Senior Manager – Testing (Data & Analytics)

The Senior Manager – Testing (Data & Analytics) is responsible for independently evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of regulatory and financial crime controls using robust, data-driven Second Line testing methodologies. The role leads population-based testing, advanced analytics and continuous monitoring, delivers evidence-based findings and root cause analysis, independently validates remediation closure, and provides insight to Management and Board Committees on control effectiveness

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the risk-based, data-driven Second Line compliance testing methodology and annual analytics testing plan.

Design population testing, statistical sampling, SQL and Python analytics, dashboards and reproducible control tests.

Lead independent testing of KYC, CDD/EDD, beneficial ownership, customer risk rating, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening and regulatory reporting controls.

Oversee source data reconciliation, completeness, lineage, analytical assumptions, script validation and data confidentiality.

Develop continuous monitoring, reusable testing routines and controlled analytical innovation.

Approve evidence-based findings, root cause analysis, severity ratings and independent closure validation.

Present testing results and insights to Management and Board Committees.

Lead, develop and allocate resources across the Testing (Data & Analytics) team.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Develop and maintain the compliance testing methodology covering test design, sampling, analytics, evidence standards, rating and reporting.

Develop a risk-based annual testing plan aligned to the compliance risk assessment, regulatory priorities and inspection findings.

Design and approve full-population and analytics-based tests that are documented, repeatable and reproducible.

Lead independent testing of financial crime and regulatory controls, including KYC, CDD/EDD, UBO, risk rating, monitoring, screening and regulatory reporting.

Ensure source data is reconciled, complete and traceable, and that analytical assumptions and scripts are validated and version-controlled.

Ensure secure handling of customer and confidential data in line with the Data Protection Act and Bank policies.

Build continuous control monitoring routines and reusable analytics to increase testing coverage and efficiency.

Approve findings, root cause analysis and severity ratings, and agree remediation ownership with accountable First Line functions.

Independently validate remediation evidence before closure of testing findings.

Prepare testing MI, dashboards and thematic insights for Management, Board Committees and the Board.

Coordinate with Internal Audit to avoid duplication while preserving the independence of each line of defence.

Support regulatory inspections, audits and independent reviews by providing testing evidence and analytics.

Promote the use of analytics tools, automation and data visualisation across the Compliance function.

Lead, mentor and develop the team, including performance management, capability building and succession planning

Qualifications

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

Strong knowledge of Kenyan banking regulation, AML/CFT/CPF requirements and CBK and FRC expectations.

Expertise in compliance testing methodology, control design and operating effectiveness assessment.

Advanced SQL capability and proficiency in Python, R, SAS or comparable analytics tools.

Experience with data visualisation tools such as Power BI and with statistical sampling techniques.

Strong understanding of data lineage, reconciliation, data quality and reproducible analytics.

Excellent report writing, Board reporting and executive communication skills.

Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and constructive challenge capability.

Demonstrated leadership, people management and team development skills.

High integrity, independence, professional scepticism and sound judgement.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 10 years’ experience in Compliance Testing, Internal Audit, Financial Crime Compliance, Risk or Data Analytics within the financial services sector.

At least 5 years’ experience in a management role.

Demonstrated experience leading data-driven control testing and analytics programmes.

Proven experience presenting testing results to senior management and governance forums.

Prior experience in a Tier 1 bank and familiarity with CBK and FRC supervisory expectations will be an added advantage.

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science or a related field.

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline will be an added advantage.

Professional certifications such as CISA, CIA, CAMS, CPA(K), ACCA or recognised data analytics certifications.

Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development in compliance testing and data analytics.