Data Analyst, Internal Audit

The Washington Trust Company has a challenging opportunity for an experienced Data Analyst in supporting the Internal Audit Department by leveraging data analytics to enhance audit effectiveness and efficiency, identify risk trends, and provide actionable insights. This position requires a blend of technical expertise (both data and audit related), business acumen, and strong communication skills to collaborate across departments and ensure data-driven decision-making in audit processes. A secondary role of the position is to perform periodic audit tests of controls on various IT-related systems by obtaining and analyzing audit evidence, preparing audit workpapers, evaluating test results, and drawing conclusions on the adequacy and effectiveness of controls.

This position will be hybrid remote/on-site in Westerly, RI and is under the direct supervision of the Chief Audit Executive.

Responsibilities include:

• Independently designs, develops, and maintains data analytics solutions to support and enhance auditors' efficiency (audit planning, execution of controls testing, and reporting).

• Collaborate with the auditors to prepare standardized documentation related to the Data Analytics Program (Data Analytics Planning and Records of Work) associated with their audits.

• Manage data extraction, clean, and analyze data from various banking systems (e.g., deposit and loan system, loan origination systems, wealth management systems, support systems, etc.) through data analytics routines, and generate output for visualization/analysis by the auditors.

• Identify appropriate data sources and data elements required for analytics, applying professional skepticism when assessing data sources and validating the completeness and accuracy of data received.

• Maintain storage and an organized library of existing data analytics routines which can be used for repeatable audit processes and controls testing.

• Use advanced data analytical techniques to provide insight and foresight, to identify anomalies, trends, and patterns that may indicate control weaknesses, operational inefficiencies, and opportunities for cost-savings or revenue-generation.

• Collaborate with auditors, business partners, and management to design and implement, with advanced data analysis tools, continuous auditing and assurance monitoring techniques.

• Create dashboards, visualizations, and reports to communicate findings to stakeholders.

• Assist in the development of audit programs that incorporate data analytics.

• Ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with regulatory standards.

• Stay current with industry trends, tools, and best practices in data analytics and internal audit.

• Perform periodic audit tests of controls on various IT-related systems by obtaining and analyzing audit evidence, preparing audit workpapers, evaluating test results, and drawing conclusions on the adequacy and effectiveness of controls.
• Document audit procedures and audit workpapers in accordance with the Internal Audit Department's standards, within the audit management/workpaper system.

• Maintain and generate periodic reports (e.g., Risk Assessment Heat Maps), within the audit management/workpaper system.

• Execute special projects and other assignments as requested by management.

• Will perform any task requested by supervisor, as it relates to the Bank or its function.

The qualified candidate must have:

• Bachelor's degree in Data Analytics, Information Systems, Computer Science, Business, Accounting, Finance, or a closely related discipline is required.

• 5+ years of relevant/recent data analytics experience, preferably within audit, financial, risk management, or technology functions within banking or financial services.

• Experience working with banking systems and understanding of banking operations.

• Proven track record of applying data analytics in audit or compliance functions.

• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Copilot).

• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as SQL, Python.

• Familiarity or proficiency with data capture software such as TeamMate Analytics or IDEA.

• Experience with data visualization platforms such as Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot, Tableau, or Qlik.

• Experience with developing and implementing continuous assurance monitoring routines.

• Experience with performing internal control testing and related auditing techniques.

• Familiarity with audit management systems and GRC platforms such as TeamMate.

• Knowledge of data governance, data quality, and data privacy principles and regulations.

• Understanding of AI (Artificial Intelligence), machine learning, and predictive analytics.

• Strong analytical thinking - ability to interpret complex, large data sets and translate them into meaningful insights.

• Strong problem-solving skills - ability to proactively identify issues and propose data-driven solutions.

• Communications - strong verbal and written communication skills to present findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

• Collaboration - team-oriented mindset with the ability to work effectively across departments.

• Ethical Judgement and Diplomacy - commitment to integrity, confidentiality, ethical standards in handling sensitive data/information, and diplomacy in handling and communicating difficult matters.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or professional certifications - e.g., Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Analytics Professional (CAP).

The individual will work a hybrid schedule, with expectations of periodically working on-site in Westerly, RI.

Our employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and welfare benefits, paid time-off, work-life program, and a 401(k) plan. We believe employees who are valued, recognized, rewarded and empowered, will achieve personal and professional growth. Apply today and find out why we have been voted one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island since 2011!

The Washington Trust Company, and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants as protected by state and/or federal law.