Quality Assurance Executive

We are hiring for a Quality Assurance Executive based in either Wrexham or Cardiff

Job purpose

The Quality Assurance team plays a key role in the risk management framework of the Development Bank of Wales, contributing to the Group’s credibility and reputation as an effective and professional fund manager.

The role involves undertaking compliance monitoring work directly, highlighting areas of non-conformity, weakness or vulnerability and involvement in the design and implementation of procedural change and controls to maximise efficiency whilst operating within the Group’s risk tolerances in respect to:

  • Investment, Portfolio and Property Services file sampling
  • Thematic reviews and deep dive activity
  • Coordination of Investment procedures and document templates
  • Support and advisory for compliance related matters including AML/CDD, impact data and investment eligibility
  • Impact data validation and reporting
  • Central management of the Group’s Policy Framework
  • Support for Audit & Risk Committee (ARC) and Board reporting and Client Asset (CASS) compliance in accordance with Financial Conduct Authority requirements.

As custodian of best practice with regard to investment procedures, AML/CDD and impact data the post holder will develop and deliver training and provide ad hoc guidance to colleagues at all levels across the investment side of the business.

The post holder will be responsible for engaging in operational projects with investment staff, the technical team and central services staff and ensuring that operational aspects of the investment process are effectively communicated and incorporated into project work.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • To perform pre and post-investment qualitative reviews of Group investment files to ensure adherence to Internal Operating Guidance (IOGs), investment procedures and Group Policy, maintaining accurate records of file sampling activity.
  • Where weaknesses are identified, undertake root cause analysis and provide feedback on omissions/inconsistencies in investment files. Support the operational teams in the design and implementation of effective controls.
  • To perform thematic reviews and deep dive sampling on a risk based approach.
  • To perform validation of all impact data relating to investment activity, ensure accurate reporting and provide feedback to investment teams.
  • To perform the physical reconciliation of security documents to support the Senior QA and Compliance Manager with respect to evidencing CASS compliance.
  • To support the preparation of ARC, Board and CASS reporting.
  • To maintain a central Policy Register for the Group.
  • Provide a centre of excellence for dealing with enquiries from investment staff, in relation to relevant Policy, procedure and guidance, including; AML, Customer Due Diligence, the Consumer Duty Principle and dealing with vulnerable customers, Complaints Process, impact data and the Group’s operational processes.
  • To review the effectiveness of file sampling procedures and to recommend and deliver improvements through liaison with the Senior QA Executive and Compliance Manager.
  • To support the central control and maintenance of core investment templates (excluding legal) and investment operating procedures.
  • To develop and deliver regular training for relevant QA and compliance subject matters.
  • Any other task as may be defined by the Senior QA Executive or Compliance Manager to meet the operational needs of the department.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Experience

Essential 

  • Self-motivated, with the ability to take a proactive approach and work effectively without supervision.
  • Drive and determination to complete work accurately, consistently and to a high standard.
  • A logical and enquiring mind and an eye for detail. An ability to think “outside the box” and to present innovative solutions to problems identified.
  • An ability to retain detailed information and to demonstrate breadth of view, in order that the implications of procedural change are understood across the business.
  • To exercise sound judgement consistently, for example in the practical application of the Group’s risk based approach to Customer Due Diligence.
  • To have a broad understanding of risk management within the financial sector and be able to apply it to the Group.
  • An appreciation of the benefits to the Group of having high quality policies and procedures to underpin investment activity.
  • Able to manage and organise work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate and influence effectively, challenging for further information where necessary, with all levels of personnel across the Group.
  • Experience of working in a financial/numerate or audit/regulated environment.
  • IT/PC literate and able to use Microsoft Office Packages

 

Desirable 

  • An understanding of the obligations on financial services businesses in combating financial crime.
  • An understanding of the obligation on financial services businesses to meet the FCA’s Consumer Duty.
  • A broad understanding of debt, mezzanine and equity investments.
  • Welsh speaker.

Apply

To apply for this role, please go to our recruitment page