Vice President, Technology Audit

About this role

Internal Audit’s primary mission is to provide assurance to the Board of Directors and Executive Management that BlackRock’s businesses are well managed and meeting strategic, operational and risk management objectives. The team engages with senior leaders and all of BlackRock’s individual business units globally to understand and advise on the risks in their business, evaluate the effectiveness of key processes and assist in the design of best practices that can improve their results. Internal Audit reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, and our work builds confidence that BlackRock will meet its obligations to clients, shareholders, employees and other stakeholders.

Our Audit Teams “At a Glance”

Business Audit
With teams in the US, Europe, and Asia, the Business Audit Team performs audits covering all BlackRock business units, including investment and asset management, risk management, operations, finance, and legal and compliance.

Technology Audit

The Technology Audit Team, also in the US, Europe and Asia, performs design review and testing related to technology controls across application systems and infrastructure components such as databases, operating systems, data centers and messaging platforms.

The Data Analytics (DA) team within Technology Audit leverages BlackRock data and various data science, business intelligence, and analytics methods to support the activities of the audit department. The DA team participates in both business and technology audit execution, builds and maintains an inventory of self-service tools for the auditors, supports the risk assessment and annual planning process, and helps manage the department’s operations through the development of impactful management information. The DA team is a driver of innovation for the department and helps auditors gain efficiencies and insights through the work that they do.

SAO (Strategy, Analytics & Operations)

This group is responsible for coordinating activities and communication across the global team, managing and driving the strategic planning process, implementing process innovations, and ensuring appropriate policies/methodology and procedures are in place. The SAO team plays a meaningful part in the development and continuous improvement of the Global team. The team maintains independence from the other audit teams by reporting directly to the Global Head of Audit and does not participate in traditional audit reviews or issues management.

Role Description

BlackRock Internal Audit is seeking a Vice President for its Technology Audit practice, who will support the execution of the firm’s annual audit plan and advisory activities by delivering global and regional assurance of auditable business units. 

Specific responsibilities include:

• Management and timely execution of audits, with concise workpaper documentation
• Engaging with BlackRock stakeholders globally as well as in India to understand and identify key processes and risks within a specific business unit
• Audit Lead Responsibilities:
  • Making risk-based decisions on audit scope
  • Designing and executing test plans to validate controls
  • Investigating, escalating and vetting issues identified during testing
  • Drafting audit reports and issue details
  • Discussing observations and remediation activities with senior stakeholders
  • Project management and resource planning
• Overseeing issue remediation

The Technology Audit Vice President will also contribute to ongoing business monitoring and optimization activities, including:

• Providing advisory services during the development or acquisition of new businesses and systems
• Identifying emerging firm-wide and business risks, understanding organizational changes through periodic engagements with business units, and completing risk assessments of these areas
• Assisting in the formation of the annual audit plan
• Building collaborative relationships with all risk and control functions
• Contributing to ad-hoc presentations to clients, internal governance committees, Fund Boards, and regulatory bodies
• Leading or contributing to global department-wide initiatives
• Providing timely and candid feedback and coaching to staff

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in management information systems, engineering, technology, computer science or a related field is preferred. BA/BS or equivalent is required
• Extensive experience (generally 8-12 years) in a technology audit, technology risk management and/or information technology function, preferably within the financial services industry
• Experience in working or leading global engagements consisting of technology reviews or business integrated reviews, preferably within the financial services industry
• Relevant professional certifications are a plus (e.g., CISA, CISM, CRISC, CISSP)
• Strong understanding of application development, databases, operating systems, networking, cloud computing and other key technology infrastructure components
• Advanced knowledge of technology controls including: application security management (e.g., user entitlements, authentication, data protection), system architecture and design (e.g., availability, redundancy, scalability, data integrity and validation), technology operations (e.g., change and release management, data backup and retention, performance and capacity management), and technology governance (e.g. technology risk management, cyber security rules and regulations)
• Interest in broad exposure to investment management, sales, trading, operations, risk management, finance, legal, and compliance activities in the asset management industry
• Familiarity with financial instruments and asset management processes
• Proficient understanding of current regulatory and industry events
• At least 1-2 years’ experience of being a people manager and managing a team.

Skills / Traits

• Excellent communication (verbal, written, listening) and interpersonal skills
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with peers and business partners
• Analytical mindset to be able to leverage data analytics techniques for audit testing
• Intellectual curiosity and healthy skepticism
• Ability to synthesize and articulate complex ideas
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong project management, organizational, and presentation skills
• Commitment and strong work ethic

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, family status, gender identity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected attributes at law.