Risk Officer - Operational Risk - SLC or Houston - Hybrid Schedule

Zions Bancorporation is one of the nation’s premier financial services companies operating as a collection of great banks under local brands and management teams in high-growth western markets. Zions is regularly recognized by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For” and as having a top banking team in its list of “The Most Powerful Women in Banking.” Our customers consistently vote us as the best bank in our local markets., We value our employees, and we are committed to search out, recognize and create fulfilling opportunities for outstanding people within our organization, rewarding them for their contributions to our success. We recognize that banking is a “local” business, and that to be successful, we must have very strong ties to the communities we serve and strong relationships with our customers.

With benefits starting on day one, 12 bank holidays, profit sharing and company-matched 401(k) contributions, Zions is dedicated to being an employer of choice in our communities. At Zions, the possibilities are endless. You bring the talent; we bring the opportunity.

At Zions Bancorporation, operational risk management is at the heart of our enterprise risk management strategy. Our Operational Risk department, a second line of defense function, is dedicated to identifying and assessing operational risks, ensuring robust governance, and promoting first line accountability for knowing, owning, and managing their risks.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Risk Officer to join our team. In this role, you will build strong relationships with key stakeholders, provide critical oversight, and leverage your very particular set of skills that include problem solving and critical thinking.  Your expertise will be crucial in providing effective challenge of the first line, conducting in-depth analysis, driving improvements in our risk management practices, and providing timely and relevant reporting and feedback to the first line, management, committees, and the Board.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a meaningful understanding of the bank’s risk management policies and practices and their alignment with the COSO framework to support your informed decision making and subject matter expertise.  
• Plan, perform, and report the results of gap analysis and independent risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities, evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls, assign a substantiated risk rating, and recommend actionable improvements to mitigate identified risks.
• Advise and challenge first line of defense on operational risks and risk management practices related to: governance documentation, risk metrics, control development and implementation, risk and control self-assessment, risk event and issue identification and management, new initiatives, and risk acceptance or exceptions.
• Utilize analytical techniques to develop and optimize departmental processes, and inform risk assessments and reporting, including:
  • gather, understand, and show data to find patterns and connections, and
  • investigate trends, patterns, and relationships using data.
• Develop and perform assurance reviews of operational risk team performance and adherence to departmental frameworks, policies, programs, procedures, and standards.
• Develop and deliver periodic risk reports, presentations, and training (as needed) to first line of defense, senior and executive management.
• Consult with management to assist with departmental planning.

Job Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree   
• 6-8+ years of risk management, auditing, compliance, legal/regulatory, finance or other directly related experience.
• Strong interpersonal, critical thinking, problem resolution and analytical skills required.
• Must have excellent presentation and communication skills, both verbally and written.
• Ability to effectively build relationships, work on cross-departmental teams and engage with senior management.
• Experience working with banking applications, processes, procedures, and controls.
• Working knowledge of COSO Internal Control Integrated Framework Principles and OCC Heightened Standards is highly desired.
• A combination of education and experience may meet qualifications.

Located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, the Zions Bank Building serves as the headquarters of both Zions Bancorporation and Zions Bank. The building sits adjacent to City Creek Center, a world-class shopping and dining destination with more than 100 stores and restaurants. The Zions Bank Building stands tall among Salt Lake City’s central business district, providing hundreds of team members with an exceptional work environment and features such as:

• Easy access to the City Creek UTA TRAX station, as well as various electric vehicle charging stations in most City Creek area garages;
• An employee-only fitness center and bike storage;
• An employee lounge, kitchen, micro market, game tables, couches and TVs;
• Private mothers’ rooms and lockers; and
• Access to downtown shopping, dining, arts and entertainment.