Detailed-oriented banking/financial services risk management professional with a focus on Operational Risk and Consumer Compliance with the ability to enhance internal and external relationships. Motivated for cross-training in other roles and areas to advance within the financial services industry. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Operational Risk Manager, Sr.
Synovus Bank
Atlanta, GA
03.2022 - Current
Developed and implemented strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
Developed and implemented risk management policies, procedures, and processes.
Monitored operational activities to identify areas of potential risk exposure.
Conducted periodic reviews of existing controls and identified gaps in control environment.
Assisted in the development of corrective action plans to address control deficiencies.
Performed detailed analysis of data related to operational losses and root cause identification.
Documented key findings from investigations into potential instances of fraud or abuse within the organization.
Identified trends in operational risk incidents and developed recommendations for improvement initiatives.
Prepared periodic reports detailing changes in levels of operational risk exposures over time.
Worked closely with other teams such as legal, compliance, finance, IT security, on matters pertaining to Operational Risk Management.
Escalated identified risk issues, challenges and trends to senior management and delivered risk-related documents for audit and regulatory exams.
Wrote, maintained, distributed and updated operational risk procedural manuals, job aids and tools.
Assigned corrective action target dates for identified risks and verified timely completion and implementation to comply with regulatory requirements.
Monitored and credibly challenged first-line business units that conducted potentially risky operations and scrutinized risk decisions made.
Engaged consistently with mentees through designated contact points using various methods.
Hired and trained staff for open positions, encouraging a supportive team environment.
Maintained high quality standards while working effectively as a team in a fast-paced environment.
Communicated clearly and reliably with team members and management, checking in regularly.
Operational Risk Analyst, Sr
Synovus Bank
Atlanta, GA
12.2018 - 02.2022
Facilitate risk management activities to effectively identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor operational risks across the Deposit LOBs and Bank Operations support functions
Analyze the current business environment to detect deficiencies and recommend solutions to ensure timely and effective and mitigating efforts through issue remediation
Provide input to the annual risk assessment process based on an approved risk assessment methodology
Engage with business units to identify and assess operational risks through RCSA (Risk Control Self-Assessment) workshops, identifying mitigating controls by reviewing various process documents (policies & procedures, SOX narratives, etc.)
Collaborate with management to determine the adequacy and effectiveness of controls and in developing action plans to remediate deficiencies and gaps identified in the internal control environment
Identify and analyze internal controls for improvements that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall control environment
Assist business unit management in the design, implementation and update of enhanced policies, procedures, and processes to prevent non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management approved policies
Participate, and where appropriate, lead risk management initiatives to document risk and controls because of process changes, new products/services, etc
Where scope may vary dependent on the line of business or support function
Provide day-to-day risk support to LOBs/support functions to build a culture and climate focused on the pro-active awareness of, and continuous improvement in, the operational risk environment, utilizing existing training materials and developing presentation materials where applicable
Stay abreast of industry and regulatory changes and trends to determine potential impact on business services and processes
Created and facilitated the Quarterly Risk Review to ensure risk awareness within the business/support areas, as well as fostering positive working relationships.
Communicated effectively with stakeholders at all levels regarding identified risks and mitigation strategies.
Conducted independent reviews of processes and procedures to identify potential areas of operational risk.
Assisted in the development of policies and procedures for mitigating operational risks.
Monitored changes in laws, regulations, and industry standards related to operational risk management practices.
Coordinated with internal stakeholders to develop comprehensive corrective action plans for identified risks.
Collaborated with other departments to ensure that all relevant information is considered when assessing operational risks.
Performed in-depth and comprehensive gap analyses to determine root cause of process gaps and regulatory compliance failures.
Escalated identified risk issues, challenges and trends to senior management and delivered risk-related documents for audit and regulatory exams.
Assigned corrective action target dates for identified risks and verified timely completion and implementation to comply with regulatory requirements.
Monitored and credibly challenged first-line business units that conducted potentially risky operations and scrutinized risk decisions made.
Identified, analyzed, and evaluated operational risks across multiple business lines.
Provided guidance on best practices for managing operational risks across the organization.
Wrote, maintained, distributed and updated operational risk procedural manuals, job aids and tools.
