Risk and Compliance Officer - AML - (12m FTC)

Job title: Risk & Compliance Officer (AML) (12 month FTC)

Reports to: AML & Sanctions Manager

Location:  London

What are we looking for?

The Risk & Compliance Officer will support our Senior Client and Matter Inception Manager, AML & Sanctions Manager, and Money Laundering Reporting Officer ("MLRO"), as well as 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.  The role will primarily be focussed on dealing with anti-money laundering, and sanctions aspects of the work within the team, but will also play supporting role in an ongoing project to overhaul the firm's new business intake and ongoing monitoring processes. 

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

• 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.
• Maintenance of various Risk & Compliance records and registers, including adding companies to the firm’s stop list to avoid the risk of falling foul of insider trading legislation.
• 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.
• When business needs require, assisting the Risk and Compliance Assistant with Processing, checking and recording client due diligence documentation.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this job, and as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

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.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, i.e. clear, firm and diplomatic.
• Strong commercial aptitude with a modern, pro-active approach.
• Ability to effectively manage workload.
• Ability to handle queries efficiently with diplomacy and tact.
• Proven initiative and independent thought.
• Highly PC literate particularly with good Excel and database management experience.
• Excellent attention to detail together with a methodical and organised approach.
• Able to influence and build strong working relationships with internal clients and colleagues in a collaborative and supportive manner.
• The energy and enthusiasm to move projects forward.
• A hands-on approach to problem solving.

The essentials

• 12 month fixed term contract
• 9.30 am to 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• Hybrid working policy with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.
• 12 week probation period.
• 4 week notice period.
• Flexible benefit package including pension, private medical insurance, denplan, season ticket loan, discounted gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme, the ability to buy and sell holidays, flu jabs, doctors consultation service, cycle to work scheme, on site café and more.

About Withers

Withers has been acting for successful individuals, families and institutions for over 125 years. We advise clients on the full range of their business, personal and philanthropic legal needs, both at home and abroad. With offices in the key financial centres of Europe, Asia-Pacific, the United States and the Caribbean, we provide coverage and services that other law firms focussed on the needs of the individual cannot.  We have represented 75% of the Top 100 in The Sunday Times Rich List, 25% of the Forbes 400 List, 35% of the Hong Kong Forbes Rich List, and 35% of Forbes Asia's Richest Families list. In 2018 Withers became one of the first law firms to adopt fully agile working practices with people splitting their time between their home and the office. 

Information for recruitment agencies

Withers endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withers 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 Withers 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 ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.