Credit Risk Initiatives and Program Advisor (Hybrid - Buffalo, NY)

Overview:

The Credit Risk Management Initiatives and Program Risk Advisor is responsible for supporting the development and/or the implementation of risk management practices in line with Enterprise Risk Policies and Programs and collaborate on high profile and complex cross-functional initiatives. Apply knowledge of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) policies, frameworks, and governance standards to ensure the credit risk program maintains consistent, aligned, and drives effective practices across the organization.

In this role, the Risk Advisor supports the second line of defense credit risk management program and strategic initiatives in a dynamic environment. Support provided through risk management capabilities and strong cross-functional collaboration, process and procedure documentation, and senior leadership reporting.

Support critical strategic initiatives ensuring initiatives are executed in alignment with risk practices, regulatory expectations, and enterprise objectives. Partner closely with initiative leaders of diverse levels of leadership to derive recommendations for organizational decisions- strategy considerations. Provide guidance to resolve complex issues, mitigate systemic risks, and influence risk practices.

Supports the Credit Risk Management Program Office by supporting system processes and reporting (Archer eGRC), delivering governance presentations, and fulfilling ad hoc requests. Provides additional departmental support as needed.

Primary Responsibilities:

• With oversight, execute documentation, maintenance, and enhancements to credit risk policies, procedures, and process flows to identify risks and controls.  Assist with the maintenance, including data integrity, of the Risk and Control Assessment and other eGRC tools. Assist with implementation of process optimization opportunities.
• Assist with the remediation of risks and project initiatives.
• Exposure to analyzing regulatory requirements and documenting compliance with requirements or the identification of enhancements or improvements needed. May be involved to collaborate with stakeholders to document procedures to demonstrate compliance with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.
• With oversight, contribute to Exam Management activities. Assist with development of staff to support exams.
• Train and assist the department with eGRC systems as needed. 
• Collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure the success of implementation and execution of risk management practices and initiatives.
• Support cross-functional risk-related initiatives from initiation through execution.  Liaise with key stakeholders in an environment where the need for and pace of change is dynamic. Ability to adapt to changing environments.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with internal customers and stakeholders
• Exposure to the use of visualization tools (e.g., Power BI).
• Keep abreast of industry standards to identify changes needed in practices, policies, and procedures ensuring they are in line with industry best practices.
• Ensure reporting is consumable using current visualization tools (e.g., Power BI.) Oversee the development of appropriate materials.
• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite.  Design, implement, maintain and enhance internal controls to mitigate risk on an ongoing basis.  Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports a culture of belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Exposure to supporting large and complex initiatives
• Proficient in process and policy documentation, including process flows
• Experienced risk and internal controls specialist
• Ability to design and deliver high‑quality, management‑ready presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership and other key parties
• Excellent collaboration skills with a large group of professionals where roles and responsibilities may be dynamic
• Excellent organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous Commercial Credit/lending experience or other relevant financial services industry experience
• Experience with the development of tools (e.g., SharePoint sites) and visualization reporting solution (e.g., Power BI).

Location