At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client onboarding, manage AML compliance, and support junior staff in a dynamic law firm.
- Company: Join a major and growing law firm with a focus on risk and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options available for the right candidate.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in compliance while developing your skills in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: 5-6 years of AML/CFT experience and strong regulatory knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Abacus is exclusively managing a role for a major and growing law firm, and this client is keen to appoint a Senior Client Onboarding Officer. This is an important and highly technical role within the growing risk and compliance team.
Your focus is on the client acceptance process, anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions compliance. You will manage a steady volume of frequently complex onboarding matters, provide technical guidance to colleagues junior and senior, and act in a supervisory capacity over Client Onboarding Officers (via Quality Control).
Main duties will include:
- Conduct AML screening and risk assessments (and conflicts screening post-training) at a high-quality level ensuring accuracy and sophisticated work product.
- Acting as a go-to person for onboarding queries across the business, providing support and feedback in Quality Control and development of junior staff.
- Getting involved in more complex global structures and higher-risk cases.
- Manage and navigate key stakeholder needs, queries and service-level issues at Partner and fee-earner team level. Other stakeholders are Client Onboarding Managers, Head of Client Onboarding, MLRO, Compliance Officer for Legal Compliance (COLP).
- Delivering or supporting internal training sessions when needed.
- Escalate relevant team management issues to Client Onboarding Manager(s).
The right person:
The role requires strong regulatory knowledge in the field of AML/CFT/ABC, ideally with international experience. Ideally, you will offer c. 5-6 years’ experience or more, dealing with legal Conflict of Interest checks and AML/KYC experience. But if Conflicts of Interest training is required, this can be considered. You will offer sound judgement, proven experience in the screening and risk assessing of global company structures. A suitable candidate will be experienced in performing checks using applicable tools and software. You should demonstrate a capacity to operate confidently in a fast-paced, international environment with complex and nuanced local frameworks to cater to, to ensure efficient, stakeholder-friendly compliance assistance.
Ideally, you will offer experience in a comparable commercial services firm or (large) law firm, in an AML compliance type role. Some flexibility may be available for the right skillset and person. Ideally, you will also offer a qualification in Law or relevant discipline, however flex will exist for the right blend of transferable expertise/skills.
Next: Send your CV to Abacus and we will be in touch.
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Salary: Competitive
Job Type: Permanent
Date Posted: 16 July, 2026
Senior Onboarding Officer, Belfast (Exclusive) employer: Abacus Recruitment
As a leading UK law firm, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their careers. Our Belfast office offers the unique advantage of working on high-value transactions with major financial institutions while providing clear progression opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries and flexible working arrangements. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and supports your professional growth in the dynamic field of banking and finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Onboarding Officer, Belfast (Exclusive)
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Abacus Recruitment looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Onboarding Officer, Belfast (Exclusive)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Abacus Recruitment. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abacus Recruitment
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Abacus Recruitment’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
