Audit Associate- AML Risk

GENERAL ASPECTS OF THE INTERNAL AUDIT AREA

BBVA is a global company with more than 160 years of history that operates in more than 25 countries where we serve more than 80 million customers. We are more than 121,000 professionals working in multidisciplinary teams with profiles as diverse as financiers, legal experts, data scientists, developers, engineers and designers.

BBVA Internal Audit is a global function with more than 670 professionals across 14 countries playing a critical role in the Group's governance and risk management. In the United States, the Internal Audit team operates as part of this global function, working collaboratively within the broader international network to ensure consistency, insight, and impact.

As the third line of defense, Internal Audit provides independent assurance and advisory services, acting as a strategic partner to the business by delivering risk-based insights that support decision-making and strengthen the control environment.

Our team is diverse, multidisciplinary, dynamic, and flexible, composed of professionals with the knowledge and expertise to cover all areas and activities of the organization. Beyond its assurance role, Internal Audit acts as a strategic partner, providing independent, risk-based insights that support decision-making and strengthen the control environment and overall performance.

In addition, we are at the forefront of transforming the audit function, driving the use of advanced data analytics and integrating artificial intelligence solutions to anticipate risks and deliver greater value to the business.

Joining Internal Audit means becoming part of a demanding, high-impact environment with a transversal view of the Group. It is a unique opportunity to accelerate your professional development, gaining deep insight into the business and the key strategic challenges of a leading global organization, and become a strategic partner to the business as the Institution’s Third Line of Defense.

ROLE OVERVIEW

As an Internal Auditor Associate on AML, you will analyze and evaluate AML processes that support BBVA’s US operations. Specifically, focused on evaluating the effectiveness of the organization’s compliance risk management framework, with an emphasis on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Sanctions risk domains, and broader regulatory compliance within US Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) and International Wealth Management businesses.

You will gain in-depth knowledge of how a company like BBVA operates, as well as the Internal Audit function (including its methodologies and applicable practices).

You will work within multidisciplinary teams alongside subject matter experts across various business areas. Working under the guidance of a project leader, you will conduct risk-based analyses across multiple domains, focusing on recommendations that have a direct impact on the organization’s management. You will interact with business units and process owners, working closely with them to understand their operations and propose improvements.

This role requires a solid foundation in AML, Sanctions, and regulatory compliance auditing, including risk assessment and control evaluation. The role contributes to strengthening the organization’s financial crime risk management framework and supports alignment with U.S. regulatory expectations.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute risk-based internal audit engagements covering BSA/AML, Sanctions (OFAC) risk, NYS DFS Part 504 requirements, general Bank Regulatory Compliance with Federal and local banking laws, rules, and regulations.
• Perform walkthroughs, test procedures and processes, and assess relevant controls.
• Evaluate adherence to applicable U.S. banking and financial crime regulatory requirements, and internal procedures.
• Assess the design and operating effectiveness of AML and Sanctions related internal controls and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Identify control deficiencies and root causes, and deliver actionable, risk-based recommendations to management.
• Recommend enhancements to governance policies, procedures, and control frameworks.
• Communicate effectively and timely during the lifecycle of the audit engagement.
• Document test results clearly and concisely, and produce high-quality audit workpapers.
• Prepare clear and concise audit reports for senior management and stakeholders.
• Able to identify relevant risks, recommending enhancements as needed.
• Leverage data analytics and AI tools to enhance audit coverage and efficiency.
• Support audit planning activities, including risk assessments and scoping.
• Monitor and validate remediation of audit findings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Academic Background and certifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; preferred fields include Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or other related fields.
• Professional certification such as Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) / Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) preferred.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 3-4 years of experience in internal audit, external audit, compliance, regulation, or risk advisory (financial services experience strongly preferred).
• Knowledge and expertise in auditing U.S. banking regulatory frameworks BSA/AML, OFAC, FinCEN, Federal Reserve, NYDFS.
• Experience working within a financial institution or at a consulting/advisory firm is preferred.

Skills & Competences

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Experience with data analytics tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, SQL, or Python) is a plus
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with audit management tools (e.g., TeamMate, AuditBoard)
• Advanced computer skills required, with preferred proficiency in the Google Workspace suite, including Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

With respect to this position in our New York Office, the expected base salary ranges from $110,000 to $140,000. It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.

*Employment eligibility to work with BBVA in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions