Senior Compliance Associate

We are partnering with a Kent based consumer lender, supporting them with the search for a Senior Compliance Associate to join their expanding risk and compliance function.

Reporting to the Head of Compliance and Operational Risk, the focus of this role is to oversee the embedding and ongoing development of the compliance risk management framework and supporting processes within the first line of defence, with a particular focus on regulatory risk and assurance and providing an appropriate balance of support, guidance, and challenge to achieve regulatory compliance and good customer outcomes.

Key responsibilities & accountabilities:

• To provide challenge, advice, and guidance to the first line in relation to new and existing products and services so that the business remains compliant with the necessary regulatory requirements.
• To provide oversight and assurance to around key first line activities that impact customer outcomes and compliance with the relevant regulation.
• To act as an advocate for compliance with all legal, regulatory and company standards and promote a positive risk culture within the first line of defence where transparency, action and rigor are evident -particularly in relation to customer outcomes.
• To frequently liaise with first line business areas to ensure that you understand key processes and how controls support the achievement of compliance, identifying gaps and weaknesses that need to be addressed - particularly in relation to Arrears Management, Vulnerable Customer Management, Complaints Handling and Specialist Financing ensuring good customer outcome is at the heart of everything you do.
• To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the FCA Handbook and key regulatory requirements (e.g."CONC", "DISP", "SMCR", and the "CCA") and apply these to advice, guidance, and assurance activities as well as write regulatory business updates with key recommendations around implementation.
• To provide regulatory guidance around key business activities, including EXCO objectives and key projects
• Proactively identify, investigate and analyse current and future regulatory risks, monitor the regulatory horizon to maintain an up-to-date view of regulatory developments that could impact the business and support in the communication of Regulatory updates to the organisation.
• Support the Head of Compliance and Operational Risk in the communication of regulatory developments and regulatory risk reporting to stakeholders including training delivery to first line business functions.
• Observe and champion the firms code of conduct and the FCA’s Conduct rules including demonstrating the expected behaviours to deliver good outcomes for customers.
• Provide oversight around the requirements set out in the firm’s policies and procedures.
• Assist with the identification, resolution, and reporting of risk events and breaches.
• Lead in the preparation of regulatory updates and reports.
• Lead the Customer Outcomes testing and the regulatory elements of second line assurance activities.

You:

• 4+ years compliance experience in an FCA regulated environment - preferably consumer credit
• Focused on customer outcomes and sound understanding of the Consumer Duty.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively analyse risk and apply sound judgement.
• Strong audit or assurance testing background.
• Proven ability to write detailed policies and procedures, regulatory updates for publishing across the business, and breach reports.
• Good team player, pragmatic and flexible, able to work on own initiative.
• Appreciates the importance of accuracy, attention to detail and professionalism.
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency, strong delivery ethos and good work ethic.
• Resilient, not derailed by a setback and returns to a high level of performance quickly.
• Comfortable and competent with MS Office.
• Comfortable identifying and raising issues, even with senior colleagues, particularly where driving good outcomes for customers are concerned.