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Audit Lead - AI Model Risk at USAA Careers

USAA Careers No longer available

Job Description

Why USAA? At USAA, our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security through highly competitive products, exceptional service and trusted advice. We seek to be the choice for the military community and their families. Embrace a fulfilling career at USAA, where our core values - honesty, integrity, loyalty and service - define how we treat each other and our members. Be part of what truly makes us special and impactful. The Opportunity As an Audit Lead, you'll support audit engagements of varying complexity, often participating in cross-functional, risk-based assurance and advisory projects, contributing to the quality of audit work. A key aspect of this role involves testing models and model-related tools as part of audit engagements. You will support Auditor-In-Charge (AIC) responsibilities and maintain knowledge of financial services regulations, effectively responding to and interacting with regulators. This role provides support and oversight to multiple audit engagements and participates in the review of engagement planning, fieldwork, and reporting. You will also manage strategic initiatives and assist with the development and implementation of a risk-based audit plan. You will serve as, and/or partner with, subject matter expert(s) within audit or the business to analyze issues, establish collaborative client relationships, and proactively work with client management to assess risk and improve internal controls. You will also adhere to the Institute of Internal Auditors' International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards) and Code of Ethics. We offer a flexible work environment that requires an individual to be in the office 4 days per week. This position can be based in one of the following locations: San Antonio, TX, Plano, TX, or Charlotte, NC. Relocation assistance is available for this position. What you'll do: Contribute to continuous monitoring, advisory activities, special reviews, and investigations. Ensure assigned audit engagements are completed objectively, professionally, and timely, adhering to audit standards. Identify control weaknesses and recommend improvements, drafting audit issues and reports for client leadership and conducting follow-up. Support quality of audit reviews and propose updates to the universe risk assessment based on audit results. Build client relationships to drive strategic objectives. Communicate effectively with business/clients, delivering risk-based and difficult messages, and potentially with regulators and executive leaders. Provide coaching and guidance to other auditors, ensuring timely and quality deliverables, and may provide engagement evaluations. Provide input into the internal audit universe and risk profiles, updating risk assessment information. Participate in the development and execution of the annual audit plan, assessing and covering risks. What you have: Bachelor's degree in Business or relevant field such as Finance, Accounting, Business, or Information Technology. Four additional years of related experience beyond minimum required may be substituted in lieu of a degree. 8 years of audit, financial, insurance, banking, information technology or related business and/or leadership experience. Experience performing internal audits, external audits, or applying audit, risk, or compliance acumen in a complex operational and regulatory environment. Broad and comprehensive experience in Audit theory, internal audit principles with demonstrated experience in audit examining, analyzing, assessing, and drawing conclusions from audit work. Demonstrated experience effectively communicating and challenging Controls with business partners and influencing business outcomes. Understanding of risks and internal controls and the ability to evaluate and determine adequacy and efficiency of controls. Experience in a support role, mentoring, and providing feedback to audit team members throughout the audit. Experience in overseeing work with both internal and external partners in a highly collaborative environment Demonstrated critical thinking and knowledge of data analysis tools and techniques and decision-making abilities. Demonstrated experience in highly dynamic environment undergoing change; ability to deal with competing priorities. What sets you apart: AI/ML Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of AI/ML concepts, lifecycle stages, data sourcing, model types, tools, applications, and model risk management principles. AI Risk Management Expertise: Proficient in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with AI systems (e.g., safety, data integrity, privacy, security, biases). Model Risk & Control: Deep knowledge of model risk frameworks and control testing methodologies. Regulatory & Governance Expertise: Familiarity with AI-related regulatory guidance (e.g., SR 11-7, OCC 2011-12) and emerging governance principles (e.g., NIST AI RMF, ISO/IEC 42001, EU AI Act). AI Explainability & Transparency: Ability to evaluate interpretability techniques for regulatory and business transparency. Emerging Technology Awareness: Awareness of generative AI, LLMs, and automated decisioning frameworks to assess evolving risks and adapt audit techniques. Compensation range: The salary range for this position is: $143,320 - $273,930 USAA does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Please do not apply for this role if at any time (now or in the future) you will need immigration support (i.e., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT Training Plans, etc.). Compensation: USAA has an effective process for assessing market data and establishing ranges to ensure we remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range based on your experience and market data of the position. The actual salary for this role may vary by location. Employees may be eligible for pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance and at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors. The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job. Benefits: At USAA our employees enjoy best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial, and emotional wellness. These benefits include comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k), pension, life insurance, parental benefits, adoption assistance, paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours, and various wellness programs. Additionally, our career path planning and continuing education assists employees with their professional goals. For more details on our outstanding benefits, visit our benefits page on Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis, this posting will remain open until the position is filled. Thus, interested candidates are encouraged to apply the same day they view this posting. USAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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.

Typical senior pay: $90k for Models nationally

National salary averages
Expected senior-level
$90k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$38k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $124k

Top performers earn significantly more—skill and negotiation matter.

Senior roles pay 97% more than entry—experience is well rewarded.

Hot hiring, constrained wages

Employers are hiring actively, but pay hasn't caught up with demand. Focus on competing offers and non-salary benefits.

Hiring leverage
Candidate-favored
Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
Limited
Mobility
Good mobility
Durability
High fragility

Why this market feels harder than it looks

This market is hiring aggressively, but compensation hasn't caught up and most openings are backfilling churn, not expansion. Employers are filling roles, but not bidding wages up.

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options, Remote-capable workers
Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.

Don't let hiring headlines mislead you—focus on concrete offers. Your leverage may be less durable than it appears—move decisively.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Expertise pays off

Limited new roles, but specialists earn significantly more.

-1%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
16% work independently—freelance or consulting is viable.
Typical: No formal educational credential

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024