Heritage Financial Credit Union
Chief Risk Officer (CRO)
Heritage Financial Credit Union, Model City, New York, United States
Come join Heritage Financial Credit Union’s Executive Team as the Chief Risk Officer!
We’re seeking a visionary leader to step into the role of Chief Risk Officer (CRO). This is a new and critical position that goes far beyond traditional risk management. This executive role oversees Finance, Information Technology, Strategic Business Operations, and Risk/Compliance, serving as a central force in driving sustainable growth, operational excellence, and member trust.
As CRO, you’ll join our Executive Team with the mandate to not only protect the organization but to help lead it forward, aligning enterprise strategy with sound financial stewardship, technology, efficient operations, and a strong culture of compliance.
If you’re a strategic, forward-thinker who thrives at the intersection of risk and innovation and ready to bring bold ideas, strong leadership, and a cross-functional mindset to a collaborative Executive Team, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact at our mission-driven financial institution.
Here’s a little about us: Heritage Financial Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution that is committed to helping our members achieve their financial goals and building a stronger community. We believe that everyone deserves access to affordable financial services, and we are dedicated to providing our members with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial dreams. Our vision is to be the leading financial institution in the communities we serve, and we are committed to creating a culture of excellence where our employees can thrive. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, and where we can all work together to achieve our goals. We recognize that our employees are our most important asset, and we are committed to providing them with the training, development, and opportunities they need to succeed. Our values are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in:
Integrity: We are honest and trustworthy in all of our dealings with our members, employees, and the community.
Excellence: We strive to provide our members with the best possible service.
Teamwork: We believe that we can achieve more together than we can alone.
Respect: We treat each other with dignity and respect.
Community: We are committed to giving back to the communities we serve.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the financial services industry with a company that is committed to its Mission, Vision and Values, we encourage you to apply and see below for details about the position. We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits package, company 401K match and generous Paid Time Off.
POSITION PURPOSE The Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and oversight across Finance, Risk & Regulatory Compliance, Information Technology, and Strategic Business Operations. The CRO ensures the institution maintains strong financial health, effectively manages enterprise-wide risks, and leverages data and technology to achieve strategic objectives. This role plays a critical part in safeguarding organizational stability, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence while driving innovation and member-focused growth.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES Enterprise Risk & Compliance
Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive enterprise risk management framework.
Oversee compliance with regulatory requirements, internal controls, and audit readiness.
Serve as the executive liaison with regulators, auditors, and the Board of Directors on matters of risk and compliance.
Establish and monitor risk appetite, risk metrics, and reporting to ensure informed decision-making.
Finance Oversight
Provide executive leadership of financial operations, including asset/liability management, capital adequacy, budgeting, and forecasting.
Ensure accuracy, transparency, and integrity of financial reporting.
Collaborate with the CEO, COO, and Board to develop financial strategies that support sustainable growth and member value.
Information Technology & Security
Oversee IT operations, systems administration, and cybersecurity.
Drive digital transformation initiatives aligned with organizational strategy.
Ensure data security, resilience, and business continuity planning.
Strategic Business Operations
Provide executive-level oversight for departments within Strategic Business Operations (Branch Operations, Business Intelligence, Project Management, and Core Systems Administration).
Ensure alignment of operational execution with strategic objectives and member experience goals.
Champion process optimization, operational efficiency, and cross-departmental collaboration.
Leadership & Governance
Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration across departments to drive alignment, ethical decision-making, and continuous improvement.
Develop and mentor senior leaders within Finance, Risk, IT, and Operations while creating clear career paths and succession plans in line with organizational needs.
Represent the organization externally with regulators, industry peers, and business partners.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
What’s in it for you? Salary: $190,000 – $225,000 per year (based on experience)
Benefits
Incentives and Merit Increases
Paid Time Off & Paid Federal Holidays
Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending Accounts/HSA
401(k) with Employer Match
Educational Assistance
Paid Time to Volunteer
Requirements EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION
Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree (MBA, MS) preferred. A combination of education and commensurate experience will be considered.
Minimum of 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in financial services, including direct oversight of risk, compliance, finance, or operations.
Professional certifications such as CPA, CFA, CIA, CISA, or CRCM preferred.
Demonstrated success leading IT governance, cybersecurity oversight, or digital transformation initiatives.
Exceptional strategic, analytical, and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
Proven experience managing diverse teams and building strong cross-functional alignment.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
Deep knowledge of enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance (NCUA, CFPB, FFIEC, BSA,AML), and financial reporting.
