Risk Partner - Control Testing

Swift Software; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Swift is seeking a Risk Management and Control Specialist to lead the first line's control testing under the ERM framework. You will challenge controls, advise owners, and ensure testing aligns with Swift Standards.

With 8+ years in internal audit or tech risk, you will shape risk-based testing, support RCSA activity, and drive improvements including automation opportunities. Collaboration with executives and board reporting is expected.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of internal audit, tech risk, or compliance experience.
• Strong understanding of risk management principles.
• Proven ability to challenge, give feedback and influence outcomes.
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Champion the delivery and adoption of the GRC Tool.
• Ensure control testing frameworks align to the ERM principles and other standards.
• Advise first line owners and testers on controls and test steps.
• Provide second line opinion on robustness of testing.
• Support RCSA activity and weekly progress reporting.
• Prepare and present updates to Executives and the Board.

Skills

Risk management

Critical thinking

Relationship management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Degree-level education

CIA certification

CISA certification

Job description

About Us

We’re the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, headquartered in Belgium. We are the way the world moves value – across borders, through cities and overseas. No other organization can address the scale, precision, pace and trust that this demands, and we’re proud to support the global economy. Five decades on, our vibrant community reflects the complexity and diversity of the financial ecosystem. We innovate diligently, test exhaustively, then implement fast. In a connected and exciting era, our mission has never been more relevant. Swift now has a presence in 200+ countries and legal territories to serve a community of more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions.

Position Overview

As a Risk Management and Control Specialist, you will lead the Risk Department’s challenge over first line of defence control testing to give an independent opinion on the reliability of testing. You will share good practice so other areas can learn, and where you identify improvement opportunities you will advise first line control owners and testers, within the parameters of the Enterprise Risk Management Framework. You will challenge controls that first line documents as part of their risk management activity to ensure alignment to the Swift Standards.

Responsibilities

• Champion the delivery and use of the new GRC Tool.
• Ensure that Control Testing Frameworks align to the ERM principles and other control frameworks in place (e.g. ISAE-baseline, Agile Control Framework).
• Apply expertise to challenge control owners and testers, to ensure the risk is appropriately mitigated and the mixture of controls is suitable per risk.
• Support Risk Department colleagues during RCSA activity and provide expert input and guidance on which controls are needed, how to document controls in line with the framework and how to write test steps to robustly test controls.
• Sample and challenge control testing that the first line has completed, to provide a second line opinion on how robust the testing is.
• Identify areas that require further support/training and arrange for it.
• Identify opportunities to automate controls and/or their testing.
• Oversee first line control testing progress, including escalation of control tests at risk of missing deadlines.
• Monitor and report RCSA progress against plan on a weekly basis, and escalation of any at risk of missing deadlines.
• Support the preparation of regular reporting to Executives and Board.
• Collate information from various sources and analyze to gain insights.
• Input and support the medium‑long term view on continuous improvement of RCSAs and first line control testing.
• Prepare and present ad‑hoc training/awareness (RCSA and/or controls testing) requested by first line as well as regular updates (usually held as ‘all company’ Teams calls).
• Develop specific skills and understanding related to own area of expertise.
• Bring new external ideas to improve processes.
• Drive simplification and a harmonised approach in documenting and testing controls.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience as an internal auditor, tech risk or compliance specialist (or equivalent).
• Understanding of risk management principles and experience of implementation.
• Critical thinking skills, ability to challenge and deliver feedback.
• Relationship management skills, ability to present difficult messages well.
• Ability to see the bigger picture and support Swift overall.
• Confidence to speak‑up.
• Preferred: Degree‑level education.
• Preferred: Relevant professional qualification (CIA, CIIA, IRM, CISA, etc).

Benefits

We provide a competitive package, support your development, and offer a diverse and inclusive environment where you can reach your full potential.

EEO Statement

If you believe you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us to request accommodation. If you require a reasonable accommodation related to accessibility during your application or interview, please contact [e-mail] or indicate this in your application. All requests are confidential and will not affect your candidacy.