VP, Finance Governance - Issue Management Leader

Role Summary/Purpose:

The Finance Governance Issue Management Leader will be part of a relatively new first line of defense centralized team who are responsible for driving compliance with the Governance standards across the Finance organization. The standards include (but are not limited to) Issues, Incident Management & Customer Remediation, Risk & Control Self-Assessment, Enterprise Surveillance, Change Management and a variety of Monitoring and Reporting on risk and governance activities and results. Additionally, the successful candidate will be helping to drive the maturing of the new centralized operating model across Finance and supporting our Finance colleagues on that journey.

The successful candidate for this role is an individual with strong Finance technical and risk management skills, great attention to detail, expertise in leading large group discussions and managing through influence as well as being an expert multi-tasker.

Essential Responsibilities:

• This role has primary responsibility for delivering a centralized Finance Governance Model by driving adherence, providing expertise, and standardizing execution of enterprise-wide governance programs to the Finance Organization.

• Key deliverables for this role are leading Issue, Incident Management & Customer Remediation across the Finance organization with ad-hoc initiatives in other governance activities.

• Aspects of Issue Management deliverables will include but are not limited to enforcing a standard approach for issue documentation & challenging root cause and risk mitigation in accordance with Enterprise standards, data and trend analysis, assessing the impact of cross functional issues on Finance, monitoring issue status and reporting to Finance Leadership and second line and risk committees.

• The role will work with matrixed Governance representatives and Issue Coordinators across Finance as well a small central governance team of individuals, possibly having one direct report.

• The role will require coordination efforts with cross functional Issue Management Leaders and teams on cross functional and complex issues, managing and representing Finance’s input and views on ownership and support.

• Take a project management role in coordinating stakeholders for analyzing new incident and issues to drive ownership and solutions.

• Take ownership of monthly and periodic status reporting to Finance Management and second line of defense.

• The role will require engagement in Issue Management, Incident and Customer Remediation forums to provide input and cascade outputs to Finance in respect of new and changing Enterprise requirements, exams and other initiatives.

• The role will overall support Finance to drive effective risk identification and management of compliance or operational risks and connect Governance programs outputs for ensuring that Self Risk Assessments and Monitoring & Reporting is complete.

• Establish effective relationships with Operational Risk and Compliance second lines of defense who will be provided second line of defense challenge on issue ratings, action plans and risk mitigation across Issue Management.

• Coordinate the activities required to support various committees, ensuring applicable presenters are scheduled to speak as well as completed materials are provided to the appropriate committee coordinators.

• Support the development of Finance specific policy, procedures, job-aids and training as it pertains to the evolution of the team and activities.

• Support the delivery of webinars and training that build understanding and delivery within the Finance Function.

• Given the establishment of the team and operating model, additional responsibilities may include assisting with other governance responsibilities such Exam Support, Supplier oversight, Surveillance Testing and Quality Assurance work.

• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting or related business field and 6+ years of experience in a regulated Financial Services organization, or in lieu of degree, 10+ years equivalent experience in a regulated Financial Services organization or External/Internal Audit within Financial Services practice

• 4+ years of experience in a governance related role

• Finance qualifications (e.g. CPA)

• Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required

Desired Characteristics:

• 10+ years of experience in Governance, Risk and Control role which includes Issue Management responsibilities

• Internal or External Audit and/or first line risk and control experience

• Strong attention to detail and superior writing and editing experience and skills

• Ability to lead a small team, matrixed individuals and prioritize multiple workstreams

• Strong presentation, confidence and experience in leading large group meetings and presenting to Risk Committees

• Demonstrated great verbal and written communication skills and ability to work cross functionally to drive analysis and solutions

• Understanding of Finance systems & processes

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and policies

• Direct experience in a role requiring communicating with middle to upper management levels in a regulated environment

• Strong attention to detail, analytically minded, excellent documentation skills and effective multi-tasker

• Ability to manage multiple competing initiatives, drive process improvements and deliver results within deadlines with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail

Grade/Level: 12

The salary range for this position is 110,000.00 - 185,000.00 USD Annual and is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge.

Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.

Our Way of Working:

We’re proud to offer you flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. You will be required to commute to your nearest Hub (either virtual or physical) for in-person engagement activities such as regular business or team meetings, training and culture events. 

*Field Sales and some Commercial team roles may have varied location requirements based upon partner obligations or preferences.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You must be 18 years or older

• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent

• You must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints as part of the onboarding process

• You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.

• New hires (Level 4-7) must have 9 months of continuous service with the company before they are eligible to post on other roles.  Once this new hire time in position requirement is met, the associate will have a minimum 6 months’ time in position before they can post for future non-exempt roles.  Employees, level 8 or greater, must have at least 18 months’ time in position before they can post.  All internal employees must consistently meet performance expectations and have approval from your manager to post (or the approval of your manager and HR if you don’t meet the time in position or performance expectations).

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.  We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. 

Our Commitment:

When you join us, you’ll be part of an inclusive culture where your individual skills, experience, and voice are not only heard – but valued. Together, we’re building a future where we can all belong, connect, and turn ideals into action. More than 50% of our workforce is engaged in our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where community and passion intersect to offer a safe space to learn and grow.

This starts when you choose to apply for a role at Synchrony. We ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We’re proud to have an award-winning culture for all. 

Reasonable Accommodation Notice:

• Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

• If you need special accommodations, please call our Career Support Line so that we can discuss your specific situation. We can be reached at 1-866-301-5627.   Representatives are available from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time

Job Family Group: