Marsha Lacroix
Kissimmee,FL
Summary
Results-driven Risk and Compliance Testing Manager with over 15 years of experience in regulatory compliance, risk management, and data protection within the financial services industry. Expert in BSA/AML and OFAC compliance, leveraging advanced tools like RSA Archer, Confluence, and Python to enhance operational efficiency and compliance frameworks. Proven track record of identifying risks, developing strategic mitigation plans, and fostering stakeholder trust through transparent communication and collaboration. Adept at analyzing complex regulatory environments and implementing effective compliance solutions.
Experienced with manual and automated testing methodologies. Utilizes comprehensive test plans and scripts to ensure software quality. Track record of identifying and resolving software bugs, ensuring seamless product performance and user satisfaction.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Compliance Tester
Discover Financial Services
07.2024 - 05.2025
- Conducted comprehensive compliance tests to evaluate adherence to BSA/AML and OFAC regulations, identifying operational and regulatory deficiencies that resulted in a 20% reduction in compliance gaps across business units.
- Collaborated with management to develop and optimize risk assessment scopes, leading to the implementation of enhanced compliance frameworks tailored to organizational needs.
- Presented findings and strategic risk mitigation strategies to senior leadership, improving organizational resilience and fostering a culture of compliance.
- Developed and delivered training programs on compliance standards, increasing staff awareness and accountability regarding regulatory requirements.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards by rigorously following established testing methodologies and best practices.
- Identified critical bugs through thorough testing processes, enhancing overall product performance.
- Enhanced user experience by conducting usability testing and providing recommendations for improvements.
- Streamlined bug reporting process, enabling quicker fixes and updates to software applications.
Risk Testing Manager – Regulatory Testing
Varo Bank
02.2022 - 07.2024
- Led compliance assessments and testing lifecycles for operational effectiveness, ensuring adherence to federal and state laws, which resulted in a 30% improvement in compliance metrics.
- Developed targeted action plans to address identified compliance gaps, significantly enhancing adherence to regulatory standards across business units.
- Maintained detailed documentation of compliance activities, facilitating transparency and readiness for audits, and improving audit scores by 25%.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to validate corrective action plans, enhancing the overall compliance framework and fostering a culture of accountability.
- Conducted regular training sessions for testers to enhance their technical skills and domain knowledge.
- Managed end-to-end testing lifecycles from requirements gathering to post-deployment validation.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure thorough and effective test coverage.
- Monitored project milestones closely ensuring timely deliveries without compromising on quality standards.
- Developed risk-based testing strategies, optimizing resource allocation and maximizing defect detection.
- Enhanced testing processes by implementing automation tools and reducing manual efforts.
- Championed test-driven development methodologies within the organization, resulting in higher code quality and faster release cycles.
- Streamlined communication with stakeholders, providing clear status updates on testing progress and results.
- Optimized test environments through careful configuration management, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
- Monitored resolution of bugs, tested fixes, and helped developers tackle ongoing problems by providing QA perspective.
- Documented testing procedures for developers and future testing use.
- Completed in-depth usability testing on Windows, Android and iOS mobile devices.
Compliance Assurance Specialist
Mercury Technologies
07.2023 - 01.2024
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive Compliance Assurance Program, enhancing risk assessment and control evaluation processes that reduced compliance violations by 15%.
- Streamlined data review procedures, improving the accuracy and timeliness of compliance assessments, and reducing turnaround time for compliance reports by 40%.
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
- Implemented new training programs for staff, leading to higher employee retention rates and better overall performance.
- Led quality assurance efforts, maintaining high standards for all products and services.
- Coordinated with IT department to upgrade cybersecurity measures, safeguarding company data.
- Conducted comprehensive competitor analysis to inform strategic decisions.
- Initiated sustainability program, reducing company's environmental impact.
- Increased efficiency by automating routine tasks with software solutions.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making.
Compliance Testing Manager – Strategic Partnerships
FlexShopper LLC
10.2020 - 02.2022
- Built a robust compliance assurance framework within Internal Audit, identifying compliance gaps and driving measurable improvements in the Compliance Assurance Program.
- Enhanced communication across departments to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and foster a culture of accountability, resulting in a 20% increase in compliance accuracy.
- Executed comprehensive assurance reviews, leading to the identification of process improvements that enhanced operational efficiency.
- Reduced software defects by establishing strict coding guidelines and conducting regular code reviews.
- Implemented performance testing initiatives that significantly improved system response times and overall user experience.
- Established a structured approach for test case creation, improving the efficiency of the testing team.
- Defined testing and acceptance strategies and determined quality assurance benchmarks.
- Performed compatibility testing on JIRA, verifying absence of conflicts.
- Authored and maintained well-organized, efficient and successful manual test cases for entire team.
- Evaluated function, performance and design compliance of every product against design standards and customer needs.
- Managed end-to-end testing lifecycles from requirements gathering to post-deployment validation.
- Documented testing procedures for developers and future testing use.
Compliance Analyst
DRB Capital
04.2019 - 07.2020
- Conducted detailed risk assessments and audits of contracts, ensuring compliance with state regulations and reducing potential liabilities by 10%.
