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Operations Risk Specialist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Principal Risk Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

$99K/yr

Principal Risk Specialist Principal Risk Specialists at Capital One are highly motivated risk ... Own the operational oversight adhering to appropriate policies/standards and provide risk ...

Principal Risk Specialist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$97K/yr

Principal Risk Specialist Principal Risk Specialists at Capital One are highly motivated risk ... Own the operational oversight adhering to appropriate policies/standards and provide risk ...

Principal Risk Specialist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$97K/yr

Principal Risk Specialist Principal Risk Specialists at Capital One are highly motivated risk ... Own the operational oversight adhering to appropriate policies/standards and provide risk ...

Principal Risk Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

$101K/yr

Principal Risk Specialist Principal Risk Specialists at Capital One are highly motivated risk ... Own the operational oversight adhering to appropriate policies/standards and provide risk ...

Lead Risk Specialist Are you ready to lead from the front line of a top 10 bank? Do you thrive in a ... Audit-Ready Operations: Foster a culture of proactive risk awareness, helping manage horizontal ...

Lead Risk Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

$99K/yr

Lead Risk Specialist Are you ready to lead from the front line of a top 10 bank? Do you thrive in a ... Audit-Ready Operations: Foster a culture of proactive risk awareness, helping manage horizontal ...

Lead Risk Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

$99K/yr

Lead Risk Specialist Are you ready to lead from the front line of a top 10 bank? Do you thrive in a ... Audit-Ready Operations: Foster a culture of proactive risk awareness, helping manage horizontal ...

Lead Risk Specialist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$97K/yr

Lead Risk Specialist Are you ready to lead from the front line of a top 10 bank? Do you thrive in a ... Audit-Ready Operations: Foster a culture of proactive risk awareness, helping manage horizontal ...

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Operations Risk Specialist information

What does an operations risk specialist do?

An Operations Risk Specialist is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks within an organization's operational processes. They analyze workflows, review compliance with regulations, and develop strategies to minimize losses due to errors, fraud, or system failures. Their work often involves monitoring risk controls, preparing reports for management, and ensuring the company adheres to industry standards and best practices. By proactively managing operational risks, they help protect the organization's assets and reputation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations risk specialist?

To thrive as an Operations Risk Specialist, you need strong analytical skills, risk management expertise, and a relevant degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with risk assessment software, regulatory compliance systems, and certifications such as FRM (Financial Risk Manager) or ORM (Operational Risk Management) are often required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills for success in this role. These skills enable professionals to identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks, ensuring organizational resilience and regulatory compliance.

What are some typical challenges operations risk specialists face when implementing risk controls across departments?

Operations Risk Specialists often encounter challenges such as resistance to change from staff, differing risk appetites among departments, and difficulties in standardizing procedures across diverse business units. Effective communication and collaboration are key, as the role requires educating teams on risk management best practices while ensuring compliance with organizational policies. Navigating these challenges helps drive a culture of risk awareness and continuous improvement throughout the company.

What is the difference between Operations Risk Specialist vs Compliance Analyst?

AspectOperations Risk SpecialistCompliance Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, certifications like FRM or CRM often preferredBachelor's degree, certifications like CCEP or CAMS common
Work EnvironmentFinancial institutions, banks, or corporations focusing on risk managementRegulatory agencies, financial firms, or corporations ensuring compliance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in banking, finance, and insurance sectorsCommon in banking, finance, and corporate compliance departments
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for risk management roles within operationsCompared for regulatory and compliance roles in finance

The Operations Risk Specialist focuses on identifying and mitigating operational risks within organizations, especially in financial sectors. In contrast, a Compliance Analyst ensures adherence to laws and regulations. While both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, their core responsibilities differ—risk management versus regulatory compliance.

How much does an Operations Risk Specialist earn?

An Operations Risk Specialist typically earns between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized certifications may earn higher salaries, and the job often requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of risk management tools.

Is operations risk specialist a good entry level job?

