Carson McDowell | Risk and Compliance Operations Analyst

Risk and Compliance Operations Analyst Carson McDowell is Northern Ireland’s leading commercial law firm, the law firm of choice for many of Northern Ireland’s Top 100 companies and international companies doing business here. Our rich mixture of people, culture, heritage and reputation makes us who we are. Our continued success is dependent on attracting and retaining the top talent in all areas of the business. We now have a vacancy for a Risk and Compliance Operations join our Risk and Compliance team. This role will provide support with the firms Client Lifecycle Management Processes, including client onboarding and offboarding. The Client Lifecycle Management Function will act as a centralised support team, ensuring the firm achieves compliance with all applicable AML and Sanctions laws and regulations. As part of the Client Lifecycle Management function, the individual will initially be required to co-ordinate the AML onboarding process for the front-line business, including undertaking quality reviews of CDD documentation and information received from the client and the fee earner, performing client screening activities for AML and Sanctions purposes, preparing client and matter risk assessments for review and sign off by the fee earner responsible for the client relationship, and the collection of information required to allow for timely client onboarding/ file opening. This individual will also be a key point of contact for AML queries for new and existing clients. Key Responsibilities Performing Identification and Verification (ID&V) and client screening checks (PEPs, Sanctions and Adverse Media) for new and existing clients, utilising the firms preferred AML digital onboarding (SaaS) solution. Acting as a point of contact for coordinating the front-to-back AML client onboarding journey, liaising with the client and/ or relevant internal stakeholders to resolve onboarding related bottlenecks where identified. Undertaking Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) assessments for more complex ownership structures, where required. Reviewing client screening results and determining true or false matches and escalating to the Director of Risk and Compliance where required. Assisting in the completion of client and matter risk assessments for review and sign off by the fee earner responsible. Undertaking file reviews (quality and completeness) for new and existing clients to ensure all the required information is held on file for AML and Sanctions purposes prior to the file going live. Interacting with clients and/or fee earners where required to obtain mandatory information to complete CDD checks successfully. Documenting and AML/Sanctions related research and analysis performed at file opening in a manner suitable for review by internal and external stakeholders e.g. Regulators, Audit, and Compliance. Identification and escalation of clients for review by the Director of Risk and Compliance who may pose a Higher Risk of money laundering, terrorist/proliferation financing, and/or who may require Enhanced Due Diligence. Producing key MI reporting relating to the AML client onboarding journey. Reviewing files for closure and ensuring all necessary steps are completed to ensure compliance with closure process. Assisting with any other AML Compliance-related matters or projects as identified and assigned by the Director of Risk and Compliance. Education Educated to degree level or possesses relevant work experience suitable for this type of role. Experience At least 3 years working in the Legal or Financial Services sector. Possesses any of the following: AML client onboarding, Sanctions/PEPs alert working, client account opening and closing, document management. Skills & Abilities Some knowledge of AML, Sanctions and CDD principles/requirements. Some knowledge of Client Onboarding/Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Good communication skills, including ability to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders. Ability to respond to queries from the wider firm in a timely manner. Understanding of risks associated with Client Onboarding and Money Laundering. Ability to manage processes efficiently and accurately. Good planning, time management and prioritisation skills. Knowledge of AML onboarding solutions is desirable but not essential. Applicants should apply by forwarding in confidence a covering letter, which includes details of their current package, and CV by clicking Apply below.