Risk Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM.

Role Overview

The Technology Risk Advisory - AI Risk Senior Associate will play a key role in helping clients strengthen their technology, AI, and cybersecurity risk capabilities. You’ll support the design, assessment, and governance of AI and GenAI systems, evaluate cloud and data controls, and contribute to emerging risk frameworks that keep pace with rapid innovation.

This role blends hands‑on technical exposure with structured risk thinking—ideal for someone who can navigate both model development concepts and regulatory expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• AI/ML Risk Assessments — Support and execute risk and compliance assessments for AI/ML and GenAI systems, including model lifecycle controls, data governance, and responsible AI considerations.
• Technology & Cloud Compliance — Evaluate IT, cloud, and data environment controls (IAM, encryption, logging, monitoring, network segmentation).
• Model Governance Support — Contribute to model documentation, testing artifacts, lineage tracking, and change management for AI systems.
• Emerging Technology Risk — Support assessments related to GenAI, automation, cloud-native architectures, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Software & Data Engineering Fundamentals — Apply understanding of APIs, data pipelines, testing, and version control to evaluate technical risk.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration — Work with engineering, data science, cybersecurity, model risk, and audit teams across the 1st and 2nd lines of defense.
• Client Delivery — Support workplans, manage assigned tasks, gather requirements, and contribute to high‑quality client deliverables.
• Risk Translation — Translate technical design elements (data flows, model behavior, system architecture) into clear risk considerations.
• Communication & Reporting — Prepare documentation, assessment outputs, and stakeholder‑ready reporting that simplifies complex AI and technology concepts.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, Risk, or related field.
• 2–5 years supporting delivery of technology solutions, with exposure to AI/ML or GenAI and experience in risk, compliance, audit, or regulated environments.
• Working knowledge of modern ML/GenAI stacks (Python, model development frameworks, embeddings, RAG concepts).
• Hands‑on contribution to model development, evaluation, or implementation.
• Experience assessing or implementing AI systems on cloud platforms (IAM, encryption, data governance, environment controls).
• Solid understanding of software engineering fundamentals: APIs, data pipelines, testing, version control, CI/CD exposure.
• Ability to translate technical design into risk and control implications with guidance.
• Experience supporting AI governance and model risk documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to structure ambiguous problems.
• Consulting fundamentals: requirement gathering, task management, coordination across teams.
• Effective communicator able to translate technical concepts into clear business and risk language.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as AAIA, AAISM, AIGP, CISA, CISSP, CCSP, CRISC, or AI‑focused credentials.
• Experience with AI risk frameworks, responsible AI principles, or cloud compliance programs.

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership. RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at careers@rsmus.com.

RSM does not intend to hire entry level candidates who will require sponsorship now OR in the future (i.e. F-1 visa holders). If you are a recent U.S. college / university graduate possessing 1-2 years of progressive and relevant work experience in a same or similar role to the one for which you are applying, excluding internships, you may be eligible for hire as an experienced associate.

RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California, please click here for additional information.

At RSM, an employee’s pay at any point in their career is intended to reflect their experiences, performance, and skills for their current role. The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, location, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Compensation Range: $77,700 - $146,900

Individuals selected for this role will be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on firm and individual performance.