ESG Controller & Regulatory Reporting Lead

This is a remote role that may be hired in several markets across the United States.

First Citizens Bank is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Controller & Regulatory Reporting lead to join our corporate Sustainability team. This role will lead the development and implementation of internal processes and controls related to our sustainability reporting & disclosures. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all facets of ESG and regulatory data collection and verification, establishing robust processes and controls, and ensuring compliance with regulatory reporting requirements. Strong writing skills are also important to support the crafting of the sustainability report and other key communications.

Additionally, this individual will contribute to a diverse array of projects within our corporate sustainability and community affairs strategy. Key areas include end-to-end reporting & disclosures, climate risk development and implementation, GHG measurement, stakeholder engagement, sustainable finance, and more.

The role will also include support of broader ESG and sustainability corporate initiatives, such as human resources, community engagement and CRA, climate & sustainability, and governance. The successful candidate will leverage key skills and knowledge such as relationship building, cross-functional collaboration, ability to influence others, communication, budget planning, and strategic thinking to help integrate sustainability into FCB's corporate strategy.

Our Sustainability team integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into the bank's operations and business strategy to generate economic benefits and long-term value for customers and clients, associates, shareholders, and the communities in which we serve.

Established in 2023, the FCB Sustainability team considers growing stakeholder expectations and addresses regulatory requirements related to ESG practices, and is responsible for reporting, governance, and program development.

The successful candidate will have knowledge in overall sustainability topics and strategy, including ESG reporting & disclosures, data controls and governance, sustainable finance, climate risk, and GHG emissions measurement, as well as in philanthropy, community impact, and CRA. The current team members serve as the internal subject matter experts for sustainability across the Bank.

• Design and Implement Internal Control Framework: Design, implement, and operationalize a risk-based internal control framework (policies, processes, controls, and systems) over the data collection and reporting processes to facilitate both limited assurance (initially) and reasonable assurance (future state).
• Lead Data Collection Process: Drive and oversee the ESG and regulatory data collection efforts across the organization, spearheading the development and refinement of the data program. Work with auditors during ESG and regulatory-related audits and ensure timely resolution of findings. Manage ESG data and risk assessments across the organization to support the disclosure strategy.
• Manage Sustainability Reporting Internal Controls: Coordinate internal and external audits and reviews. Oversee the development and implementation of internal controls related to ESG reporting to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate on Sustainability Report Writing: Work closely with the sustainability reporting Lead to support the writing of the sustainability report, ensuring alignment with ESG and regulatory reporting standards and organizational goals.
• Support ESG Reporting Processes: Oversee the accuracy of ESG-related reports. Support the end-to-end process of reporting & disclosures, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Align and Document ESG Data Requirements: Work with cross-functional teams to align, implement, and document ESG data requirements and KPIs to support the organizational ESG strategy.
• Analyze Industry Trends: Analyze industry ESG strategy trends and provide recommendations to senior leadership, ensuring alignment with best practices and stakeholder expectations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding ESG and community affairs initiatives and reporting outcomes.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for enhancing ESG and regulatory reporting processes and internal controls, driving efficiency and effectiveness.

Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of experience in SOX, Internal auditing, or equivalent OR High School Diploma or GED and 12 years of experience in SOX, Internal auditing, or equivalent

License or Certification Type: Possess designation as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or other relevant industry certifications.

Preferred Skills:

• 8 years of professional experience in ESG and/or CRA reporting, accounting and financial reporting, internal controls, risk management, data management, or related fields. At least 4 years of experience working with and developing SOX-like controls.
• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, sustainability, or a related field preferred advanced degree or professional certification (i.e., CPA) is a plus.
• Disclosure Knowledge: Strong understanding of CRA regulations and ESG reporting frameworks (i.e., GRI, SASB, TCFD), disclosure processes and questionnaires (i.e., CDP, DJSI), and reporting regulatory requirements, along with strong writing skills.
• Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights.
• Leadership Abilities: Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage teams and projects effectively.
• Platform Knowledge: Familiarity with the ESG data collection and carbon accounting platforms is a plus.
• Communication Skills: Excellent ability to document and present analysis in a visually compelling and procedurally clear manner, tailored to diverse audiences.
• Critical Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills with the capability to approach challenges with innovative and rational solutions.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.