Director, AI Assurance & Audit (Chicago)

Application Deadline:07/30/2026Address:320 S Canal StreetJob Family Group:Audit, Risk & ComplianceLead the enterprise AI assurance and audit program by setting the multi‑year AI audit strategy, defining the audit universe, and establishing enterprise‑wide AI assurance frameworks, methodologies, and coverage for Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Generative AI, Large Language Models, and AI‑enabled processes.Provide independent assurance and effective challenge to senior management by evaluating the maturity, scalability, and effectiveness of AI governance, Responsible AI frameworks, and risk management practices, while overseeing enterprise‑level risks such as bias, explainability, transparency, privacy, hallucinations, model misuse, and regulatory compliance.Lead the AI Assurance Center of Competency, drive capability building and methodology standards, and act as the primary interface with regulators and external stakeholders. Direct complex, cross‑enterprise audits, aggregate thematic insights, assess regulatory readiness, and deliver authoritative, forward‑looking assurance opinions to executive leadership, the Audit Committee, and the Board to strengthen governance, influence strategy, and mitigate systemic operational, ethical, and reputational risks arising from AI adoption.Conducts audit engagements to critically assess management and internal control processes, approving the nature, extent and timing of the audit, its execution and the formulation of insightful audit reports. Reports on audits to provide clear, concise and memorable insights on issues and potential issues to assist management in fulfilling mandates. This work provides vital assurance to the Board of Directors and senior management on the quality of internal control systems and reduces the risk of loss and reputational damage to the Company. This work is instrumental in identifying unacceptable/high risk circumstances that could lead to material impact on profitability or reputation. Provides independent assurance on the quality and effectiveness of internal control, risk management, and governance systems and processes to support senior management and the Board in protecting BMO and its reputation.Fosters a culture aligned to BMO purpose, values and strategy and role models BMO values and behaviours in all that they do.Ensures alignment between values and behaviour that fosters diversity and inclusion.Regularly connects work to BMO’s purpose, sets inspirational goals, defines clear expected outcomes, and ensures clear accountability for follow through. Builds interdependent teams that collaborate across functional and operating groups to create the highest value for all stakeholders. Attracts, retains, and enables the career development of top talent.Improves team performance, recognizes and rewards performance, coaches employees, supports their development, and manages poor performance. Acts as trusted resource providing advice to executive leaders of business/group on risk, governance and internal controls.Provides advice to executive leaders on risk, governance and controls relating to strategy and new initiatives, based on an in-depth understanding of the business/group.Meets regularly with business/group stakeholders to identify changing strategies, tactics, and initiatives across the business/group and evaluate changes to the nature, and extent of risk environment.Networks with industry contacts to share gather competitive insights and best practices.May advise or serve on various committees and task forces.Recommends business priorities, advises on resource requirements and develops roadmap for strategic execution.Acts as the prime contact for external stakeholder relationships, which may includes regulators.Monitors and tracks performance, and resolves any issues.Collaborates across BMO to develop communications strategies and ensure consistency of messaging, in order to positively influence or change behaviour.Leads change management programs of varying scope and type, including readiness assessments, planning, stakeholder management, execution, evaluation and sustainment of initiatives.Ensures that all audits for which the role is responsible are conducted effectively and efficiently to the high standards set out by the Corporate Audit, outcomes of which are confirmed through the Audit's Quality Assurance Program and/or regulatory examination results.Ensures Corporate Audit KPIs are met.Motivates continued high performance by enhancing and executing Corporate Audit People Strategy including skill transformation and career development.Enhances Competency Self-Assessment and Individual Development Plan view of skills and knowledge.Recommends modifications to division training to address real time and evolving needs identified through self assessments, QA reviews, emerging trends and regulatory expectations.Recommends changes as needed to team structure, succession planning, to enable effective completion of overall Corporate Audit mandate.Executes audits in full recognition of the risks of the group that encompass the inherent risks, control risks and internal/external environment and regulatory risks. This may encompass individual audits and broader capstone audits of Enterprise level functions/processes.Conducts advisory engagements and other engagements as required.Determines impact of changing strategies, tactics, risks and initiatives on audit, advisory and investigative services.Identifies and evaluates the impact of new and emerging technology and technology risk on the organization’s processes and control environment.Utilizes data analytics in advisory engagements to improve quality and efficiencies.Develops an awareness of business strategies, policies and standards providing meaningful insights based upon knowledge and research which will continue to improve the Enterprise management and control processes.Maintains the independence of the audit practice and its personnel.Develops insightful discussion points contributing to audit reports that provides fair and balanced assessment of governance, risk and control processes based on audit work performed. Deliverables must be objective, clear, concise and timely.Identifies control deficiencies and provides a fair and balanced assessment of their magnitude.Maintains working knowledge of the industry, regulatory, broad economic environment, and internal environment, as to the development of new strategies and plans, opportunities and risk, to obtain an understanding of the control environment.Ensures that all audit procedures executed are conducted in accordance to Corporate Audit Methodology as confirmed by it’s Quality Assurance program and/or regulatory examination results.Applies sound judgement in the execution of the assigned work and ensures open lines of communication.Develops and maintains good working relations with key stakeholders.Actively monitors change management initiatives and identifies potential risks.Actively participates and supports Corporate Audit change initiatives.Maintains and enhances professional audit qualifications in line with industry standards.Operates at a group/enterprise-wide level and serves as a senior specialist resource across BMO.Influences how teams/groups work together.Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to multiple, interdependent, complex problems.Communicates abstract concepts in simple terms.Fosters strong internal and external networks and works with and across multiple teams to achieve business objectives.Anticipates trends and responds by implementing appropriate changes.Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.Qualifications:Typically 9+ years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Professional designations such as CIA, CISA, CPA, or CRISC.Preferred certifications: ISACA AAIA, ISACA Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals, GARP AIRG, AIGP.Deep understanding of Generative AI, LLMs, AI Agents, RAG, Responsible AI principles, AI governance frameworks, and AI assurance practices.Experience presenting assurance findings to Executive Management, Audit Committees, Boards, and regulators.Seasoned expert with extensive industry knowledge.Technical leader viewed as a thought leader for innovation.Verbal & written communication skills - Expert.Analytical and problem solving skills - Expert.Influence skills - Expert.Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration - Expert.Able to manage ambiguity.Data driven decision making - Expert.*Role requires 3 days a week in office( Chicago, Milwaukee, California) subject to change*Job posting reflects Chicago salary rangeSalary:$137,000.00 - $238,000.00Pay Type: SalariedThe 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 UsAt 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 aro