Business & Systems Analyst - Enterprise Risk Management

About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit www.ashurst.com.

Department/Role overview

This role will be supporting the maturity of the firms objectives relating to Enterprise Risk Management. The role will work extremely closely and in support of the Head of ERM and the ERM Manager to achieve our exciting and ambitious plans for ERM.

This role is responsible for providing support to the effective implementation and maintenance of Ashurst's Enterprise Risk Management Framework and our Risk Management Information System (Camms.Risk). The role requires the ability to translate Risk Management knowledge in to positive action and ongoing demonstration of the value of effective Risk Management.

The role is set in the context of a global international firm, with the aim to gain maturity in Risk Management globally. A maturity which will serve to:

(1) strengthen key activities of the Risk & Compliance Framework, and

(2) support the design and delivery of key strategic projects with reference to risk appetite.

The Risk & Compliance function is very commercially minded and focuses on adding value to the business as well as our clients. Creativity and a 'thinking outside the box' approach is crucial.

The successful candidate will form part of a growing ERM team, and will work collaboratively across our firms divisions, practice areas and business functions to ensure continued delivery of strategic objectives. The successful candidate will be expected to support and facilitate the design of policies, controls and processes, ensuring they are aligned to this focus.

Main responsibilities

Business as usual & specialist knowledge

Risk Management Information System (Camms.Risk)

• Be the lead technical subject matter expert and point of contact for Camms.Risk system under the guidance and support of the ERM Manager.
• Develop a deep understanding of the system to enable the most effective use of its full suite of capabilities.
• Ensure risk data within the system is managed, reviewed and responded to effectively by key stakeholders throughout the firm (e.g., owners of risks, controls and actions).

Enterprise Risk Management Framework ('ERMF') including policies, procedures and processes

• Support the maintenance and rollout of the Ashurst ERMF in collaboration with the ERM team and broader firm.
• Actively promote the ERM strategy and approach to mitigate financial, operational, strategic and compliance risks to an acceptable level.
• Provide support to the ongoing risk identification, assessment and reporting. Challenge and seek to improve the level of detail and accuracy of all risk information.
• Support the Risk Management Reporting process across the firm.
• Support the maintenance and ongoing monitoring of the Key Risk Indicators (KRIs).

Risk Culture uplift

• Support activities to raise awareness about risk; actively seek opportunities to embed an improved Risk Culture across the firm.

Project work and cross-functional workstreams:

• Risk Uplift Project: play a supporting role in the project designed to increase the risk maturity at Ashurst and work collaboratively with the project team including:
• ERMF and Process Overview: play a key role in ensuring all ERM activity across the organisation meets best practice standards.
• Risk Appetite uplift and ongoing review: work collaboratively and with the ERM team to refine Risk Management plans to drive and embed a risk culture across people, processes and technology.
• Improve risk identification, assessment and reporting: assist the relevant teams in new initiatives as required.
• Operational Risk Management: provide support to ERM Team to ensure operational risks are recorded, managed and responded to appropriately across all internal processes, systems, people and events.

Training and raising awareness:

• Support the ERM Team with regular and consistent engagement across the firm.
• Actively support the ERM Team in the development of professional peer group activities.
• Manage priorities and meeting deadlines as well as provide clear direction to achieve outcomes.

Risk and control:

• Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Essential skills and experience

• 3 years or more experience and expertise in Enterprise Risk Management or related disciplines.
• Proven and demonstrable organisation, time keeping and project management skills that support delivery of critical priorities.
• Experience with Governance, Compliance and Risk ('GRC') Systems.
• Consulting or inhouse experience considered.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement at a both middle and senior level and across countries.
• Proficient writing skills, ability to put complex points across in a clear, concise and articulate way showing sound business acumen (including the opportunities created by effective Risk Management) to the partnership, senior management or clients of the firm.
• Outstanding communication skills.

Desired skills and experience

• Undergraduate degree aligned to either Enterprise Risk Management or Legal Services disciplines (e.g. Risk Management, Business, Economics or Law).
• Understanding of the partnership model and the challenges faced by today's legal industry including any acquisition of new business partners or new market penetration.
• Discreet and professional in handling sensitive, confidential situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to liaise effectively at all levels across the firm and offices.
• Commitment to supporting the team as a global function and ability to strengthen those connections thorough daily interactions.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and able to work well under pressure.
• Ability to work efficiently, prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Flexible and able to adapt quickly and positively to new situations.
• Tertiary risk qualification or equivalent.
• Experienced at stakeholder management and a track record in uplifting ERM capability.
• Expertise in Risk Management Frameworks and sound technical knowledge.
• Strong team player, who works collaboratively to meet goals and objectives.

Background checks

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.