Application Guide

How to Apply for Principal, Enterprise Trust & AI Governance

at Workiva

🏢 About Workiva

Workiva is a leader in integrated ESG reporting, helping organizations streamline climate impact and compliance. The company's commitment to transparency and innovation makes it an exciting place for those passionate about governance and sustainability.

About This Role

As Principal, Enterprise Trust & AI Governance, you will architect automated control frameworks and lead AI governance across the enterprise. This role is pivotal in moving from manual audits to continuous monitoring, directly impacting business velocity and trust.

💡 A Day in the Life

You'll start by reviewing automated control dashboards and addressing any anomalies. Then, you'll meet with enterprise technology leads to align on new AI governance policies. Afternoons involve designing technical hooks for real-time evidence collection and collaborating with compliance teams on continuous improvement.

🎯 Who Workiva Is Looking For

  • Senior technical leader with deep experience in IT governance, risk management, and compliance (ITGC, SOX).
  • Proven ability to design and implement automated control frameworks and real-time monitoring solutions.
  • Expertise in AI governance, including risk assessment, ethical alignment, and operationalizing frameworks for internal AI usage.
  • Strong collaborator who can partner with enterprise technology teams and influence without authority across global systems.

📝 Tips for Applying to Workiva

1

Highlight specific examples of architecting automated controls or compliance-by-design solutions in previous roles.

2

Demonstrate your experience with AI governance frameworks, including any work with third-party AI integrations.

3

Emphasize your ability to balance innovation with risk management, using concrete outcomes.

4

Tailor your resume to show familiarity with ESG reporting and Workiva's platform, even if indirectly.

5

Include metrics or results from past implementations, such as reduced audit time or improved risk visibility.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your vision for moving from manual, reactive audits to continuous automated monitoring.', "Specific experience with AI governance and how you've operationalized frameworks without stifling innovation.", "Alignment with Workiva's mission of transparency and compliance, especially in ESG context.", 'Your technical leadership in architecting guardrails across global systems.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Understand Workiva's ESG reporting platform and how it integrates with enterprise systems.
  • Read about Workiva's approach to AI and any public statements or frameworks they've released.
  • Research the company's recent news, especially around trust, governance, or sustainability initiatives.
  • Familiarize yourself with the concept of 'compliance by design' and examples in cloud-based environments.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you designed an automated control framework. What were the key challenges and outcomes?
2 How would you develop an AI governance framework that balances risk and innovation?
3 How do you approach partnering with internal enterprise technology teams to implement compliance-by-design?
4 What experience do you have with ITGCs and transitioning them to centralized continuous monitoring?
5 How would you measure success in this role, especially in terms of business velocity and risk reduction?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being too focused on manual audit processes rather than automation and continuous monitoring.
  • Not showing a clear understanding of AI risks specific to enterprise operations and third-party integrations.
  • Failing to demonstrate how you've influenced technical teams without direct authority.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Workiva!