- Developed compliance protocols that streamlined processes and improved overall operational efficiency, enhancing stakeholder confidence.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for the successful implementation of new compliance initiatives.
- Monitored adherence to industry regulations, ensuring timely reporting of any discrepancies or violations.
- Served as a subject matter expert on compliance matters, providing guidance and support to colleagues across various departments.
- Prepared documentation and records for upcoming audits and inspections.
- Assisted in the preparation of reports for senior management, outlining findings from investigations into suspected non-compliant activities.
- Improved company''s risk management strategy by identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks related to noncompliance.
- Reviewed audit and monitoring reports related to consumer and client activities.
- Assisted in the development of a comprehensive risk assessment framework for evaluating potential threats to organizational compliance systems.
- Evaluated third-party vendors for compliance with applicable laws and regulations, minimizing potential exposure to penalties or sanctions.
Loan Operations Manager
Bayview Loan Servicing
04.2015 - 02.2019
- Managed a team of 18 to enhance loan portfolio performance while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, achieving a 25% increase in departmental collection metrics.
- Resolved complex customer issues, enhancing customer satisfaction and trust in compliance practices.
- Played a pivotal role in achieving departmental goals by consistently meeting or exceeding performance targets.
- Increased operational transparency by creating detailed reports on key performance indicators for senior management review regularly.
- Reviewed credit applications thoroughly, identifying discrepancies or issues that may affect lending decisions before passing them along for further evaluation by underwriters or other relevant parties involved in the approval process flowchart structure setup framework hierarchy system sequence architecture order arrangement outline configuration design organization layout plan schema composition format method scheme structure style disposition grouping methodology ordering pattern symmetry texture code conformation constellation formation harmony mold motif proportion repetition shape standardization tessellation uniformity artistic discipline scientific technique.
- Implemented technological solutions to improve loan processing speed and accuracy for better operational efficiency.
- Reduced error rates through diligent quality control checks, leading to improved overall departmental performance metrics.
- Proactively identified potential risks within the portfolio, implementing mitigation strategies as needed to protect the company''s interests.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing timely and accurate loan processing services.
- Streamlined loan operations by implementing efficient processes and reducing turnaround time.
Business Systems Analyst
American Express
03.2010 - 04.2015
- Developed and implemented compliance protocols that reduced legal risks and improved operational workflows, leading to a 15% decrease in compliance-related incidents.
- Assessed business requirements to create focused solutions.
- Trained business personnel in use of systems.
- Developed comprehensive documentation to support end-users and facilitate future enhancements.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, consistently meeting deadlines while maintaining a high standard of quality workmanship.
- Created and maintained standard operating procedures governing system functions and features.
- Facilitated communication between technical and non-technical team members, ensuring project alignment across all parties involved.
- Helped deploy system enhancements to improve field operations.
- Collected, defined and analyzed business requirements.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends by attending conferences and participating in continuing education opportunities regularly.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Analytics
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL12.2022
Skills
- BSA/AML & OFAC Compliance: Extensive knowledge of regulatory requirements and best practices for compliance within financial services, ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Skilled in planning and executing specialized risk assessments, identifying operational and regulatory deficiencies, and implementing effective solutions to mitigate risks
- Regulatory Compliance and Auditing: Expertise in conducting compliance audits and evaluations, developing comprehensive documentation, and maintaining accurate records of compliance activities
- Data Protection and Privacy: Experience in implementing data protection strategies that safeguard sensitive information and ensure compliance with data privacy laws
- Process Improvement and Optimization: Proficient in utilizing process mapping techniques to enhance workflows, improve efficiencies, and ensure regulatory compliance
- Documentation and Reporting: Strong ability to gather, synthesize, and present data-driven conclusions and actionable recommendations to management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to cultivate relationships with cross-functional teams to drive collaboration and streamline communication in support of strategic objectives
- Project Management: Experienced in managing compliance projects with tight timelines, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards
- SQL and Data Analytics: Proficient in using SQL for data analysis and reporting, enhancing compliance monitoring capabilities
- - Proficient in JIRA, RSA Archer, Confluence, Microsoft Office Suite
- - Strong written and verbal communication skills
- - Ability to analyze regulatory changes and implement training initiatives
- Manual testing
- Functional testing
- Product testing
- Performance testing
- Quality assurance
- Regression testing
- Defect tracking
- Reporting and analysis
- Security testing
- Test automation
- Test strategies and coverage
- Quality control
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
Certification
- Certified in Operational Risk Management
- CAMS (in progress)
Affiliations
Member of the Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS)
Timeline
Senior Compliance Tester
Discover Financial Services
07.2024 - 05.2025
Compliance Assurance Specialist
Mercury Technologies
07.2023 - 01.2024
Risk Testing Manager – Regulatory Testing
Varo Bank
02.2022 - 07.2024
Compliance Testing Manager – Strategic Partnerships
FlexShopper LLC
10.2020 - 02.2022
Compliance Analyst
DRB Capital
04.2019 - 07.2020
Loan Operations Manager
Bayview Loan Servicing
04.2015 - 02.2019
Business Systems Analyst
American Express
03.2010 - 04.2015
Bachelor of Science - Business Analytics
Broward College
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