Risk Assessment and Control Specialist at Willamette Valley Bank in Salem, Oregon

Job Description:

Position Summary: This role is aligned with the Integrated Risk Management Team and is responsible for maintaining a consistent, effective, and timely RCSA program. This includes inherent risk identification, control identification, residual risk assessment, control monitoring and testing, exposure reporting, and supporting audit processes.
The successful candidate is a motivated team player who has expertise in risk and control oversight and a self-starter who is accustomed to working in a fast-paced, complex environment, that supports diverse stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Experience with Risk and Control Self Assessments (RCSAs) and control testing practices. This includes building and maintaining RCSAs and testing for control design, accuracy, and effectiveness.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Develop testing plans and frequency.


• Identify gaps or limitations within processes and systems.


• Create findings to address identified risk/control ineffectiveness, gaps, or process failures.


• Create and develop reporting standards.


• Ensure that potential changes in inherent risk or control breakdowns/deficiencies that could impact residual risk are documented and communicated.


• Defend risk assessment methodology and support stakeholders.


• Ensure and maintain accuracy and timeliness of the risk and control inventory.


• Participate in forums with business stakeholders to ensure ongoing risk coverage and oversight, guiding them through the risk management life cycle.


• Additional duties as determined by management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of associated bank processes and controls.


• High comfort level with MS Office including use of Teams and strong Excel skills.


• Strong communication skills, oral and written, ability to interact with all levels of management.


• Proven organizational skills


• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor at all times


• Ability to work effectively as part of a team


• Ability to pay close attention to details.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Computer Science or related field.

5+ years of experience in Compliance, Operations Management, Audit, Risk Management or related field.

Mental and Physical Effort:

Decision making normally involves the ability to apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures to the work. Guidance and direction may be available.

Lifting equipment or files of 1-10 pounds on a regular basis, lifting equipment or boxes of 10-25 pounds on an occasion. Sits or stands for long periods of time working at a computer and typing. Uses hands to handle controls or feel objects, tools or controls. Audio/Visual: Ability to accurately interpret sounds and associated meanings at a volume consistent with interpersonal conversation. Regularly required to accurately perceive, distinguish and interpret information received visually and through audio; e.g., words, numbers and other data broadcasted aloud/viewed on a screen, as well as print and other media.

Working Conditions:

Works in a customer facing position in an office environment with minimal workplace hazards and low to moderate levels of noise. May deal with customers or visitors to the workplace who may be upset or pose challenges. Works during the day and during the week, some positions may require working on weekends. Occasional travel to other work sites, conferences, training or meetings may be required.