IT Audit Executive

Company Overview

Visa stands as a global frontrunner in the realm of payments and technology, facilitating over 259 billion transactions annually across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through innovative, reliable, and secure payment solutions, empowering individuals, businesses, and economies to flourish while adhering to a shared goal - to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the premier choice for payment solutions.

Join us in making a meaningful impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Experience the essence of Life at Visa.

Position Overview

This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Global Technology and Cybersecurity Audit Program, ensuring alignment with the needs of the European market. Reporting directly to the Chief Auditor for Visa Europe, the Head of IT Audit will possess the expertise necessary to evaluate audit coverage for essential IT and cybersecurity services relied upon by Visa Europe, contributing to the global audit strategy to ensure its relevance.

As a key member of the Visa Europe Internal Audit management team, this position entails reporting to the Chief Auditor of Visa Europe and managing audit coverage concerning Technology & Cybersecurity risks affecting Visa Europe and its locally acquired entities.

The role involves planning, executing, reporting, and following up on technology audits, ensuring that European regulations and considerations are integrated into the audit processes. The Head of IT Audit will collaborate with key stakeholders and audit teams in the US, participating in all phases of audits and overseeing the work conducted by global auditors. During the planning stages, they will provide insights to ensure the audit scope and approach adequately cover European activities and significant global operations that Visa Europe depends on. Given the need for extensive coordination with global teams, flexibility in working hours may be required to facilitate effective communication with management and audit teams based in the US. The Head of IT Audit will also contribute to discussions regarding findings and remediation strategies, managing relationships with European Technology and Cybersecurity teams, and presenting audit outcomes at governance and regulatory meetings, including the Visa Europe Board Audit Committee. Additionally, this role may involve leading or participating in business audits as necessary.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Establish and nurture relationships with senior IT management across Europe to ensure Audit is informed of changes in business activities and objectives, developing necessary Audit responses.
2. Collaborate effectively with European, UK, and other relevant regulators, demonstrating a strong understanding of the European and UK regulatory landscape.
3. Oversee and coordinate the full audit cycle for audits primarily conducted by US auditors.
4. Lead the execution of selected business audits or projects.
5. Agree on the audit scope, work program, and testing plan for each IT audit assignment.
6. Exhibit exceptional written and verbal communication skills, effectively conveying these during the audit process to appropriate levels of Visa and Audit management.
7. Encourage innovative ideas and methods for executing projects and enhancing internal infrastructure. Show commitment to Visa's and Internal Audit's strategic vision, demonstrating initiative and ownership of projects.
8. Collaborate with Audit project team members to achieve departmental goals.
9. Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of Visa's business and technology landscape.
10. Assess the efficiency and effectiveness of business units during projects, aligning with Visa-wide strategies and objectives.

During audits, provide daily and on-site support to ensure the quality of IT Audit services:

1. Offer insights to IT auditors to ensure audits encompass European considerations within their scope and adhere to departmental and professional standards.
2. Review draft audit findings, ensuring issues are thoroughly vetted and articulated appropriately.
3. Evaluate the adequacy and timeliness of management's responses and corrective actions regarding significant weaknesses identified in reports.

For Business Audits or Special Projects, as assigned:

1. Coordinate and lead the execution of audit engagements.
2. Prepare and approve the audit scope, work program, and testing plan for each audit assignment.
3. Provide daily and on-site support during audits to ensure quality and adherence to timelines.
4. Manage communication with IA management and stakeholders throughout the audit process, keeping them informed of progress and observations.
5. Guide auditors to ensure compliance with departmental and professional standards.
6. Review audit work papers and draft findings, ensuring issues are appropriately vetted.
7. Deliver high-quality audit reports and issue memos for management review.
8. Provide ongoing coaching to Audit professionals across various levels of experience.
9. Conduct performance evaluations for auditors.

This position operates in a hybrid model, allowing employees to alternate between remote and office work. Hybrid employees are expected to work from the office 2-3 designated days a week, with a general expectation of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in computer science, business, accounting, management information systems, or a related field.
• 15+ years of IT experience, ideally as an IT auditor within a large financial institution or Big 4 assurance experience.
• IT certifications (CISA, CISSP) or other relevant professional certifications are highly desirable.
• Proven experience managing audits within complex operational and regulatory environments involving 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 knowledge of information security and network control audits.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present confidently to senior management, Boards, and Regulators.
• Leadership capabilities to contribute as part of the Visa Europe Internal Audit management team.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Willingness to adjust schedules to accommodate stakeholders and auditors in US locations.
• Strong understanding of the European and UK regulatory environment is highly regarded.
• Proficient supervisory and time management skills.
• Experience in managing staff and evaluating controls associated with complex business processes.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 10% - 25%.

Additional Information

Visa is an Equal Employment Opportunity 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 qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.