Wendy Ayers

Conducted control evaluations and substantive testing to assess design and effectiveness of controls.

• Ensured compliance with internal policies and external regulations, identifying necessary remediation actions.
• Developed and executed testing procedures, documenting results and making actionable recommendations.
• Distributed detailed compliance testing review reports to stakeholders for informed decision-making.
• Fostered collaboration with Compliance and Operational Risk Officers on various engagements.
• Created detailed test scripts to guide evaluation processes and facilitate issue discussions.
• Participated in business meetings to enhance alignment and clarity across teams.
• Drafted final reports summarizing findings and recommendations for management review.

• Controls - Coordinate and execute control agenda across Client Services & Business Platform. Partners with business management to drive continuous improvements in the control environment, concentrating on platform consistency and globalization efforts
• Audit Engagements - Coordinate and manage all internal and external audit engagements for the AW Institutional Client Service team which includes acting as the SME during audit walkthrough, compiling & presenting evidence, drafting audit responses, and working with the business to create action plans
• AM Resiliency Coordinator - Manage and execute resiliency task for multiple Asset Management lines of business
• Reporting - Prepare monthly reporting package for AM Fiduciary & Conflicts of Interest Committee which includes identifying monthly population, collaborating with Client Account Managers to resolve client related issues, and creating the deck slides to be presented to the committee

SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Completed Risk Control Self-Assessments (RCSA) to ensure the Sub Advisory program is in alignment with regulations. Conducted control testing, facilitated control walk throughs and updated process narratives. Partnered with key stakeholders such as legal, compliance, and senior leadership to communicate results and recommendations for control improvements.
• Completed process improvement initiatives which included enhancing the administrative review and team lead processes by implementing a tracking system, creating procedures and process flow charts. Partnered with IT to add automation controls, which led to closure of regulatory action plans because of the increased and sustainable adherence to the (Reg 9.6B and Reg 9.6X).
• Managed audit engagements which involved gathering and compiling audit evidence, drafting written audit responses, providing recommendations to the business to ensure future audit readiness, and facilitating meetings with auditors to speak to the line of business processes.
  

SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Provided Compliance oversight for the implementation of the Incidence of non-compliance database which resulted in adherence to banking regulations for eight lines of businesses.
• Managed strategic engagements with auditors and regulators to effectively respond to key audit issues and to implement immediate corrective actions. Successfully performed the quality control reviews of new loans, asset quality analysis, and default loan reviews.
• Partnered with key departments to revamp the control processes and procedures within new or restructured areas.
• Monitored and managed the effectiveness of implemented controls, as well as recommended procedural changes to close exceptions.
• Oversaw annual readiness assessments for internal lines of business to ensure compliance with audit requirements.