Melissa Lawther
Waterdown,Ontario
Summary
A seasoned leader with 23+ years of diverse professional experience in the financial services industry. Results-driven with significant experience in risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and process improvement. Possess strong leadership skills, adept at team management and cross-functional collaboration. Notable for effectively minimizing operational risks, improving workflow efficiencies, fostering a culture of accountability, and driving strategic decision-making processes based on data analysis.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager | Global Testing
SCOTIABANK
Mississauga, Ontario
08.2022 - Current
- Contribute to the bank's Independent 1st Line Testing of high-risk regulatory operational controls.
- Analyzed and interpreted risk data to evaluate controls tested in different business lines, providing opinions and reports on their design and effectiveness.
- Conduct comprehensive analysis of testing engagements to identify emerging risks and ensure alignment with new and existing regulations
- Identified trends, gaps, and opportunities for control improvements
- Created comprehensive reports for the business unit and stakeholders
- Developed test scripts for reperformance
- Collaborated on the creation and maintenance of documentation for the testing program, encompassing handbooks, schedules, test plans, reporting methods
- Offered hands-on instruction to enhance proficiency in navigating the developed SharePoint site and evidence repository
- Provided support for issues management in response to control gaps identified by business units.
Manager | Risk Advisory Services
SCOTIABANK
Mississauga, Ontario
02.2020 - 08.2022
- Contribute to ensure Risk Management programs have been established and maintained across the Retail & Business Service Centre (RBSC) units
- Interpret & simplify enterprise risk policies to determine what is required for the RBSC environment
- Reviewed and analyzed Operational Risk Event reports, tracking and monitoring execution of action plans
- Collaborated on internal and external testing engagements, working with cross-functional teams to ensure readiness and identify gaps
- Provided audit & issue management support to business units
- Created and delivered the monthly dashboard presentation to the Senior Vice President.
- Facilitated the adoption of risk management strategies through the implementation of huddles, communications, and training sessions with various business units.
- Utilized Canadian Banking's eRCM program to develop an internal RBSC Regulatory Risk library.
- Assisted with internal RBSC unit risk assessments.
Manager | RBSC Payments
SCOTIABANK
Mississauga, Ontario
11.2018 - 02.2020
- Led a team of 25+ Officers and 3 Assistant Managers who process and investigate day to day transactions for corporate & commercial clients
- Identified and implemented more than 14 operational efficiencies
- Increased productivity through cross training in preparation for the Universal Officer role with Business Banking Next Gen (BB NextGen)
- Contributed significantly to the strategic design and implementation of the payments pod for BB NextGen
- Successfully launched the Service Centre of Expertise, fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency
- Enhanced bank security through regular training sessions and team huddles, promoting compliance with internal controls
- Utilized strong communication skills to engage with diverse business areas and successfully accomplish objectives
- Fostered professional growth among team members, resulting in multiple advancements for my direct reports
- Utilized strong coaching and attentive listening skills to obtain highest employee morale rankings.
Manager | RBSC Payments Investigations & ForEx
SCOTIABANK
Mississauga, Ontario
06.2017 - 11.2018
- Managed a team of 12 Officers and 1 Senior Officer responsible for handling daily wire payment transactions, investigations, and foreign exchange for corporate & commercial clients
- Implemented a coaching culture in the unit, aiding Leadership team members in their coaching development and promoting best practices.
- Successfully facilitated personal growth opportunities for team members, resulting in 10 internal promotions.
- Contributed significantly to the implementation and release of the BSC NPS Pulse platform
- Crafted comprehensive guides and instructional materials to enhance understanding of Wire Payment fraud procedures.
- Successfully implemented and introduced the GPI wire tracking tool at RBSC.
- Developed a comprehensive guide for the Leadership team on how to utilize the NPS Pulse dispositioning system.
- Change agent with the division of the Wire Payments Team.
Various Leadership Roles
TD CANADA TRUST
01.2000 - 01.2017
- Management & Senior Management roles, Business Analyst, Fraud & Robbery Reporting Analyst, Executive Assistant for multiple VP / SVP, & Various Retail Banking roles
- Operational Excellence District Lead – Burlington / Oakville
- Implemented process improvements as the Retail Process Improvement Lead in the Western Ontario Region.
- Served as a successful Senior Manager and achieved the esteemed recognition of being named Regional Champions Club Winner.
- Recognized for exceptional performance as a Business Analyst, receiving the Spotlight Award
- Instrumental in the launch of 7 projects across Retail and Business Banking.
Skills
- Operational Risk Assessment
- Regulatory Compliance and Governance
- Visual Communication and Slide Creation
- Reporting and Communication
- Data Analysis
- Strategic Thinking
- Problem Solving
Professional Development
- IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate, Google | Coursera, Present
- Cyber Security for Everyone, University of Maryland | Coursera, 2024
- Six Sigma White & Yellow Belts, Management & Strategy Institute, 2020
- Intro to Business Analysis, Sheridan College, 2013
Accomplishments
- Global Operations Perform Certified - Scotiabank (2019, 2020 & 2022)
- Employee Engagement Designer - Scotiabank (2019 – 2021)
- Regional Champions Club - TD Canada Trust (2016)
- Operations Spotlight Recipient - TD Canada Trust (2014)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Manager | Global Testing
SCOTIABANK
08.2022 - Current
Manager | Risk Advisory Services
SCOTIABANK
02.2020 - 08.2022
Manager | RBSC Payments
SCOTIABANK
11.2018 - 02.2020
Manager | RBSC Payments Investigations & ForEx
SCOTIABANK
06.2017 - 11.2018
Various Leadership Roles
TD CANADA TRUST
01.2000 - 01.2017
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