Vice President, Technology Audit

About this role

Internal Audit’s primary mission is to provide assurance to the Board of Directors and Executive Management that BlackRock’s businesses are well managed and meeting strategic, operational and risk management objectives. The team engages with senior leaders and all of BlackRock’s individual business units globally to understand and advise on the risks in their business, evaluate the effectiveness of key processes and assist in the design of best practices that can improve their results. Internal Audit reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, and our work builds confidence that BlackRock will meet its obligations to clients, shareholders, employees and other stakeholders. 
 

The Technology Audit Team, also in the US, Europe and Asia, performs design review and testing related to technology controls across application systems and infrastructure components such as databases, operating systems, data centers and messaging platforms. 

The London office, located in the heart of the City of London, serves as BlackRock's EMEA headquarters and is home to over 3,200 employees. It plays a crucial role in the firm's global operations, supporting various business units including Investment Management, Sales, Trading, Client Business, Risk Management, Operations, Finance, and Legal and Compliance. 

Specific responsibilities include: 

• Engaging BlackRock stakeholders to identify key processes and risks within specific businesses 
• Management and timely execution of audits  
• Project management and resource planning 
• Making risk-based decisions on audit scope 
• Designing and executing test plans to validate controls 
• Investigating, escalating and vetting issues identified during testing 
• Drafting audit reports and issue details 
• Monitoring issue remediation activities with senior stakeholders  
• Providing advisory services during the development or acquisition of new businesses and systems 
• Identifying key processes and risks, understanding organizational changes through periodic engagements with business units, and completing risk assessments of these areas 
• Assisting in the formation of the annual audit plan 
• Building collaborative relationships with risk and control functions 
• Contributing to ad-hoc presentations to clients, internal governance committees, Fund Boards, and regulatory bodies 
• Leading or contributing to departmental initiatives 
• Providing timely and candid feedback and coaching to staff 

Qualifications 

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in management information systems, engineering, technology, computer science or a related field is preferred. BA/BS or equivalent is required 
• Extensive experience (8+ years) in a technology audit, and/or information technology function, preferably within the financial services industry 
• Interest in broad exposure to investment management, sales, trading, operations, risk management, finance, legal, and compliance activities in the asset management industry 
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CISA, AAIA, CCSP, CISSP); Candidates not currently certified will be expected to obtain relevant credentials as part of their development plan
• Strong understanding of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data management, system architecture and design, databases, operating systems, networking, and application development and security
• Familiarity with Python, R, Rust and PowerShell
• Familiarity with financial instruments and asset management processes 
• Proficient understanding of current regulatory and industry events 

Skills

• Excellent communication (verbal, written, listening) and interpersonal skills 
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with peers and business partners 
• Intellectual curiosity and healthy skepticism 
• Ability to synthesize and articulate complex ideas 
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
• Strong project management, organizational, and presentation skills 
• Commitment and strong work ethic 

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.