An operations risk specialist role can be suitable for entry-level candidates with strong analytical skills and attention to detail. It often requires understanding risk management principles and may involve using tools like Excel or risk assessment software. However, some positions may prefer candidates with relevant internships or certifications, making it important to review specific job requirements.
Infographic showing various Operations Risk Specialist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Principal Risk Specialist - Operational Risk Challenge & Advisory

Mclean, VA • On-site

Capital One
Funds, Trusts and Financial Programs • 10K+ employees

$99K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide 2nd line effective challenge and advice to the 1st line on risk assessment processes.

  • Document and communicate the results of challenge activities and perform data analysis to identify risks and develop remediation plans.

  • Collaborate with various risk management functions and serve as a subject matter expert in operational risk assessment.


Capital One rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 148 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Principal Risk Specialist - Operational Risk Challenge & Advisory

As a Principal Risk Specialist at Capital One you'll be responsible for working with business partners to identify and mitigate potential risks to Capital One. You will be the front line of defense to ensure our Company remains stable and profitable.

Principal Risk Specialists in Operational Risk Challenge & Advisory (ORCA) are highly motivated 2nd line Risk Management professionals with excellent organizational and communication skills. They have a high level of exposure across lines of business and have the opportunity to create and implement innovative solutions to identify and mitigate potential risks to the Company.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide 2nd line effective challenge and advice to the 1st line on their execution of various risk assessment processes, including Risk and Control Self Assessments (RCSA), Process Level Assessments (PLA), Product Risk Assessment (PRA), Launch initiatives and others

  • Ensure results of effective challenge activities are properly documented and communicated, and perform detailed data analysis to identify risks, problem areas, and development/completion of remediation plans

  • Serve as subject matter expert to Business Risk Office (BRO) and Independent Risk Management (IRM) functions in the assessment of operational risk

  • Collaborate effectively across multiple organizations such as Operational Risk Management, Risk Oversight Programs, Enterprise Risk Management, Business Risk Offices, Internal Audit etc. to achieve objectives

  • Build relationships and become a trusted advisor to the first line Business Risk Offices

  • Actively participates in team oriented efforts in Operational Risk Challenge and Advisory (ORCA)

  • Be proficient in Enterprise Risk Management's Risk and Control Standards

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree or military experience

  • At least 2 years of experience in Risk Management, Audit, Finance, or Accounting

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree

  • 3+ years of experience in Risk Management, Audit, Finance, or Accounting

  • 1+ years of experience in Process Management

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Project Management Professional (PMP)

  • Advanced skills in Google Sheets and Google Docs

  • Advanced skills in data analysis and data visualization tools (Tableau)

At this time, Capital One will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount Capital One is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.

McLean, VA: $120,800 - $137,900 for Principal Risk Specialist


Richmond, VA: $109,900 - $125,400 for Principal Risk Specialist










Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate's offer letter.

This role is also eligible to earn performance based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and/or long term incentives (LTI). Incentives could be discretionary or non discretionary depending on the plan.

Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total well-being. Learn more at theCapital One Careers website. Eligibility varies based on full or part-time status, exempt or non-exempt status, and management level.

This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days.No agencies please. Capital One is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/vet) committed to non-discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Capital One promotes a drug-free workplace. Capital One will consider for employment qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries, including, to the extent applicable, Article 23-A of the New York Correction Law; San Francisco, California Police Code Article 49, Sections 4901-4920; New York City's Fair Chance Act; Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Records Screening Act; and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding criminal background inquiries.

If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Capital One Recruiting at 1-800-304-9102 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@capitalone.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

For technical support or questions about Capital One's recruiting process, please send an email to Careers@capitalone.com

Capital One does not provide, endorse nor guarantee and is not liable for third-party products, services, educational tools or other information available through this site.

Capital One Financial is made up of several different entities. Please note that any position posted in Canada is for Capital One Canada, any position posted in the United Kingdom is for Capital One Europe and any position posted in the Philippines is for Capital One Philippines Service Corp. (COPSSC).


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