Robert Gardner
Atlanta
Summary
Strategic and solutions-driven Compliance & Risk professional with 10+ years of experience strengthening control environments, executing complex compliance testing, and supporting regulatory readiness across banks, fintechs, and advisory firms. Recognized for delivering measurable improvements in testing accuracy, audit efficiency, and operational governance. Adept at partnering across all three lines of defense to identify risks, streamline processes, and drive remediation with clarity and precision. Trusted for integrity, analytical depth, and the ability to translate regulatory expectations into actionable, business-aligned solutions.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Regulatory Compliance Risk Senior Associate
GRANT THORNTON LLP
Atlanta
04.2024 - Current
- Strengthened compliance testing accuracy by 20% by identifying gaps in prior workpaper processes and implementing streamlined review steps.
- Delivered targeted remediation recommendations by analyzing control gaps and operational inefficiencies across high-risk business lines.
- Developed standardized operational playbooks embedding internal controls, governance practices, and compliance procedures across multiple client teams.
- Acted as a strategic liaison with client stakeholders, gathering critical data to support compliance assessments, operational governance reviews, and risk management initiatives.
- Executed end-to-end control testing, performance testing, and compliance monitoring across high-risk business lines, ensuring alignment with CFPB, FDIC, FRB, OCC, and NCUA expectations.
- Conducted advanced process analysis to identify control gaps and operational inefficiencies, delivering targeted remediation recommendations to senior leadership.
- Performed utilization and risk analysis across multiple business segments, providing insights that informed resource planning and operational decisions.
- Supported engagement planning, including scoping, risk assessment, testing design, and reporting deliverables.
- Researched emerging regulatory requirements and marketplace trends to support client advisory work and internal thought leadership.
- Contributed to a cross-functional regulatory monitoring committee, synthesizing regulatory developments for senior leadership.
- Maintained active communication with clients to manage expectations and strengthen trusted-advisor relationships.
Enterprise Risk & Compliance Testing Lead
DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES
Atlanta
06.2022 - 03.2024
- Assessed first-line business processes and controls for adherence to federal and state regulatory requirements.
- Applied strong knowledge of ILOD and 2LOD frameworks to identify key risks and evaluate control effectiveness.
- Managed activities of Compliance Testing staff and ensured quality of work products.
- Created and maintained testing workpapers, findings, and supporting documentation.
- Collaborated with management and risk partners across the First Line of Defense.
- Evaluated transactions and business processes to identify gaps, issues, and regulatory risks.
- Monitored and validated corrective actions to ensure timely remediation.
- Supported enterprise-wide compliance program development and culture of compliance.
- Conducted targeted reviews of high-risk credit card account activity to identify control weaknesses, streamline remediation steps, and strengthen audit preparedness.
Enterprise Risk & Compliance Testing Senior
USAA
Atlanta
02.2019 - 05.2022
- Led independent testing reviews for corporate and banking operations under the Enterprise Testing methodology.
- Conducted walkthroughs with business partners to document key processes, risks, and controls.
- Managed Testing Analyst teams to execute annual testing plans and targeted reviews.
- Evaluated the adequacy of policies, procedures, and internal controls, providing credible challenge.
- Compiled reports highlighting risk impacts and recommended solutions.
- Built strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure clear communication and timely issue resolution.
- Streamlined audit procedures by refining testing steps and documentation workflows, contributing to a 15% reduction in review timelines.
Senior Compliance Consultant – Community Banking Risk Management
WELLS FARGO BANK
Charlotte
02.2017 - 12.2018
- Executed complex compliance and operational risk reviews, including scoping, sampling, control evaluation, and transactional testing.
- Identified control gaps and procedural inconsistencies during complex compliance reviews, strengthening issue detection and improving the accuracy of risk assessments.
- Conducted stakeholder updates to present issues and ensure transparent communication.
- Reviewed administrative procedures for compliance with legal requirements.
- Coordinated with management to validate issues and determine corrective actions.
Senior Internal Auditor
MOVEMENT MORTGAGE
Charlotte
11.2014 - 02.2017
- Performed operational and compliance audits across all business units.
- Developed audit plans, executed test work, created workpapers, and identified issues.
- Prepared detailed audit summaries with recommendations for improvement.
- Served as audit lead on assigned projects.
Risk Management Audit Consultant (Contractor)
NAVIGANT CONSULTING
Charlotte
11.2012 - 11.2014
- Conducted compliance and operational audits, including control testing and monitoring.
- Reviewed and responded to consumer complaints submitted to regulatory agencies (OCC, CFPB).
- Supported banks and mortgage companies in resolving regulatory issues and strengthening compliance controls.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration – Finance
Benedict College
Columbia, SCSkills
- Compliance Monitoring
- Consumer Protection Regulations
- Corrective Action Validation
- Data Analysis & Sampling
- Documentation & Reporting
- Governance & Process Improvement
- Internal Audit & Control Testing
- Issue Identification & Remediation
- Issue Management
- Operational Risk Assessments
- Project Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Risk Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Testing Methodologies
- Archer
- MetricStream
- Microsoft Office Suite
- NetOxygen
- ORION
- ServiceNow
- Teams
- Webex
Timeline
Regulatory Compliance Risk Senior Associate
GRANT THORNTON LLP
04.2024 - Current
Enterprise Risk & Compliance Testing Lead
DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES
06.2022 - 03.2024
Enterprise Risk & Compliance Testing Senior
USAA
02.2019 - 05.2022
Senior Compliance Consultant – Community Banking Risk Management
WELLS FARGO BANK
02.2017 - 12.2018
Senior Internal Auditor
MOVEMENT MORTGAGE
11.2014 - 02.2017
Risk Management Audit Consultant (Contractor)
NAVIGANT CONSULTING
11.2012 - 11.2014
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration – Finance
Benedict College