Experience using PC-based software including Microsoft Office and lending systems etc.
SKILLS/ABILITIES
Ability to balance risk mitigation with strategic growth initiatives.
Strong leadership presence with credibility across regulators, staff, and the Board.
Track record of driving operational excellence and financial performance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
As CRO, you’ll join our Executive Team with the mandate to not only protect the organization but to help lead it forward, aligning enterprise strategy with sound financial stewardship, technology, efficient operations, and a strong culture of compliance.
If you’re a strategic, forward-thinker who thrives at the intersection of risk and innovation and ready to bring bold ideas, strong leadership, and a cross-functional mindset to a collaborative Executive Team, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact at our mission-driven financial institution.
Here’s a little about us: Heritage Financial Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution that is committed to helping our members achieve their financial goals and building a stronger community. We believe that everyone deserves access to affordable financial services, and we are dedicated to providing our members with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial dreams. Our vision is to be the leading financial institution in the communities we serve, and we are committed to creating a culture of excellence where our employees can thrive. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, and where we can all work together to achieve our goals. We recognize that our employees are our most important asset, and we are committed to providing them with the training, development, and opportunities they need to succeed. Our values are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in:
Integrity: We are honest and trustworthy in all of our dealings with our members, employees, and the community.
Excellence: We strive to provide our members with the best possible service.
Teamwork: We believe that we can achieve more together than we can alone.
Respect: We treat each other with dignity and respect.
Community: We are committed to giving back to the communities we serve.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the financial services industry with a company that is committed to its Mission, Vision and Values, we encourage you to apply and see below for details about the position. We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits package, company 401K match and generous Paid Time Off.
POSITION PURPOSE The Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and oversight across Finance, Risk & Regulatory Compliance, Information Technology, and Strategic Business Operations. The CRO ensures the institution maintains strong financial health, effectively manages enterprise-wide risks, and leverages data and technology to achieve strategic objectives. This role plays a critical part in safeguarding organizational stability, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence while driving innovation and member-focused growth.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES Enterprise Risk & Compliance
Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive enterprise risk management framework.
Oversee compliance with regulatory requirements, internal controls, and audit readiness.
Serve as the executive liaison with regulators, auditors, and the Board of Directors on matters of risk and compliance.
Establish and monitor risk appetite, risk metrics, and reporting to ensure informed decision-making.
Finance Oversight
Provide executive leadership of financial operations, including asset/liability management, capital adequacy, budgeting, and forecasting.
Ensure accuracy, transparency, and integrity of financial reporting.
Collaborate with the CEO, COO, and Board to develop financial strategies that support sustainable growth and member value.
Information Technology & Security
Oversee IT operations, systems administration, and cybersecurity.
Drive digital transformation initiatives aligned with organizational strategy.
Ensure data security, resilience, and business continuity planning.
Strategic Business Operations
Provide executive-level oversight for departments within Strategic Business Operations (Branch Operations, Business Intelligence, Project Management, and Core Systems Administration).
Ensure alignment of operational execution with strategic objectives and member experience goals.
Champion process optimization, operational efficiency, and cross-departmental collaboration.
Leadership & Governance
Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration across departments to drive alignment, ethical decision-making, and continuous improvement.
Develop and mentor senior leaders within Finance, Risk, IT, and Operations while creating clear career paths and succession plans in line with organizational needs.
Represent the organization externally with regulators, industry peers, and business partners.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
What’s in it for you? Salary: $190,000 – $225,000 per year (based on experience)
Benefits
Incentives and Merit Increases
Paid Time Off & Paid Federal Holidays
Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending Accounts/HSA
401(k) with Employer Match
Educational Assistance
Paid Time to Volunteer
Requirements EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION
Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree (MBA, MS) preferred. A combination of education and commensurate experience will be considered.
Minimum of 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in financial services, including direct oversight of risk, compliance, finance, or operations.
Professional certifications such as CPA, CFA, CIA, CISA, or CRCM preferred.
Demonstrated success leading IT governance, cybersecurity oversight, or digital transformation initiatives.
Exceptional strategic, analytical, and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
Proven experience managing diverse teams and building strong cross-functional alignment.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
Deep knowledge of enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance (NCUA, CFPB, FFIEC, BSA,AML), and financial reporting.
Experience using PC-based software including Microsoft Office and lending systems etc.
SKILLS/ABILITIES
Ability to balance risk mitigation with strategic growth initiatives.
Strong leadership presence with credibility across regulators, staff, and the Board.
Track record of driving operational excellence and financial performance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr