[Hiring] AVP – Lead QA & Proofing Unit @Mashreq

Role Description

To lead the Quality Assurance and Proofing Unit under the Enterprise Reconciliation Framework (ERF), ensuring robust control oversight and assurance over reconciliation lifecycle activities across Operations and Business units. This role will provide independent validation, exception monitoring, and follow-up closure of outstanding reconciliation items. It will serve as the 1.5 Line of Defense, with an enterprise-wide mandate covering all reconciliation types (manual, semi-automated, automated) and platforms including TLM. The role ensures that reconciliation quality and closure processes are consistently applied and monitored, with clear escalation mechanisms.

Dimensions

• Oversight of enterprise-wide reconciliation proofing, covering:
  • Nostro/Vostro
  • Inter-branch accounts
  • Sundry & suspense GLs
  • Internal accounts
  • VAT reconciliation
• Independent review of reconciliation breaks across all platforms (automated/manual)
• Escalation and closure follow-up of breaks beyond T+3 days (auto) / agreed timelines (manual)
• Thematic reviews, exception trend reporting, and root cause analysis
• Service Level Management
  • Track adherence to reconciliation closure timelines (T+3, etc.)
  • Maintain performance dashboards with metrics across divisions and platforms
  • Set up QA KPIs aligned with ERF and Group Operations KRIs
  • Establish early warning triggers for high-risk or aging items
• Quality Review
  • Monthly quality assurance sampling of reconciled items
  • Tracking accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of proofing controls
  • Raising exceptions to the CRU head and relevant BU operations for resolution
  • Conducting periodic health-checks aligned with audit and GRC guidelines

Key Result Areas

• % of reconciliations reviewed as part of QA plan per quarter across all account categories
• Reduction in aged unreconciled items (>180 and >360 days)
• Reduction in outstanding >T+3 items across platforms
• % adherence to reconciliation policy and internal controls
• No. of thematic issues identified and resolved via QA testing
• Timely and accurate reconciliation attestation and proofing validations
• Platform enhancements delivered and automated rules adoption
• SLA adherence across business units and international/overseas branches
• Successful internal audit and risk reviews with minimal or no observations
• Quality of audit feedback for proofing-related controls
• No overdue proofing validations

Operating Environment, Framework and Boundaries, Working Relationships

• Operates independently from the CRU but in close coordination
• Enterprise-wide scope across Group Operations and Business Units
• Covers both UAE and international operations including Egypt, Pakistan, India, and IBG branches
• Maintains reporting line into GRC – not embedded within the CRU to preserve independent assurance role
• Aligned with ERF governance manual, APPM, ORM Guidelines and reporting templates
• Works within a cross-functional, multi-country environment
• Expected to define and enforce centralized standards and controls while balancing local branch needs
• Works with constrained resources in a transformation phase and must effectively build team capacity

Working Relationships

• Directly interfaces with:
  • Head of CRU and his leadership team
  • Matrix relationships with - Audit, Risk, Compliance, CAD & Tax teams
  • Operations GRC leads in Egypt, India, Pakistan

Problem Solving

• Recommend remediation plans for recurring proofing issues
• Diagnose systemic control weaknesses across reconciliation processes and recommend design enhancements
• Address recurring break trends and implement data-driven remediation plans across business and product lines
• Resolve conflicts or accountability gaps between Operations, Finance, and Technology teams on account ownership and reconciliation execution
• Mitigate regulatory and audit risks related to unreconciled balances by ensuring preventive and detective controls are in place
• Identify pattern-based failures or non-adherence to reconciliation SLAs
• Drive cross-functional resolution forums for persistent items
• Challenge ownership decisions or business rationales where reconciliation breaks are not justified

Decision Making Authority & Responsibility

• Escalate aging/unjustified open items directly to Head of OpEx & GRC or Head of Central Accounts
• Recommend suspension of automated recon processes if persistent QA failures occur
• Approve monthly QA plans and thematic review scope
• Raise and track Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) jointly with Operations heads
• Approve or Reject proofing certifications

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge:
  • Reconciliation platforms: Smart Stream / TLM, and other tools
  • Operations risk, controls, and audit methodology
  • Regulatory reporting and reconciliation governance
• Skills:
  • Strong analytical and root cause analysis capabilities
  • Excellent stakeholder communication and escalation skills
  • Proficiency in dashboarding tools (Power BI/Tableau/Excel)
  • Team leadership and QA framework design
• Experience:
  • 10+ years in operations/internal controls/reconciliation/assurance roles within banking