Risk & Compliance Assistant

About Withersworldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

What we are looking for?

The Risk & Compliance Administrative Assistant will support our EU Head of Risk & Compliance, Senior Client and Matter Inception Manager, AML & Sanctions Manager, Money Laundering Reporting Officer ("MLRO"), and key stakeholders across the business including the wider Risk & Compliance team across the firm's European, APAC and US operations. 
The role is integral to the anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist and proliferation financing, and sanctions compliance aspects of the Risk & Compliance team's operations.  Key responsibilities involve processing, and registering Client Due Diligence information and checking the data populated via the New Business Intake and the Practice Management System which records details of the clients for whom we act and their respective matters.
The ideal candidate will be willing to go the extra mile, joining a team who are dedicated and committed to supporting the firm in its client-focussed work.  We are looking for a candidate who has a methodical and well organised approach to work and who is eager to take responsibility for their areas of work.  You will be an excellent communicator, inquisitive and enthusiastic and willing to work with lawyers and support staff at all levels and in differing jurisdictions.

Areas of focus and responsibilities:

• Supporting the high-volume business on matter inception, ensuring that due diligence checks are carried out in a timely manner.
• Communicating with stakeholders across the firm to ensure they understand their responsibilities for compliance with all AML/CTF and sanctions policies, controls and procedures.
• Responding to anti-money laundering due diligence queries.
• Check relevant parties through our online PEP/sanctions screening tool
• Undertaking research on Politically Exposed Persons ('PEP') and high-risk clients in order to create profile packs for management review.
• Liaising with the Client Relationship team where client identification documentation is outstanding, but work is in progress.
• Processing, checking and recording client due diligence documentation.
• Closing in progress matters where client identification documentation is outstanding, and the engagement is no longer proceeding.
• Maintenance of various Risk & Compliance records and registers.
• Creation and ongoing management/housekeeping of restricted groups and information barriers
• To process and check New Business Intake (‘NBI’) forms and make amendments to Elite 3e when required.
• Working with the finance team to deal with queries arising where payments are made, or are to be made, by third parties on a client's behalf.

Skills and attributes:

• We are looking to meet experienced compliance assistants who have proven experience within a law firm.
• A minimum of 1 year's experience working in an AML /CTF and sanctions compliance environment within the UK.  
• Working knowledge of the legal and regulatory obligations (Money Laundering Regulations, POCA, and the SRA Handbook).
• Experience of analysing data, including advanced excel skills.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Team player adaptable to fast-paced and changing environment
• Strong cross-cultural awareness, sensitivity and high level of confidentiality.

The essentials

• 9.30am to 5.30pm but flexibility will be needed during busy periods
• 12-week probation period
• 4 weeks' notice period
• Flexible benefit package 

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

It is the policy of Withersworldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.