Compliance Assistant

Owen Reed is looking to recruit a motivated Compliance Assistant to join a top law firm in London. This is a fantastic and rare opportunity to join our friendly, well-respected Compliance team. The department currently consists of the Head of Risk & Compliance, Risk & Compliance Manager, Compliance Officer, Compliance Assistant and Debt Recovery Solicitor.

As the Risk & Compliance department grows, our aim is to recruit astute, motivated and enthusiastic individuals to represent the company. We offer exceptional training and career development and the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business.

As a Compliance Assistant, your role is to work with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), General
Counsel, Head of Risk & Compliance, Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Money Laundering Reporting Officer, Risk & Compliance Manager, Compliance Officer, another Compliance Assistant and other partners and fee earners around the firm to assist with KYC and to ensure that the firm complies with regulations relating to money laundering, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Terrorism Act 2000 and related legislation.

In addition, the Compliance Assistant will be responsible for checking new client/matter requests for money laundering, credit worthiness and other client verification and acceptance procedures that the firm operates. You will also assist the Risk & Compliance Manager and Head of Risk & Compliance with other compliance and regulatory issues as required.

• Opening new client matters on the firm’s systems;
• Carrying out KYC with the addition of risk analysis relating to each client, ensuring all new clients are appropriately vetted and checks carried out in line with the firm's compliance requirements;

• Reopening matters on the firm’s system;
• Dealing with queries from finance, partners, fee earners and other staff relating to money laundering checks;
• Keeping accurate and up-to-date records of all contact with partners/fee earners and ensuring there is a full audit trail;
• Maintaining the team’s new clients and new matters record;
• Assisting with data cleansing projects;
• Assisting with updating KYC for long-standing clients of the firm;
• Supporting the Risk & Compliance Manager and Compliance Officer on day-to-day tasks and projects (both new and ongoing);
• Maintaining excellent knowledge of client checking and money laundering procedures and the relevant regulation;
• Assisting with annual high risk client reviews;
• Assisting with the firm’s annual internal audit;
• Assisting the COO, General Counsel, Risk & Compliance Manager and Head of Risk & Compliance with the development of the firm's AML processes and procedures;
• Dealing with general internal and external client queries; and
• Administrative duties such as maintaining training records and filing, ensuring that all filing is accurate and up to date at all times.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Our ideal candidate will possess most of the following attributes:

• Good academics, including a minimum 2.1 at degree level, with strong GCSE and level results (or equivalent) in Maths and English;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• At least 2 years experience of working within a law firm in a busy AML role;
• Good knowledge of AML requirements for non-UK based clients, both European and worldwide;
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages, working knowledge of an accounts package (e.g. CMS Aderant Expert) would also be advantageous;
• High level of numeracy (as indicated by strong academics in mathematics);
• A calm and unflappable nature, with the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines;
• A professional, willing and proactive approach, with a keen attention to detail; and
• The ability to work with limited supervision, with good time-management skills.

You will be a confident communicator with a positive work ethic and the ability to build credible relationships with clients both internal and external. We are looking for an individual who presents themselves with professionalism and polish, who will inspire the confidence of clients and colleagues