Head of Investment Controls

Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration
  • 10+ years in risk frameworks and controls within financial services
  • Expertise in risk assessments and auditing standards
  • Experience influencing and collaborating with senior leadership
  • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office tools

Responsibilities

  • Lead risk assessments on investment management operational processes
  • Collaborate with operational senior leaders on governance frameworks
  • Develop workflow narratives outlining controls
  • Conduct continuous monitoring and testing of controls
  • Coordinate auditing and regulatory examinations with process owners
  • Recommend and drive process improvements and automation
  • Lead design of future-state control environment for investment processes

Benefits

  • Regular meetings for collaboration and feedback
  • Access to mentorship and networking opportunities across diverse groups
  • Learning resources available via platforms like Degreed
  • Commitment to strong ethics and integrity in a stable environment
  • Comprehensive pay and benefits packages including bonuses
Full Job Description
The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced professional to lead the development, design, and implementation of an internal control oversight program, reporting to the Head of Investment Compliance & Controls within the Investment Strategy & Governance organization in Investment Management (IM). As Head of Investment Controls, you will be responsible for evaluating the control framework for various investment-related processes for the Company's General Investment Account. In this role, you will be the responsible for all aspects of the control framework for IM, including but not limited to performing risk assessments, evaluating control design and effectiveness, continuous monitoring and testing of controls for various investment processes, including portfolio management, trade capture, trade settlement, pricing and valuation, and cash processing and collateral management for a variety of asset classes (e.g., publics, privates and derivatives). As a senior member of the team, you will also lead the design of the future-state control environment for the Company's investment ecosystem transformation initiative, partnering with stakeholders to embed appropriate controls and best practices. In this role you will also partner various internal and external stakeholders across MassMutual and its affiliates to remediate control design and effectiveness gaps and recommend process improvements to the Head of Investment Compliance & Controls, and present overall control recommendations to the senior leadership team within IM. You will play a critical role in helping shape and implement the future operating model of governance, risk and controls for processes supporting the General Investment Account and helping to ensure consistency and continuity across front, middle and back-office functions.

The Team

The Investment Compliance & Controls Oversight team partners with various stakeholders across MassMutual and its affiliates to assess and monitor compliance on a broad range of investment related regulatory, governance, reporting and risk matters for the Company's General Investment Account. The team is focused on adding value via risk mitigation, control governance, process improvement, automation, and enhanced reporting to support the Company's investment strategies and objectives.

The Impact:

As a senior member of the IM Compliance Team, you will drive and provide valuable insight and perspectives to management, enhancing the oversight and monitoring of operational and financial reporting controls. You will serve as a trusted thought partner, delivering practical insights that help the business and stakeholders embed effective controls and best practices across IM and on strategic initiatives and projects.

Responsibilities Include:
  • Across the front, middle and back-office investment management business:
  • Build and perform risk assessments on operational processes to identify key and non-key controls and gaps in the design of the controls
  • Alongside Head of Investment Compliance & Controls, work with operational senior leaders across Investment Management to ensure effective governance and frameworks and controls for identified risks
  • Ensure that controls are effectively designed to sufficiently mitigate operational errors and financial reporting risks
  • Create process/workflow narratives outlining the type (preventive/detective) and objective (accuracy/completeness) of the controls performed
  • Coordinate walkthroughs in conjunction with process owners in support of examinations performed by auditors and regulators
  • Conduct continuous monitoring and testing to validate ongoing effectiveness of key and non-key controls (in collaboration with process owners)
  • Evaluate the adequacy of documentation evidencing the performance of controls in support of certain investment management representations relative to the Company's financial statements
  • Collaborate with various stakeholders (ex: IM Senior Leadership team, Controllers, External Auditors, etc.) to identify, assess the impact and remediate control design and effectiveness gaps
  • Recommend and partner with various stakeholders to drive process improvements and automation
  • Partner with various stakeholders on projects and strategic initiatives to ensure that best practices are incorporated as appropriate
  • Lead the design of the future-state control environment for a front-to-back investment ecosystem transformation by partnering with stakeholders to embed effective controls and best practices
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure appropriate remediation of control deficiencies in a timely manner
  • Oversee deliverables recommended by audit, ERM and other governance bodies requiring investment management follow-up
  • Develop enhanced reporting for stakeholders within IM to increase awareness of control gaps, the status of remediations and identify patterns that may signal changes in the control environment
  • Develop relationships with managers and senior leaders across Investment Management to understand key processes and proactively communicate GRC updates
  • Act as a point person for Investment Management coordination of GRC across Audit and ERM


The Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in building and implementing risk frameworks and controls (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley), internal or external audit or enterprise risk management in financial services
  • Expertise in conducting risk assessments, familiarity with auditing standards and experience with control testing procedures
  • Able to garner support and gain momentum to bring new ideas through implementation.
  • Prior track record in building partnerships with senior leaders
  • Experience and confidence with communicating, influencing, and presenting to senior and executive leadership.
  • Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize work, and meet deadlines
  • Ability to successfully partner with internal and external stakeholders
  • Team Player / Relationship Building: Collaborative with strong interpersonal skills; able to relate to and build strong relationships with diverse internal and external audiences/constituencies; leverages the ability to deliver effectively.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.)


The Ideal Qualifications
  • Higher degree, MBA or equivalent
  • Knowledge of investments (e.g., public, private and derivatives) and investment operations (e.g. trade capture, trade settlement, pricing and valuation, cash processing and collateral management)
  • Understanding of the financial regulatory environment for the insurance industry
  • Strong analytical, problem solving and issue resolution skills
  • Focus on continuous process improvement and efficiency
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to effectively manage projects with multiple constituents and stakeholders

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Sarbanes-Oxley Professional (CSOP), Certified Investments and Derivatives Auditor (CIDA) or other similar certification, preferred but not required

What to Expect as Part of MassMutual and the Team
  • Regular meetings with the IM Compliance & Controls
  • Focused one-on-one meetings with your manager
  • Access to mentorship opportunities
  • Networking opportunities including access to Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, African American, women, LGBTQ, veteran and disability-focused Business Resource Groups
  • Access to learning content on Degreed and other informational platforms
  • Your ethics and integrity will be valued by a company with a strong and stable ethical business with industry leading pay and benefits

#LI-MC1

Salary Range:
$156,000-$204,700

At MassMutual, we focus on ensuring fair equitable pay, by providing competitive salaries, along with incentive and bonus opportunities for all employees. Your total compensation package includes either a bonus target or in a sales-focused role a Variable Incentive Compensation component.

About Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) Careers

Joining the team at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) offers more than just a job; it opens the door to a world of job opportunities where professional growth and personal development are encouraged and nurtured. Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) stands as a beacon of innovation, leadership, and diversity in the insurance industry.

Explore Career Opportunities

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) is actively hiring and offers a variety of positions that cater to different skills and career aspirations. From entry-level roles to leadership positions, the company seeks passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore the numerous job opportunities at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) to find a position that matches your skills and interests.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)'s internship programs. These opportunities provide invaluable industry experience, networking prospects, and a chance to work on real projects that impact the company and its clients. Internships at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) are a stepping stone to full-time employment and offer a deep dive into the culture and operations of a leading insurance provider.

Employee Benefits and Culture

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) is committed to supporting its team members not only in their professional lives but also in their personal growth. The company offers comprehensive benefits designed to nurture the well-being of its employees and their families. The culture at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and diversity, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Professional Development and Growth

Career growth at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) is propelled by continuous learning and development opportunities. The company invests in diversity training, leadership programs, and innovation workshops to ensure that every team member has the resources to advance their career. Employees are encouraged to expand their knowledge base and acquire new skills through various training and development programs.

Networking and Innovation

At Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), networking and innovation go hand in hand. Employees are encouraged to connect with colleagues and industry professionals, enhancing their career prospects and contributing to the company's leadership in the market. The collaborative environment ensures that innovative ideas are shared and celebrated.

Join the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) Team

Search open positions that align with your career goals at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and get ready to join a team that values leadership and professional growth. Discover how Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) can transform your career aspirations into reality.

Stay Connected with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) Careers

Keep up to date with the latest news, career tips, and industry insights from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). Subscribe to receive updates that can help you navigate your career path and make informed decisions about your professional future.

Explore Jobs and Careers at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)

Whether you are seeking a new challenge, a leadership role, or a collaborative team environment, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) offers a dynamic and supportive workspace for everyone. Check out the latest job openings and embark on a rewarding career journey with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual).
Learn more about Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)

More Finance & Insurance Jobs

Find similar Head of Investment Controls jobs: