Alison Block, Operational Risk Manager

Alison Block

Operational Risk Manager

Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group

Location
Canada - Vancouver
Education
High school or equivalent, Arabic Language Studies
Experience
23 years, 10 Months

Share My Profile

Block User


Work Experience

Total years of experience :23 years, 10 Months

Operational Risk Manager at Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group
  • Canada - Vancouver
  • August 2011 to June 2022

Operational Risk Manager, Jan 2021 - Jun 2022
Senior Operational Risk Analyst, Jan 2016 - Dec 2020
Operational Risk Analyst, Aug 2011- Dec 2015

• Created and implemented a significant portion of the operational risk programs and processes.
• Created and implemented the data capture method to identify operational risks and controls across the company.
• Conducted end-to-end assessments of operational processes across the company and identified process/control deficiencies, recommended improvements, and monitored the implementation of action plans.
• Designed the risk and control self-assessment (RCSA) capture tool, and developed all reporting and accountability mechanisms.
• Built relationships across multi-company and team structures to understand complex business needs and achieve buy-in for operational improvement recommendations.
• Developed training tools and materials to guide company through operational risk program requirements.
• Investigated and piloted the use of a vendor application used to automate team and program communications resulting in significant time savings.
• Initiated the company's first use of an internal file retention and external file-sharing program with external stakeholder to automate communications and streamline document gathering.
• Administered various external audits and internal reviews.
• Trained and mentored team members for individual roles, responsibilities, and deliverables.
• Member of Operations Risk Group Strategic Planning Committee.

Operational Risk Manager at Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group
  • Canada
  • August 2011 to June 2022
Senior Accountant at Rainmaker Entertainment Inc.
  • Canada - Vancouver
  • July 2007 to July 2011

Senior Accountant, Aug 2010 - Jul 2011
Project Accountant, Jul 2007 - Jul 2010

• Repaired the budget/actual financial model following the acquisition of another animation company.
• Took over project accounting to integrate two financial systems.
• Set up the Fixed Assets subledger, transferred all assets from Excel to MS Dynamics, and automated monthly depreciation schedules.
• Initiated the streamlining of accounting office processes to improve systems use and reporting capabilities.
• Key player in reducing the size of the finance department while increasing output and accuracy.
• Maintained existing systems and developed reporting models.

Finance Consultant / Business Analyst at University of British Columbia.
  • Canada - Vancouver
  • March 1998 to December 2006

Finance Consultant / Business Analyst, 2006
Finance Manager / Budget Analyst, 2000-2004
Soil Science Administrator 1998-1999

• Streamlined reporting and documenting needs for the faculty's operating, research, endowment, and trust accounts totaling more than $13 million.
• Researched, analyzed, and prepared financial and operational report of the UBC Botanical Garden.
• Advised the Dean, faculty, and researchers on financial, budgetary, and regulatory matters.
• Trained, managed, and mentored finance office staff.

Director of Operations at Prison Fellowship Canada
  • Canada - Toronto
  • May 2005 to August 2006

Director of Operations, Apr 2006 - Aug 2006
Director, Angel Tree Program, May 2005 - Mar 2006
• Accomplished a 70% growth in Christmas program participation in first year through new partnerships with prisons across the country while continuing to help bolster the volunteer base.
• Grew summer camping program by more than 50% from previous year with more participants, sponsors, and volunteers.
• Promoted to Director of Operations to establish stronger office and operational protocol.

Education

High school or equivalent, Arabic Language Studies
  • at Damascus University
  • March 2007

The Arabic Language Teaching Department of at the Higher Language Institute offers intensive Arabic language courses at eight levels, each with the duration of one month. I completed two months, there was no certificate for the successful completion of any level.

Bachelor's degree, Bachelor of Journalism, Broadcast
  • at Ryerson University
  • April 2005

Professional writing and storytelling techniques for text, audio, visual, virtual and social media formats with intensive real-world reporting experience in the country’s most vibrant and diverse city. Graduate with multimedia production skills using leading-edge editing suites, latest media technologies and digital-first newsrooms.

Bachelor's degree, Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics
  • at The University Of British Columbia
  • April 1996

Majored in Mathematics, Minored in Classical Studies

Specialties & Skills

Root Cause Analysis
Issue Identification
Risk Assessment
Risk Monitoring
Risk Control
Accountability
Operational Risk
Strategic Planning
Leadership
Critical Thinking
Written Communication
Verbal Communication
Research & Analytical Skills
Active Listening
Self-directed
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Utilizing Emerging Software and Applications
Program Design & Development
Program Training & Delivery
Team Development
MS Excel and Smartsheet
MS Word and PowerPoint

Languages

English
Native Speaker

Training and Certifications

Certified Internal Auditor (Certificate)
Date Attended:
May 2013
Claritas Investment Certificate (Certificate)
Date Attended:
December 2014

Hobbies

  • Choirs
    I've been singing in choirs since I was three years old and have had the opportunity to perform for large audiences in Canada and accompany choirs in Europe.
  • Motorcycling
    I've toured through British Columbia, Canada, Washington, USA, and Laos by motorbike. Hoping to explore more places!!
  • Volunteering
    I have volunteered since 1998 with various non-profit organizations serving vulnerable communities in Vancouver and Toronto, Canada.