Support multiple business segment partners to review, analyze, and manage processes, risks, and controls across multiple risk disciplines
Analyze initiatives through the business change risk assessment process, evaluate operational risk health within the business area and manage issues to address gaps and deficiencies within processes, controls, procedures, and systems
Provided support to business partners in multiple segments (Solutions-Deposits Payments & Products, Consumer AML, Demand Management, Banking Operations and Business Transformation)
Assess potential risks in initiatives through Business Change Risk Assessments (BCRA) to identify risks and determine remediation plan through discussion with various Risk Steward Subject Matter Experts
Identify, create, and manage issues through the Integrated Risk Management (IRM) Platform
Work with Deposit Product managers, AML managers (consumer & enterprise) and Operations managers to remediate, identified issues through Issues Management and evaluate projects from risk assessment through post- implementation
Partnered with SOS Content Management to review procedures used by Branch Banking and Client Contact Center to service clients
Partner with business segment managers to stay abreast of issues with Third Party vendors managed by Service Managers
Perform Process Risk Control Assessments (PRCA) to assess overall risk health of business through evaluation of processes, risks and controls, end user computing tools, walkthrough discussions, review of process maps and perform key operational control testing
Develop and modify processes, risks, and controls in IRM
Identify, create, and monitor Key Risk Indicators (KRIs)
Conducted risk assessments to identify and evaluate potential threats to the organization's operations, personnel, assets and reputation.
Reviewed existing policies and procedures related to risk management and recommended changes where necessary.
Collaborated with other departments to ensure that all areas of risk were addressed in a timely manner.
Facilitated meetings between stakeholders to discuss risk-related issues, develop action plans and track progress towards goals set out in the Risk Management Plan.
Regulatory Control Consultant
SunTrust Banks Inc
Atlanta, GA
12.2013 - 12.2016
Consumer Bank Compliance
Performed Quality Control testing
Created methodologies for new Quality Control reviews
Performed compliance and Quality Control reviews (according to Federal regulations D, E, CC, DD, ADA, BSA/AML (CIP& NRA/AHR), UDAAP)
Wrote compliance reports for management distribution
Reviewed documentation and provided recommended corrective action
Followed up on management action plans
Worked on critical ad-hoc projects for regulatory exams
Created ad-hoc reports for various projects
Provided guidance on design control procedures to ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
Monitored changes in relevant laws, regulations, guidelines and industry trends that could affect the organization's operations.
Product Support Representative III, FinTech Ops
FIS Global
Norcross, GA
11.2007 - 11.2013
Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes.
Relationship Banker/Head Teller/Lead Vault Teller
Branch Banking and Trust, BB&T
Atlanta, GA
07.2003 - 11.2007
Completed highly accurate, high-volume money counts via both manual and machine-driven approaches.
Identified potential needs through observation, questioning, and listening.
Introduced customers to other bank team members to help meet financial needs.
Investigated and promptly resolved issues with patron accounts.
Answered inquiries regarding checking and savings accounts and other related products.
Assisted customers with setting up or closing accounts, completing loan applications, and signing up for new services.
Received car loan, home loan, and other payments and posted to accounts.
Mentored and trained new tellers on bank procedures and customer service standards.
Enforced compliance with bank regulations and policies to reduce financial risks.
Recognized and prevented fraudulent activities and suspicious transactions.
Managed daily bank operations by processing customer transactions and providing exceptional customer service.
Trained new hires on customer service policies and procedures.
Processed wide variety of retail banking transactions for personal and commercial customers.
Executed wire transfers, stop payments and account transfers.
Cross-sold credit cards, loans and other bank products.
Assisted customers with banking needs and inquiries.
Established rapport with new clients to increase satisfaction and loyalty.
Performed account maintenance by closing out accounts and changing customer addresses.
Monitored and verified suspicious activity on customer accounts.
Counted, verified and handled bank deposits and armored car transactions.
Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
Senior Teller
Bank of America
Decatur, GA
07.1998 - 02.2003
Handled foreign currency and performed currency transaction reports.
Completed highly accurate, high-volume money counts via both manual and machine-driven approaches.
Coached and trained new bank tellers.
Answered phone and email inquiries on banking products.
Performed general teller duties for drive-thru line.
Introduced customers to other bank team members to help meet financial needs.
Received car loan, home loan, and other payments and posted to accounts.
Mentored newly hired team members on appropriate responses to patron questions.
Identified potential needs through observation, questioning, and listening.
Answered inquiries regarding checking and savings accounts and other related products.
Replenished ATM funds in empty canisters prior to validation process.
Enforced compliance with bank regulations and policies to reduce financial risks.
Mentored and trained new tellers on bank procedures and customer service standards.
Recognized and prevented fraudulent activities and suspicious transactions.
Education
MBA - Human Resources Management
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
03.2009
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
05.2006
Skills
Retail & Business Branch Banking – 9 years
FinTech Operations – 6 years
Consumer Compliance - 4 years
Operational Risk – 6 years
Strong analytical skills
Ability to grasp new concepts & processes
Adaptable to change
Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, SharePoint, Teams)