First Line Control Officer - Equity

About the Team: Business Controls Department The Mizuho Americas Business Controls Department (BCD) is a team of first line of defense (1LoD) risk and control professionals performing essential enterprise control functions across the company including Third Party Services, Business Continuity Planning, Data Management Operations, Data Loss Prevention, and Business Risk and Control Services.
The functions performed span all lines of business and corporate functions across the Americas region.
The department is also accountable for spearheading the company’s efforts to understand and manage data privacy, fraud, conduct, reputational, and strategic risk.
The department creates singular accountability and a “one stop shop” for all enterprise control services.
The Mizuho Americas BCD is part of the Mizuho Americas Corporate Strategy & Administration Division.
Business Risk & Control The Business Risk & Control (BRC) team is focused on the implementation and oversight of the MUSO Operational Risk Management (ORM) Framework covering all non-financial risks.
The BRC team provides core banking and securities control coverage and works closely with all business lines and corporate functions to ensure an effective control environment.
First Line Control Officer Operating Model Mizuho Americas has grown considerably in the past 5 years.
Regulators now categorize the firm to be a large and complex financial institution.
As a result, US regulator’s expectations are heightened and examinations are becoming more intensive and broad reaching.
The First Line Control Officer is part of a newly established centralized, dedicated first line control team under BRC that serves to assist the lines of business and corporate functions in carrying out control activities and ensuring an effective control environment.
The First Line Control Officer will have a solid reporting line into BRC and a dotted reporting line into the respective business line or corporate functions Principal Duties The First Line Control Officer (FLCO) is: Singularly accountable for the coordination and effective execution of all control activities for their division.
Accountable for the quality, accuracy and timeliness of all control-related deliverables and artifacts.
Expected to lead certain control activities including: 1) leading the annual RCSA process; 2) maintaining process mapping documentation; 3) supporting internal control testing; 4) documenting Risk Events, SIIs and RAs; 5) monitoring control remediation activities; and 6) reporting on the division’s non-financial risk profile and key risk indicators, etc.
Expected to work closely with their colleagues on balancing non-financial risk requirements with the need for efficient business operations.
Additional Roles and Responsibilities Collaborate with, guide and counsel colleagues on control design and implementation to mitigate risks.
Collaborate with, guide and counsel process and control owners for control assurance, including identifying non-financial risks, associated controls, evaluating effectiveness.
Function as liaison to 2nd and 3rd line control teams in adhering to non-financial risk control framework requirements.
Execute and manage the advancement of core risk program requirements such as process mapping, RCSAs, risk reporting, as well as other related enterprise risk programs (BCP, Information Security, Sales Practices, Conduct Risk, etc.
).
Work with the business and support teams to provide operational risk expertise and consulting for new products and key initiatives.
Conduct risk assessments to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of policies, procedures, processes, systems, technology and internal controls.
Report risk assessment findings through non-financial risk governance forums and develop business cases to influence control owners and business sponsors on the need for additional or improved controls to mitigate risk as applicable.
Establish and update regular risk reports for communication of risk ratings, issues and key topics.
Establish a formal communication channel to broadcast risk program updates, risk profiles, policy updates and other key risk program information to Division senior management.
Analyze business, industry, system changes or other material business environment changes to determine impact, identify and assess operational risk issues.
Report risk assessment findings through non-financial risk governance forums and develop business cases to influence control owners and business sponsors on the need for additional or improved controls to mitigate risk as applicable.
First Line Control Officers may also be asked to support non-financial risk Regulatory exams, Audit reviews and Compliance Testing in the capacity of SME and / or to support non-financial risk remediation efforts.
First Line Control Officers may be designated to coordinate responses to outside inquiries from regulators and external audit.
Qualifications The ideal Equity Division Control Officer candidate will have worked in a first line front office or middle office capacity in a Corporate Investment Banking (CIB) sell side financial services organization with deep subject matter expertise in Cash Equity, Equity Derivative, and Futures products.
Areas of product knowledge should include US Equity’s, Equity Options/Autocalls, ETF/Program Trading, Convertible Bonds, Market Making, Stock Loan, Futures, Equity Swaps, Covered Calls, Forwards, MTN’s, and Equity Research.
The individual should also have good understanding of all supporting control areas and related processes: Operations, Product Control, Compliance, and IT.
The individual will be embedded with the Equity Division and is expected to work in the office and follow the work schedule of their colleagues.
The level of the position is commensurate with the experience and knowledge of the individual selected for the role.
5+ years of experience in the design and implementation of operational risk and control activities for a financial services firm with 3+ years of experience in a CIB environment.
Deep understanding of operational risk management and control frameworks including: risk and control self-assessments (RCSAs); process mapping; internal control testing; risk event, self-identified issue and risk acceptance management; and risk reporting.
Ability to conceptualize, develop, and deliver quality analysis and highly actionable management information.
Demonstrated capacity to proactively and independently analyze and solve problems and address risks with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.
Strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills with the ability to collaborate with others to deliver impactful results.
Demonstrated capability to confidently raise issues, escalate early, and engage in constructive credible challenge independently.
Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to articulate complex concepts in a clear manner.
Highly professional, adaptable and proactive mindset.
Proactively resolve conflict and maintain objectivity.
Works independently and have sound judgment.
Keep a pulse on latest developments in the financial services market / regulatory environment.
Bachelors or Master’s degree.
The expected base salary ranges from $121,000 -$180,000.
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications and licenses obtained.
Market and organizational factors are also considered.
In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.
Other requirements Mizuho has in place a remote working program, with varying opportunities for remote work depending on the nature of the role, needs of your department, as well as local laws and regulatory obligations.
Company Overview Mizuho Americas is a leading financial institution comprising several legal entities, which together offer clients corporate and investment banking, financing, securities, treasury services, asset management, research and more.
Mizuho’s operations in the Americas connect a broad client base of major corporations, financial institutions and public sector groups to local markets and a vast global network.
Mizuho Americas is an integral part of the Japan-based Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
(NYSE: MFG), which is comprised of offices in nearly 40 countries, approximately 60,000 employees, and assets of more than USD 1.
8 trillion.
Learn more at mizuhoamericas.
com.
Mizuho Bank Ltd.
offers a competitive total rewards package.
We are an EEO/AA Employer - M/F/Disability/Veteran.
We participate in the E-Verify program.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
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