VP of First-Line Risk & Control Strategy
Architecting operational risk frameworks within business units to balance efficiency with stringent control effectiveness.
Overview
This career involves the high-stakes balancing act of maintaining regulatory compliance without stifling the speed of business growth. Day-to-day work is characterized by constant collaboration with product heads, legal teams, and technology leads to identify potential vulnerabilities in new initiatives before they become liabilities. Professionals in this field spend significant time translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable technical workflows that front-line employees can execute reliably.
The rhythm of the role is often dictated by both the product development cycle and the external regulatory environment. Success requires a temperament that is both analytical and diplomatic, as the work involves negotiating with stakeholders who may prioritize speed over safety. Those who thrive in this position tend to possess a systems-thinking mindset, capable of visualizing how a single process change might ripple through an entire organization's risk profile.
Responsibilities
- Design and deploy comprehensive internal control frameworks across multiple business lines.
- Lead the remediation of identified control gaps and audit findings within the first line of defense.
- Develop key risk indicators and performance metrics to monitor the health of the control environment.
- Advise product and engineering teams on risk mitigation strategies during the design phase of new features.
- Coordinate with second-line risk and third-line audit functions to ensure organizational alignment.
- Automate risk monitoring processes through the implementation of specialized governance and compliance software.
- Present regular risk posture reports to executive committees and board-level stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Ten or more years of experience in operational risk management, internal audit, or business controls.
- Deep expertise in industry-standard risk frameworks such as COSO or ISO 31000.
- Proven track record of managing large-scale regulatory compliance projects in financial services or fintech.
- Advanced degree in business administration, finance, or a related quantitative field.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior executives and drive cultural change regarding risk ownership.
Nice to have
- Professional certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor or Certified Professional in Operational Risk.
- Experience with machine learning or AI-driven risk detection and monitoring tools.
- Prior background in a Big Four consulting firm specializing in financial services risk management.
Work environment
- Standard office or hybrid setting with significant time spent in cross-functional meetings.
- High-pressure environment during regulatory examinations or internal audit cycles.
- Collaborative team culture requiring frequent interaction with technology and legal departments.
- Heavy reliance on GRC platforms, data visualization tools, and enterprise resource planning software.
Benefits & growth
- Total compensation typically includes a significant performance-based annual bonus and equity grants.
- Clear progression path toward Chief Risk Officer or Chief Operating Officer roles.
- Opportunities for professional development through high-level industry compliance forums and executive leadership training.
- High level of job security due to the increasing global focus on corporate governance and regulatory oversight.
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