge of the UK and global regulatory environment and requirements applicable to audit practice risk/ IIA standards.
• Strong sense of integrity and independence with an ability to constructively challenge colleagues and QA Leads
• Proven ability to coach, influence and develop people.
• Proven ability to manage highly diverse teams in widely dispersed geographies.
• High level of resilience and maturity to operate in a result driven and fast-moving environment.

Reference ID - GH/BFSI/JC//23082019//86102/Director, QA Lead-Internal Audit