Vice President, Audit Leader, Application & Technology Controls

Position Overview

At American Express, our 175-year history of innovation and commitment to our customers, communities, and colleagues creates an environment where your voice matters and your work makes an impact. In this role as Vice President, Audit Leader, Application & Technology Controls, you will lead audits of integrated technology controls—focusing on IT application controls within critical business processes and general IT controls. You will advise on risk‐based decisions using deep knowledge of IT structures, infrastructure, business processes, and associated risks across diverse locations including New York City, Phoenix, Sandy, or Charlotte.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an audit subject matter expert (SME) for the assigned portfolio and monitor trends in the auditing profession and banking industry.
• Review and approve test plans, ensuring audit activities are executed with excellence and aligned with strategic goals.
• Set the coverage strategy and determine deliverables/approach to evidence adequate coverage.
• Lead and support regulatory activities, including participation in regulatory meetings.
• Support the development and review of the annual Audit Plan, identifying skill gaps and upskilling the team as needed.
• Oversee delivery of the annual Audit Plan, integrating financial, operational, compliance, and technology risks.
• Understand interrelated portfolios and assess how external risks impact your audit portfolio.
• Provide recommendations to improve audit execution and risk‐based decision making for timely results.
• Maintain relationships with Senior Business Leaders to monitor changes, emerging risks, and control priorities.
• Oversee special projects across business units and regions ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement by integrating industry trends and best practices into audit methodologies.
• Recruit, supervise, coach, mentor, and develop audit staff while executing training plans to ensure high-performing teams.

Required Qualifications

• 10 years of audit experience.
• Prior experience working at a Big Four, G-SIB, or equivalent organization.
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• CISA (or CISM) certification is required.
• Strong command of IT general controls, application controls, and business process automation risks.
• Knowledge of regulations and frameworks such as SOX, Basel III, GLBA, CCPA, HIPAA, or equivalent.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to synthesize complex audit findings into actionable recommendations.
• Ability to leverage data to generate insights on risks and facilitate discussions with teams.
• Experience guiding teams in applying control theory and professional auditing practices.
• Proven ability to monitor industry trends and incorporate best practices into the Audit Plan.
• Ability to travel 5% to 15%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems, automated workflows, or other core financial and operational platforms.
• Additional certifications such as CPA, CIA, CRISC, or CIPP.
• Familiarity with data analytic tools, data visualization, KRIs, KPIs, and scorecards/dashboards.
• Interest in working with data, interpreting results, and leveraging analytic best practices.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: $176,750.00 to $282,000.00 annually (plus bonus and equity, if applicable).
• Competitive base salaries.
• Bonus incentives.
• 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan.
• Free financial coaching and financial well-being support.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits.
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite, or virtual arrangements.
• 20 weeks paid parental leave for all parents, including for pregnancy, adoption, or surrogacy.
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers (staffed with nurses and doctors, depending on location).
• Free and confidential counseling support through the Healthy Minds program.
• Career development and training opportunities.