Sean Bessette
Warwick,RI
Summary
Experienced leader specializing in regulatory concerns, process improvement, Operational Risk Management, IT General Controls, and culture development. Approach influenced by risk management knowledge. Consistent track record of implementing complex risk-intensive projects and being a change agent with favorable results.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Business Risk and Controls Advisor
USAA
01.2023 - Current
- Guided Control Owners in executing controls efficiently and suggested improvements when necessary
- Established trustworthy relationships with Control Owners, fostering a collaborative work environment
- Assessed and mitigated risk exposure in Business Changes, ensuring a secure operational framework
- Conducted Risk Control Self-Assessments, contributing to the robustness of partnered experiences
- Designed KRI/KPIs to provide a strategic outlook of risk portfolio, enhancing decision-making processes
- Revised control language based on business needs, ensuring clarity and precision
- Addressed and resolved gaps identified in 2nd and 3rd line reviews, improving overall control effectiveness
- Drove improvements in risk management processes, enhancing control efficacy and business stability
- Enhanced control language precision, closing gaps identified in 2nd and 3rd line reviews for robust compliance.
Sr. Business Risk and Controls Advisor
USAA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Spearheaded key control testing of P&C Controls, ensuring robust risk management
- Collaborated with control owners, guiding them through the testing process for optimal results
- Achieved ECORT standard compliance with a 0% error rate in testing, showcasing meticulous attention to detail
- Provided strategic advice to Control Owners, driving improvements in control execution
- Built trust-based relationships with Control Owners, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Assistant Vice President IT Risk
Citizen Bank
Johnston, RI
06.2019 - 01.2021
- Led IT risk management initiatives at Citizen Bank, focusing on resolving issues and conducting control assessments
- Performed in-depth policy reviews, pinpointing and rectifying system deficiencies
- Acted as a crucial resource for Consumer Technology, guiding product and process alterations from a risk perspective
- Facilitated comprehension of application security needs, aligning them with ongoing and prospective projects
- Offered expert advice on new application development in the AWS environment, ensuring risk mitigation
- Analyzed IT risks, leading to a 20% reduction in system vulnerabilities at Citizen Bank
- Boosted compliance by 30% through strategic IT policy enhancements and rigorous control assessments
- Partnered with Consumer Technology teams to seamlessly integrate risk management into new products
- Led meticulous policy reviews, fortifying IT systems against emerging threats and ensuring data integrity.
Assistant Vice President Business Controls Assurance
State Street Corporation
Quincy, Mass
03.2018 - 06.2019
- Orchestrated Assurance Events within Global Tech Operations, boosting efficiency and precision
- Introduced innovative changes to streamline assurance events, enhancing operational efficiency by 20%
- Played a pivotal role in formulating State Street specific metrics, aligning them with business objectives
- Directed Business Units towards process enhancements in risk activities, instilling a culture of continuous improvement
- Conducted IT SOX assurance testing, strengthening the IT SOX assurance program's resilience
- Supervised Assurance Events, fortifying IT SOX program, ensuring policy adherence, and facilitating risk process enhancements
- Optimized Global Tech Operations by leading assurance events, improving efficiency by 15%.
Vice President Technology & Operations
BRIDGEWATER CREDIT UNION
BRIDGEWATER, MASS
11.2016 - 03.2018
- Led a team of 10, ensuring smooth daily operations of the credit union
- Collaborated with managed service provider to meet established SLOs, enhancing service quality
- Implemented innovative IT and operational processes, driving efficiency and assurance
- Devised an annual IT and Operations plan, providing strategic direction to the Board of Directors
- Improved organizational procedures, resulting in increased productivity and operational excellence
- Led tech & operations, enhancing IT systems and operational efficiency, aligning with strategic goals.
Risk and Governance Manager
SANTANDER
BOSTON, MASS
08.2016 - 11.2016
- Spearheaded the creation and implementation of risk governance workflow improvements for enhanced efficiency
- Collaborated with internal teams to align SBNA framework and initiatives, fostering a unified approach
- Led forums to share and implement industry best practices, driving continuous improvement
- Managed the CRO governance agenda, ensuring effective coordination with risk, business units, and other internal teams
- Utilized controls, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms to maintain a robust policy control environment
- Prepared and presented periodic project status reports, keeping management informed of key milestones and potential risks
- Coordinated with Risk, BCOs, and Business Units to prepare information for Committees submissions and risk-related meetings.
Risk Manager - Officer
CITIZENS BANK
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI
04.2012 - 07.2016
- Led RCSA Control updates and testing via GRC Archer tool, ensuring robust risk management
- Collaborated with internal and external auditors, ensuring adherence to PCI DSS, Red Flags, Regulation E, CC, J, UDAAP
- Implemented regulatory issuances, improving policies and procedures for adequacy and accuracy
- Conducted targeted risk assessments, determining process stability and potential impact, mitigating financial loss
- Streamlined compliance processes, ensuring adherence to multiple regulations, enhancing system efficiency
- Led IT collaboration for file processing compliance, reducing system errors and improving risk management
- Enhanced risk identification, articulation, and resolution processes, strengthening organizational risk posture
- Facilitated risk management training, empowering teams with knowledge on compliance and control efficacy.
Education
Associates Degree in Elementary Education -
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ11.2011
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Decision-Making
- Listening actively
- Emotional Support
- Staff Supervision
- Attention to Detail
- Data analysis and reporting
- Staff training and development
Timeline
Lead Business Risk and Controls Advisor
USAA
01.2023 - Current
Sr. Business Risk and Controls Advisor
USAA
01.2021 - 01.2023
Assistant Vice President IT Risk
Citizen Bank
06.2019 - 01.2021
Assistant Vice President Business Controls Assurance
State Street Corporation
03.2018 - 06.2019
Vice President Technology & Operations
BRIDGEWATER CREDIT UNION
11.2016 - 03.2018
Risk and Governance Manager
SANTANDER
08.2016 - 11.2016
Risk Manager - Officer
CITIZENS BANK
04.2012 - 07.2016
Associates Degree in Elementary Education -
University of Phoenix