Senior Audit Manager, AML IB - Scotiabank, Toronto

Position summary

Scotiabank's Internal Audit team, operating as the 3rd Line of Defence, provides independent and objective assurance over the design and operating effectiveness of the Bank’s internal controls, risk management, and governance processes. This Senior Audit Manager role is crucial in supporting Financial Crimes and AML audit activities, ensuring compliance with governing regulations, internal policies, and procedures across the bank's global mandate. A key focus is on International Banking AML, forming a core part of the portfolio. As part of the Audit AML Centre of Excellence (CoE), this position leads and oversees AML audit activities in Canada and across International Banking, assessing the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls and adherence to Bank standards, policies, and applicable regulatory requirements, particularly those related to AML/ATF and Sanctions Risk Management. The role also serves as a dynamic, innovative, and trusted advisor, leveraging data-driven insights to deliver strong assurance and help safeguard the Bank and its customers.

What you'll do

• Act as Officer in Charge (OIC) for assigned audits and may act as Audit Principal (AP) for low- to medium-complexity assignments, leading audit planning, execution, and reporting, and developing risk-based audit approaches, timelines, and resource plans.
• Support the VP and Director, AML/ATF & Sanctions Audit, in managing the AML Audit Program, including annual planning, quarterly and Board reporting, test scripts, training, continuous monitoring, regulatory remediation, initiatives, and day-to-day AML Centre of Excellence (CoE) operations, with a particular focus on International Banking AML.
• Lead or oversee assigned audit projects end to end, obtaining a thorough understanding of the business, processes, and risks, and ensuring audit procedures and testing are appropriate to support the audit objective, scope, and overall opinion.
• Ensure audit findings are supported, root causes are identified, workpapers are reviewed on a timely basis, and observations and recommendations are clearly communicated to management, including follow-up on remediation progress and sharing of relevant cross-functional issues.
• Collaborate with other audit teams and stakeholders, including regulators where required, and support or lead special projects, investigations, and central initiatives of moderate to high complexity.
• Promote a client-focused, high-performance, and inclusive team culture aligned with the Bank’s values, risk appetite, risk culture, and conduct expectations, while supporting coaching, development, and succession planning.
• Provide AML CoE oversight, guidance, and challenge to International Banking AML audit engagements conducted by local audit teams across all audit phases to promote consistency in the application of Scotiabank methodology, AML enterprise standards, and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Code of Ethics.
• Support AML continuous monitoring and annual planning for International Banking by identifying emerging risks, systemic issues, regulatory and industry developments, and AML risk entities that may affect the audit universe or require adjustments to the audit plan.
• Support testing of AML remediations and other central initiatives across International Banking countries, validating issue closure and sustainability of corrective actions, and reviewing or providing input on AML policies, standards, regulations, and Detailed Audit Programs to assess adequacy and completeness of coverage.
• Provide guidance, knowledge sharing, and targeted training to local audit teams on AML technical matters and help ensure audit reporting, including English and Spanish reports where applicable, meets departmental quality and timeliness standards.
• Maintain required departmental training and pursue continuous learning to stay current on AML regulations, audit methodology, and industry best practices.

Who we're looking for

To succeed in this critical role, Scotiabank is seeking a professional with a strong background in financial crimes and audit.

• Bilingual proficiency (English and Spanish) with highly developed written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and people leadership skills, including the ability to work independently, lead staff on engagements, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at multiple levels.
• A university degree in Business, Accounting, Economics, Law, or a related field; relevant audit, AML, or business certifications are an asset.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in AML/ATF, Sanctions, audit, testing, or related control functions across the first, second, or third line of defence.
• Strong knowledge of BSA/AML, AML/ATF, KYC, sanctions, FATF guidance, and applicable regulatory frameworks, including OSFI, FINTRAC, and international AML requirements, with the ability to apply them in a financial services environment.
• Demonstrated experience executing or overseeing AML testing and audit procedures, including assessment of control design and effectiveness, model-related risks, data, outputs, governance, and validation of management action plans and issue remediation.
• High proficiency in applying Scotiabank methodology and risk-based auditing standards, practices, techniques, processes, and audit methodologies, coupled with a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Proven ability to work effectively in high levels of ambiguity, manage and supervise multiple projects, and operate in a rapidly changing environment.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analytics, visualization, and standard audit tools, including Excel, Word, and related software.
• Professional qualifications such as CAMS, CPA, CFA, or CISA are considered beneficial.

About the company

Joining Scotiabank means becoming part of a purpose-driven, winning team committed to results in an inclusive and high-performing culture. The bank is dedicated to fostering an environment where employees can thrive and make a difference.

• Champion a high-performance environment and contribute to an inclusive work environment.
• The opportunity to join a forward-thinking organization where you are surrounded by a collaborative team of innovative thinkers.
• A competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits plan.
• An organization committed to making a difference in our communities - for you and our customers.
• Expect to be recognized and rewarded for high-performance; you will be supported by leadership through meaningful development conversations that enable faster advancement and internal training to support your growth and development.