Risk & Compliance Assistant

at  Withersworldwide

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.

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.

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.