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1st Line Risk Specialist

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FNZ Group

Jan 23

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid & Senior Level
  • Banking & Finance
  • Johannesburg
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You need a bachelor's in a related field, 3-5 years in risk management, strong analytical skills, effective communication, high integrity, and the ability to manage priorities independently or in a team.
  • You will assess key risks, manage RCSAs, monitor action plans, report on risk events, and ensure adherence to risk tolerance and appetite while collaborating with business management.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in risk management or a related role within a financial services or corporate environment.
  • Strong understanding of risk management frameworks, principles, and practices.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
  • High ethical standards and integrity.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Ensure RCSAs comprehensively include all key risks to provide a complete understanding of the risk and control profile.
  • Identify day-to-day key risks and controls within the respective business area, assess risk exposures, and establish action plans where required.
  • Take ownership of the bi-annual RCSA process for their team/department, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
  • Review, challenge, and sign off on RCSA results for the assigned area of business.
  • Monitor the implementation of action plans on an ongoing basis, ensuring timely completion.
  • Update risk and/or controls outside the formal update cycle as required.
  • Lead and coordinate the Standard Risk Assessment process within 1st Line.
  • Collaborate with Business Management to:
  • Define risks and identify risk factors.
  • Conduct the Inherent Risk Assessment (IRA).
  • Document measures or actions taken to mitigate risks exceeding FNZ Risk Appetite.
  • Conduct the Residual Risk Assessment (RRA).
  • Finalize and present risk assessment reports to relevant governance forums.
  • Maintain accurate and complete Risk Event records as per internal standards.
  • Categorize Risk Events using FNZ’s risk taxonomy (cause, event, impact).
  • Ensure timely reporting of Risk Events within their area to all relevant stakeholders.
  • Identify root causes and implement actions to reduce the likelihood or severity of recurrence.
  • Ensure closure of actions with appropriate evidence and regular reporting.
  • Identify and log Risk Events triggering the ERCA process.
  • Ensure the appropriate root cause analysis process is followed by the business/team, adhering to the established procedure.
  • Identify the causes of events and ensure actions are taken to prevent recurrence.
  • Consider the impact of major events on other business areas, applying lessons learned and taking preventative actions as needed.
  • Manage the authority to accept risks within agreed exposure levels.
  • Ensure risks accepted outside the tolerance levels follow the prescribed risk acceptance process.
  • Review and ensure the Risk Acceptance form includes appropriate justification and sign-offs.
  • Submit completed Risk Acceptance forms for approval.
  • Monitor risks accepted for a defined period, ensuring adherence to timelines and follow-up actions.
  • Review the business’ strategy and establish risk appetite and financial and non-financial tolerances.
  • Establish indicators to alert management to increasing levels of risk and ensure regular reporting to Senior Management and the Board for awareness and action.
  • Complete and submit the bottom-up Risk Appetite Annual Review for areas within the Risk Appetite Statement Owner remit.
  • Monitor the status of risks relative to the identified Risk Appetite, including associated Key Risk Measures and progress of remediation within 1st Line Forums.
  • Prepare regular reports and visual presentations for governance forums, highlighting:
  • Trends in risk events.
  • Root cause analysis results.
  • Key risk exposures and areas of concern.

FAQs

What qualifications are required for the 1st Line Risk Specialist position?

A Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in risk management or a related role within a financial services or corporate environment.

What are the key responsibilities of the 1st Line Risk Specialist?

The key responsibilities include conducting Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs), leading standard risk assessments, managing risk events, performing escalated root cause analysis, overseeing the risk acceptance process, and monitoring and reporting on risk management activities.

Is prior experience in financial services necessary for this role?

Yes, a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in risk management or a related role within a financial services or corporate environment is required.

What personal attributes are ideal for a candidate applying for this position?

Ideal personal attributes include high ethical standards and integrity, strong organizational skills, a proactive and self-motivated attitude, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Will the 1st Line Risk Specialist have opportunities for stakeholder engagement?

Yes, strong communication and interpersonal skills are required, as the role involves engaging effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

What tools or processes will the 1st Line Risk Specialist use to manage risks?

The specialist will utilize Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs), Inherent and Residual Risk Assessments, Risk Event Management practices, and the Risk Acceptance process, among others.

How often will the RCSA process need to be completed?

The 1st Line Risk Specialist will take ownership of the bi-annual RCSA process for their team/department, ensuring timely and accurate completion.

What is the significance of monitoring and reporting in this role?

Monitoring and reporting are crucial for establishing the organization's risk appetite, alerting management to increasing levels of risk, and ensuring regular updates to Senior Management and the Board regarding risk trends and concerns.

How does FNZ support its employees in their roles?

FNZ is committed to creating a supportive work environment that aligns with the organization's strategic objectives and regulatory requirements, helping employees effectively manage risks within their respective business areas.

Is this position suitable for someone with a strong analytical background?

Yes, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail, are essential for successfully fulfilling the responsibilities of the 1st Line Risk Specialist.

1001-5000
Employees

Mission & Purpose

FNZ is committed to opening up wealth so that everyone, everywhere can invest in their future on their terms. We know the foundation to do that already exists in the wealth management industry, but complexity holds firms back. We created wealth’s growth platform to help. We provide a global, end-to-end wealth management platform that integrates modern technology with business and investment operations. All in a regulated financial institution. We partner with over 650 financial institutions and 12,000 wealth managers, with US$1.5 trillion in assets under administration (AUA). Together with our customers, we help over 24 million people from all wealth segments to invest in their future.