Simran Talreja

Operational Risk and Internal Controls professional with experience in banking sector, specializing in Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSA), data analytics, and control testing. Proven ability to identify risk trends, analyse operational risk events, and implement effective control frameworks. Strong background in audit, compliance, and process improvement, with a focus on regulatory adherence and operational excellence.

Senior Officer Internal Controls - United Bank Limited - Head Office, Karachi

(2021-07 - 2025-10)

Internal Control Department

• Developed and maintained 50+ management information reports and dashboards on OAS to support audit, control monitoring, and daily business data requirements, enabling timely identification of exceptions, anomalies, and potential fraud indicators.
• Performed First Line of Defence (1LoD) operational risk activities, including Risk & Control Self-Assessments (RCSA), Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), and Operational Risk Event (ORE) tracking, providing assurance over the effectiveness of internal controls across business units.
• Analysed risk trends, incidents, and control exceptions to identify root causes, assess control weaknesses, and recommend remediation actions to strengthen the control environment.
• Monitored and maintained the departmental risk profile by tracking issues raised through internal reviews, compliance checks, and audit findings, ensuring timely closure of agreed action plans.
• Conducted data analysis using internal systems and IT frameworks during review periods to identify discrepancies, process gaps, and control failures, coordinating corrective actions with BMU Campaign Module, field teams, and ICD Unit Heads.
• Designed and implemented an automated surveillance report to detect non-transactional access to customer accounts, enhancing audit monitoring over unauthorised access, insider misuse, and data privacy risks.

Audit Intern - A. F. Ferguson & Co. (A Member Firm of PwC Network)

(2020-01 - 2021-03)

In the Assurance and Business Advisory Services (ABAS) Group of the firm, I was involved in a number of projects that provided me an insight into the different business functions, the financial and operational controls.

• Conducted Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) testing for HR and payroll processes.
• Performed credit risk reviews of banking portfolios in compliance with IFRS standards.
• Supported audit engagements by evaluating financial and operational controls across multiple branches.

BS Accounting And Finance - Accounting And Finance - Sukkur IBA University (2016-08 - 2020-08)

ACCA - ACCA