Head of IT Audit

This is a unique role which oversees the execution of the Global Technology and Cybersecurity Audit Program, to ensure it meets the needs of the European business. Under the direction of and reporting to the Chief Auditor for Visa Europe, the Head of IT Audit for Visa Europe will have the experience and seasoning necessary to assess audit coverage for the core IT and cybersecurity services that Visa Europe relies on and input to the overall global plan to ensure appropriateness.

The role is part of the management team for the Visa Europe Internal Audit team, reporting to the Chief Auditor of Visa Europe and responsible for audit coverage of Technology & Cybersecurity risks to Visa Europe and locally acquired entities.

The role contributes to the planning, and oversees the execution, reporting and follow up of the technology audits to ensure European considerations and regulations are built into, and covered, in the audits. This role will be working within the Visa Europe Internal Audit team in London and interacting with key stakeholders and audit teams located in the US. For each audit, they will participate in the execution of all phases of the audits and providing oversight of the work performed by global auditors. During planning, they will provide input and oversight to ensure the scope and audit approach is appropriate to ensure sufficient coverage for European activities, as well as for material global activities that Visa Europe relies on. As the role will require significant coordination and collaboration with global teams, the Head of IT Audit may need to work flexibly to ensure there is sufficient time for communication and coordination with the global management and audit teams based in New York and San Francisco. The Head of IT Audit will provide input on any findings and remediation plans. The role will also manage relationships with the European Technology and Cybersecurity teams, as well as discussing and presenting audit findings at governance and regulatory meetings, including the Visa Europe Board Audit Committee. In addition to overseeing the Technology audits, the Head of IT Audit will also lead and/or participate in business audits from time to time.

The role will ensure high professional standards as set forth in Internal Audit’s Charter and the Institute of Internal Auditor's (IIA) Professional Standards. Exhibit soundness of judgment and accuracy in all work. Demonstrate ability to understand and train others in the universe of business/technical risks and in the evaluation of the adequacy of management’s control design and effectiveness of control activities in accordance with the COSO framework.

• Establish and maintain business relationships with senior IT management in Europe to ensure that Audit is aware of changes in business activities and objectives, and a necessary Audit response is developed.
• Work well with European, UK and other relevant regulators, as well as strong experience and understanding of European and UK regulatory environment.
• Oversee, input, collaborate and coordinate through the full audit cycle for audits primarily undertaken by US auditors.
• Coordinate and lead the execution of selected business audits or projects.
• Concur on the audit scope, work program, and testing plan for each IT audit assignment.
• Possess outstanding written and oral communication skills and demonstrate these skills during the audit process to the appropriate level of Visa and Audit management.
• Promote new ideas and new ways of executing projects and internal infrastructure enhancements. Demonstrate commitment to Visa’s and Internal Audit’s strategic vision, be a self-starter, and promote project ownership and responsibility for actions.
• Interact with Audit project team members in working towards Departmental goals.
• Develop and maintain a strong knowledge of Visa’s business and technology.
• Understand Company structure and functional responsibility. Assess efficiency and effectiveness of a business unit (during a project) and align with Visa-wide strategy and objectives.

During each audit, provide day-to-day and on-site support to ensure quality of IT Audit services provided:

• Provide input to IT auditors to ensure that audits include Europe considerations as part of scope coverage and are performed in accordance with department and professional standards.
• Review draft audit findings, and ensure issues are appropriately vetted and constructed given the circumstances.
• Evaluate the adequacy and timeliness of management's response and the corrective action taken on all significant weaknesses noted in the reports.

For Business Audits or Special Projects, as assigned:

• Coordinate and lead the execution of an audit engagement.
• Prepare/approve the audit scope, work program, and testing plan for each audit assignment.
• During each audit, provide day-to-day and on-site support to ensure quality of Audit services provided and ensure that the audit is progressing in a timely manner per agreed upon timelines.
• Manage both IA management and stakeholders during the audit, keeping them updated on the progress and any observations or issues that are noted.
• Provide direction to auditors to ensure that audits are performed in accordance with department and professional standards.
• Review draft audit findings, and ensure issues are appropriately vetted and constructed given the circumstances.
• Deliver high quality audit reports and issue memos for management's review.
• Provide ongoing coaching to Audit professionals of various levels and experience.
• Prepare performance evaluations for auditors.

This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office 2-3 set days a week (determined by leadership/site), with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in computer science, business, accounting, management information systems, or related field.
• 15+ years of IT experience, preferably as an IT auditor with a large financial or financial related institution, or Big 4 assurance experience.
• IT certifications (CISA, CISSP) or other relevant professional certification highly desired.
• Demonstrated experience managing audits within a complex operational and regulatory environment that includes distributed and network technology platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute IT audits focusing on General Computer Controls, including Information Security, Information System Operations, Vendor Management, Business Continuity, Networks, Database, System Software, Hardware, and Application Development controls.
• Extensive information security and network control audit knowledge.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including ability to present confidently and persuasively to senior management, Boards and Regulators.
• Leadership skills enabling participation as part of the management team for the Visa Europe Internal Audit Team.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Willingness to flex schedules to accommodate stakeholders and auditors in US locations.
• Strong experience and understanding of European and UK regulatory environment would be highly regarded.
• Strong supervisory and time management skills.
• Experience in managing staff.
• Experience evaluating controls associated with complex business processes.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 10% - 25%.

Visa is an EEO Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.