AML Risk and Compliance Officer
The Risk & Compliance team is seeking a Temporary AML Risk and Compliance Officer to join the team on an initial 6 month fixed-term contract basis.
Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Senior AML Risk & Compliance Officer and the AML Risk and Compliance Manager, and following prescribed department, office and Firm procedures, the AML Risk and Compliance Officer is responsible for the timely and accurate processing of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks. The role supports the Firm's Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), the Risk and Compliance Director/Deputy MLRO and the AML Risk and Compliance Manager in all areas of AML compliance.
Position Responsibilities:
1. Timely completion of AML process for all Firm clients, prioritising clients of the UK and BR offices.
2. Performing Client Due Diligence (CDD) on entities identified, through various publicly available and Firm sources, and liaising with partners to obtain information needed.
3. Performing Politically Exposed Person sanctions searches as necessary on natural persons, collecting personal identification and storing securely.
4. Updating Firm software tools and databases with relevant information in a timely manner.
5. Analyzing and evaluating AML software tools and databases.
6. Compiling relevant information into final AML pack for sign off by MLRO or Deputy MLRO.
7. Performing follow ups on outstanding AML files, ongoing monitoring on completed AML files and periodic checks on personal identification documentation obtained, as necessary.
8. Assisting the Senior AML Risk & Compliance Manager, the AML Risk and Compliance Manager, the Risk and Compliance Director/Deputy MLRO and the MLRO in the review of the AML CDD process and implementation of new and more efficient processes and procedures.
9. Attending AML Team meetings.
10. Providing cover for other AML Team members when they are on leave.
11. Perform other tasks and assist with special projects as requested by the Risk and Compliance Director/Deputy MLRO or other AML Team members.
12. To communicate regularly with, and to immediately report any problems or potential areas of AML compliance concern to the Risk and Compliance Director/Deputy MLRO.
Skills & Experience:
Required:
1. Knowledge of relevant AML legislation and guidance.
2. Experience of performing CDD checks on entities and individuals (preferably in a law firm).
3. Educated to a degree level or equivalent is desirable (LLB preferred, England & Wales or equivalent jurisdiction).
4. Previous law firm experience in a similar compliance role.
5. A high standard of oral and written communication skills.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
7. Strong research skills, including via internet, databases and other sources.
8. Ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing priorities in a professional manner.
9. Ability to work independently and with a team.
10. Willingness and ability to assume new tasks and responsibilities.
11. Strong service orientation and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, secretaries and peers.
12. Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
13. May be required to work outside of regular business hours.
14. Commitment to the office and Firm.
Competencies:
1. Ability to think critically in analysing and solving problems.
2. Good presence and ability to work well with all personnel.
3. Excellent organisational skills.
4. Reliable and cooperative manner.
5. Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks while maintaining confidentiality.
6. The ability to independently assess client needs and to develop appropriate responsive solutions.
7. The ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively and to foster a culture of teamwork.
8. A keen interest in and commitment to keeping up to date with relevant technology, products and services and developing professionally.
9. The aptitude and confidence to challenge and change existing practices, adopt innovative approaches and drive these forward through to implementation.
10. The ability to forge effective working relationships and to influence at a senior level.
11. Ability to organise and prioritise work assignments, as well as delegate tasks to support departments when necessary.
12. Possess excellent written, communication and proofreading skills with attention to detail.
13. Ability to function in a professional and polite manner.
14. Reliable, committed and punctual.
15. Professional in approach and able to deal with staff at all levels.
16. Service delivery focused with ability to recognise pressure points and to offer assistance where needed.
17. Confident and demonstrates the ability to command respect.
18. Organised and efficient - able to prioritise and manage own workload and work without supervision.
19. Highly motivated and enthusiastic to lead by example.
20. Team player.
21. Proactive and reliable.
22. Ability to embrace organisational change.
23. Ability to deal with confidential situations with tact, diplomacy and discretion.
Compensation and Benefits:
Cooley offers an excellent benefits package and competitive compensation including:
1. Enhanced family leave.
2. Health and dental insurance.
3. Group income protection.
4. Life assurance.
5. Pension.
6. Fertility benefits.
7. Wellness programs.
8. Employee discounts including a fitness and nutrition allowance.
9. And more!
A comprehensive benefits brochure will be provided to all candidates during the interview process.
Hybrid Working
As part of the Cooley culture, we recognise and appreciate the value of being together, in person, to build comradery with others in the office and to be a contributing member of the Cooley office. However, we also appreciate the benefits and flexibility that come from remote working. This role follows our hybrid working approach which supports our business professional staff to work in a hybrid way with the expectation that you are required to have some in-office presence and some work from home days. The office presence requirement is very much dependant on the department needs and the business needs, which are subject to change at any time.
Our Values
We are the counselors, strategists and advocates for today and tomorrow's leaders of the business economy. We seek to meet the evolving needs of our clients by building a community of professionals of the highest caliber who share our vision and embrace our values.
1. We do not compromise on quality;
2. We are one firm;
3. We are ethical, fair and honest;
4. We take pride in the firm and its reputation;
5. We value diversity;
6. We give to our communities;
7. We strive for balance in our lives.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We strive to create an inclusive and rewarding environment that allows our people to thrive both professionally and personally. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Firm will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. The Firm does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, promotion, termination, and access to benefits and training.
Cooley (UK) LLP is committed to ensuring that our recruitment practices and candidate interviews are inclusive and accessible for everyone. If you have a medical condition, disability and/or are neurodivergent and would benefit from reasonable accommodations, adjustments or support during your interview process, please contact LNHR@cooley.com. All requests will be handled with sensitivity and strict confidence and will not influence your potential employment with Cooley (UK) LLP. #J-18808-Ljbffr