Control Tester and Advisor - Data & AI Governance

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Role Summary

The Control Tester and Advisor – Data & AI Governance is responsible for executing and leading control testing activities and providing risk and control advisory support related to Data Governance and AI Governance.

This role assesses design effectiveness and operating effectiveness of controls, performs end-to-end process walkthroughs, analyzes governance artifacts, and identifies, documents, and communicates control issues. In addition, the role partners with business, technology, and risk teams to provide advisory support on risk identification, control design, process improvements, and risk assessment activities related to data and AI governance.

The role requires strong testing judgment, the ability to develop and execute test steps, and the ability to provide practical, risk-based advice while maintaining independence and objectivity.

Key Responsibilities

Control Testing & Assessment

• Execute design effectiveness (DE) and operating effectiveness (OE) testing of controls related to Data Governance and AI Governance, including data quality, data management, AI lifecycle governance, and ethical AI controls.
• Develop and document test steps and test scripts aligned to approved testing methodologies and risk frameworks.
• Perform reperformance testing, sampling, and evidence validation to assess control execution.
• Apply professional judgment to determine control effectiveness, identify control gaps, and assess residual risk.

Advisory, Risk & Control Support

• Provide risk, control, and process advisory support to business and technology partners related to Data and AI governance.
• Advise on control design, control enhancements, and process improvements to address identified risks or emerging governance expectations.
• Support and provide input into risk assessments, including identification of inherent risks, evaluation of mitigating controls, and assessment of control coverage.
• Assist stakeholders in understanding risk and control expectations, governance standards, and testing outcomes.
• Offer guidance on data and AI governance best practices, including alignment to internal policies, standards, and risk frameworks.
• Support proactive risk management efforts by identifying potential control weaknesses or governance gaps outside of formal testing cycles.

Process Understanding & Walkthroughs

• Lead and conduct walkthroughs with control owners and stakeholders to understand end-to-end processes related to in-scope control activities.
• Document process flows, control descriptions, and key risks based on walkthroughs and artifact reviews.
• Develop and maintain a working understanding of how data and AI controls operate within business and technology processes, enabling both testing and advisory activities.

Artifact Review & Analysis

• Analyze and assess business and governance artifacts, including:
  • Data governance policies, standards, and procedures
  • Data lineage, metadata, and data quality documentation
  • AI governance artifacts (e.g., model lifecycle documentation, approvals, monitoring evidence)
• Evaluate whether artifacts sufficiently demonstrate control design, operating effectiveness, and risk mitigation.
• Provide advisory feedback to stakeholders where artifacts or documentation do not fully support risk and control expectations.

Issue Identification, Risk Insight & Communication

• Identify, document, and clearly articulate control deficiencies, design gaps, and operating issues, including root cause analysis.
• Draft clear, risk-based issue descriptions and contribute to discussions on risk severity and impact.
• Provide actionable, practical recommendations that balance risk mitigation with business and operational considerations.
• Communicate testing results, risk insights, and advisory recommendations to stakeholders in a clear and professional manner.

Stakeholder, Business & Risk Partner Engagement

• Act as a primary testing and advisory contact for business partners, technology teams, and risk partners for assigned areas.
• Partner with stakeholders to clarify control intent, evidence expectations, risk ownership, and remediation approaches.
• Support ongoing governance forums, working groups, or risk discussions related to Data and AI governance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of Data & AI governance testing and advisory practices.

Documentation & Quality

• Create and maintain high-quality testing and advisory documentation, including workpapers, test scripts, walkthrough notes, risk assessments, and conclusions.
• Ensure work meets quality standards, methodology requirements, and service level expectations while maintaining appropriate independence.

Qualifications

Required

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in control testing, risk management, audit, governance, or advisory functions.
• Demonstrated experience performing control design and operating effectiveness testing.
• Experience supporting or contributing to risk assessments and control evaluations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex governance, risk, and technical artifacts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including issue write-ups and advisory discussions.

• Required: CISA, CRISC or CGRC. Preferred: CDMP or AIGP

Preferred

• Experience in Data Governance, AI Governance, Model Risk Management, or Technology Risk.
• Familiarity with data management concepts, AI/ML model lifecycles, and governance frameworks.
• Experience balancing independent testing responsibilities with advisory and consultative support.

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: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards

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 https://jobs.bmo.com/ca/en.

BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter.

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.