Head of IT Audit (Payments Focus) | San Jose, CAThe Audit & Risk Recruitment Companyis supporting a fast-paced, innovative global technology organisation in hiring their first leader in IT Internal Audit to join its international Tech Governance team in San Jose, California (USA).This is a senior opportunity for someone with deep expertise across IT Internal Audit, IT Compliance and Digital Risk acrosspayments, fintech, lending, regulated financial products and technology risk. It is brilliant for those with deep experience in working with global regulations, engineering teams, tech teams and audit in order to provide solid IT Assurance to the business. It includes a truly global scope across the US, EMEA and Asia offering 25% travel and an in-office culture (5 x per week in the office, however, with flexible working hours). You must be comfortable with going into the office. An excellent role for those who thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment and looking to build a new payments segment within a very strong brand. You will influence the rapid growth of the business with concrete opportunities to build a team in the future.
The role:
Develop and execute technology audit strategies covering payments, lending and other regulated financial products. You will be the expert in the team for the payments segment of the business.
Lead complex, risk-based technology audits and advisory reviews from scoping through executive reporting.
Provide subject-matter expertise across payment systems, digital wallets, payment processing and financial infrastructure.
Build, establish and audit end-to-end payment processing in areas like: payment authorisation, clearing and settlement across consumer, merchant, and platform payment flows.
Assess technology, cybersecurity, operational resilience, data and regulatory risks.
Engage directly withpayment regulators and financial regulatorsacross international markets.
Partner closely with engineering, product and business teams to provide credible technical challenge and practical risk recommendations.
Help shape the audit and assurance approach for rapidly evolving financial products across multiple jurisdictions.
Requirements:
Minimum 10+ years’ experiencein IT Audit, ideally over 14 years, preferably from the Big 4 and/or industry within payments, fintech, lending, technology, e-commerce or other regulatory environments. If you are in any other industry but working directly in the payments part, do apply.
Strong knowledge of payment regulations and technology control environments.
Experience developing audit plans and leading complex technology audits acrossAPAC and/or EMEA .Previous experience engaging with regulators, particularly around payments or money-transmission activities is helpful.
Strong understanding of complex technology environments; data flows and control frameworks.
Knowledge of any of the following is also advantageous: encryption, tokenisation, payment security and API security.
Excellent critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to operate confidently with senior executives, engineers, product teams and regulatory stakeholders.
Exposure to areas such asPCI DSS, PSD2, Strong Customer Authentication, operational resilience, digital wallets, open banking and consumer lending.
Experience withSQL, Python, data analytics or technology-enabled audit techniques, alongside qualifications such asCISA, CISSP, CRISC, CAMS or CIA, would also be advantageous, but not essential.No sponsorship can be offered for international candidates, you must be based in the US. Those in the US who may need sponsorship, could be considered.You must be comfortable with the office and working with different time zones.
