Governance & Controls Specialist

Application Deadline: 11/13/2026 Address: 320 S Canal Street Job Family Group: Business Management Contributes to the business’ accountability for the delivery of regulatory programs across applicable Tier 1 Risk Types. Contributes to the design of governance and control requirements for products, processes, and channels. Supports the design, development, automation, and coordination of evidence based controls across Credit & Counterparty, Non Financial, Liquidity & Funding, Market, Strategic, Reputation, and Environmental & Social Risks. Supports effective and efficient compliance with regulatory obligations in alignment with the Bank’s Risk Management Framework and approved Risk Appetite.

• Supports multiple, similar business units with corresponding number of regulators.
• Assists with the implementation of risk management programs/ frameworks while identifying and minimizing negative impacts to the business.
• Develops and implements risk mitigation strategies.
• Acts as a subject matter expert in the evaluation, development and implementation of an internal control system.
• Supports the execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
• Ensures alignment between stakeholders.
• Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations.
• Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues.
• Builds change management plans of varying scope and type; leads or participates in a variety of change management activities including readiness assessments, planning, stakeholder management, execution, evaluation and sustainment of initiatives.
• Monitoring to ensure that 1st line jobs are following defined processes and procedures.
• Develops, documents and maintains business/group procedures updating and obtaining approvals as regulations or the operating environment changes and communicates changes to the business/group & relevant stakeholder groups.
• Supports the development of measurable sustainment strategies including assessing and recommending mitigations for industry/ segment-specific risks and prioritizing opportunities presented by internal and external stakeholders.
• Tracks exception/exemption requests and corresponding approvals.
• Builds awareness, knowledge, and skills and, as necessary, provides communication, practical tools and ongoing support including making presentations, to promote a culture of risk identification and management.
• Supports the design, development, coordination of implementation, automation and continuous improvement of 1LOD LOB risk management programs, including supporting the establishment and maintenance of LOB specific policies standards, business processes and controls across all applicable financial and non-financial risks.
• Works with assigned business/group leaders to interpret, apply and operationalize relevant regulatory frameworks across the LOB/jurisdiction and designs, develops, coordinates and continually improves the LOBs risk management programs and supporting activities to ensure the business operates within the approved risk appetite and optimizes risk return while meeting BMO’s regulatory compliance obligations and consistent with the Bank’s Risk Management Framework
• Conducts or supports self-assessments to demonstrate control effectiveness and adherence, coordinating 1LOD risk remediation efforts, responding to regulatory requirements, implementing policies, and managing risk measurement and reporting.
• Develops and maintains an understanding of the business/group strategies and objectives, products and services, internal and external stakeholders and business processes as well as the underlying infrastructure to identify and manage implications and risk exposures for the business/group.
• Identifies, investigates, analyzes, documents & mitigates program risks, taking into account jurisdictional issues, and raises any issues or concerns to senior leaders and other stakeholders.
• Contributes to a strong risk culture through collaboration with 1LOD, and engagement with Second Line of Defence (2LOD), Corporate Audit (3LOD), to ensure risks related to products, services, and processes are identified, assessed, measured and managed within the approved risk appetite, and reported on an ongoing basis.
• Analyzes the impact and effectiveness of the program through periodic reviews.
• Recommends adjustments to the overall program, policy or processes within the business/group in accordance with the Risk Appetite Statement, Governance and Corporate Policy.
• Supports the business/group through internal/external audits or regulatory examinations and assists in development of action plans to resolve any identified issues.
• Provides support to the development and delivery of training and awareness programs within the business/group to increase awareness of and compliance to risk management requirements.
• Takes measured risks while protecting the bank by applying our Risk Management Framework in the execution of your role, in line with our Risk Culture and within our approved Risk Appetite, making sound and risk informed decisions that align to business strategy, protect assets, and adhere to applicable policy documents (Frameworks, Policies, Standards, Procedures and Supporting documents), laws and regulations.
• Focus is primarily on business/group within BMO; may have broader, enterprise-wide focus.
• Exercises judgment to identify, diagnose, and solve problems within given rules.
• Works independently on a range of complex tasks, which may include unique situations.
• Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications:

• Typically between 4 - 6 years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Program Management - Good.
• Technical proficiency gained through education and/or business experience.
• Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth.
• Collaboration & team skills - In-depth.
• Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth.
• Influence skills - In-depth.
• Data driven decision making - In-depth.

Salary : $55,000.00 - $120,000.00 Pay Type: Salaried The above represents BMO Financial Group’s pay range and type. Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group’s expected target for the first year in this position. BMO Financial Group’s total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. To view more details of our benefits, please visit: [ About Us At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world. As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one – for yourself and our customers. We’ll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we’ll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset. To find out more visit us at [ BMO is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. We also consider applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. BMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [View email address on joinrs.com](mailto:View email address on joinrs.com) and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes.