Job Description

Our Internal Audit Group is a worldwide function with 300+ team members and offices across nine countries within American Express. Our mission is to protect and enhance organizational value by providing independent, objective, risk-based assurance, advisory services and to influence the way the company manages risk.

We are committed to growing our audit staff significantly as we continue to expand and enhance the Internal Audit Group. Our assurance and risk professionals have diverse backgrounds including internal controls, consumer compliance, technology, operational risk, financial accounting, data analytics, and banking operations. Our audit teams align to key risk areas and business units to ensure IAG can provide comprehensive and risk-based audit coverage. In addition, IAG has a Professional Practices group responsible for managing audit operations, quality, and standards; regulatory relations; reporting; training and professional development; and key internal capabilities and technologies.

About the Role

Our Internal Audit group is seeking a Senior Auditor to assess financial, operational, and technological risks, ensure compliance with regulations, and improve internal controls. The ideal candidate will have strong problem- solving skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to utilize effective challenge when conducting audit work. The role will be based in Toronto, Canada.

• Participate as a key team member on audit projects, independently owning audit tasks such as documenting processes under review, developing workpapers, and executing audit tests in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Assist Senior Managers / Managers in the execution of assigned audit tasks in line with American Express' Internal Audit procedures, internal policies and standards, and regulatory expectations throughout the audit lifecycle with guidance; maintain audit proficiency through ongoing professional development, including data analytics literacy skills, technology, and banking best practices.
• Review prior audit results and relevant business monitoring materials to support Audit Planning activities; executes and actively participates in walkthroughs by asking thoughtful questions, leveraging effective challenge and critical thinking.
• Execute audit tests (e.g., process, governance, oversight testing) and clearly document test results in accordance with internal policies and procedures to evaluate the control design and effectiveness; draft work papers, demonstrating the ability to use automated work papers and other department and company tools.
• Identify and escalate issues as appropriate throughout testing and audit execution; draft audit issue documentation.
• Develop an understanding of American Express' business model, products, services, and organizational units.
• Document and evaluate audit observations and findings; support routine client status meetings, audit request, and other administrative tasks.
• Understand how corrective actions / Management Action Plans (MAPs) are impactful and sustainable; execute validation of MAPs.
• Communicate task status, roadblocks, challenges, and potential solutions to Senior Managers/Managers and leadership as appropriate.
• Demonstrate ability to work proactively and take initiative on next steps.
• Provide guidance to staff auditors and review and provide feedback on work as appropriate.
• Understand how to draft test steps, audit findings, and the audit report and drafts as needed with guidance.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of audit experience.
• Prior experience working at a Big Four.
• Understanding of Canadian legal and regulatory mandates for financial institutions, financial and accounting industry standards and guidance/best practices relevant to the business, including technology and data implications.
• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills to deliver deliverables with quality.
• Works independently, within the team and across various teams in a fast-paced environment to drive business results, employing creative thinking, and the ability to work on competing priorities.
• Learns how to break-down problems into components, and solve using data analysis, process, risk control knowledge, and experience to drive risk-based conclusions and decisions.
• Develops knowledge and experience in applying control theory and professional auditing practices throughout the audit lifecycle.
• Develops understanding of regulations, regulatory risks, accounting, and financial industry best practices, including technology and data implications.
• Travel may be required in limited circumstances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant audit and professional certifications (e.g., Certified Public Accountant, (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), etc.
• Experience with data analytic tools, data visualization, key risk indicators (KRIs), key performance indicators (KPIs), information systems / technology, and scorecards / dashboards, etc.
• Interest in working with data, interpreting results, analytic best practices and experience with data analytics tools and data visualization.

Employment eligibility to work with American Express is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions

The job posting is for an existing vacancy.

We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• Support for financial-well-being and retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location)
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
• Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location)
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
• Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
• Career development and training opportunities

American Express is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible work environment in which all people who apply for positions or who work for or on behalf of Amex are treated with dignity and respect and are provided with equal treatment with respect to employment, regardless of that person's age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, colour, ancestry, ethnic or national origin, citizenship, religion or creed, marital status, family status, pregnancy, disability, record of offences, social condition or origin, political beliefs, association or activity or other factors prohibited under applicable Human Rights legislation (the “Prohibited Grounds”). If you have a disability and need accommodation, please speak with the Recruiter for more information.

Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.

As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.