AML Analyst in Leeds

Our small Canadian-born business was founded in 1978 and has become a global organization that now spans 120 locations across 20 countries. Our expansion has been rapid, but what matters most is the common belief that drives all 5,000 of our people to be a different type of real estate organization. We believe that the places in which we live, work and play have the power to make us happier and healthier, and we are united by a shared sense of purpose, to have a positive impact on people’s lives. In short, we are a global commercial real estate advisory firm with a simple aim: for real estate to play a leading role in creating vibrant buildings, cities and places that deliver long-lasting social value and economic impact.

Why Work for Us:

We believe that our industry is changing, and we want our business to be a melting pot of curious minds, passionate hearts and strategic intelligence. Your gender, religion and race are all highly respected, but are less important to us than your ability to step up and change the game. We provide you with a place where you can do just that, with like-minded people. Collaboration is embedded in the way we work – our people have the autonomy to collaborate on client relationships, engage teams across the business, lead operations, work collectively on projects, participate in strategy and are ultimately responsible for our growth. Our distinctive Principal-led, privately-owned model puts us in the enviable position of being able to offer every employee the opportunity to own a share of our business and inspires and allows anyone to become a Principal. This role carries voting rights, so our people have a very real say in the future direction and operation of our business. This means that we are able to attract, engage and retain the best talent from the industry.

Responsibilities

• Reporting into the UK/EMEA Compliance Director (“UKCD”) who is situated in the London office, the role of the AML Analyst is principally to complete client due diligence (“CDD”) checks in accordance with UK Regulations for approval by the business whilst also providing support, guidance, and assurance to the business to ensure that Avison Young UK is conducting its business in full compliance with anti money laundering and terrorist financing (“AMLTF”) legislation and regulations that relate to Avison Young’s UK operations.
• Carry out client CDD on new and existing clients and counterparties, assessing AML, sanctions and reputational risks.
• Manage each stage of the CDD workflow and escalate concerns to UKCD when needed.
• Maintain accurate CDD information on the firm's systems.
• Respond to queries from fee earners and staff regarding CDD matters client forms, client data, and general regulatory or compliance matters, ensuring that AMLTF queries are responded to on a timely basis.
• Complete second level checks as requested by Business Support Hub to ensure that no invoices are raised with outstanding CDD checks.
• Assist the UKCD as directed to ensure proper AMLTF risk assessment methodology, processes and controls exist and that they are kept under review, ensuring that any issues are corrected with the assistance of the appropriate team.
• Timely escalations to the UKCD according to key activities as assigned.
• Production of management information to report on issues identified.
• Clearly articulate regulatory expectations and standards to Avison Young colleagues, both verbally and in writing.
• Assisting other Global Risk and Compliance colleagues with the creation and implementation of strong control systems to ensure adherence to internal policies, procedures, and external regulations.
• Manage own responsibilities and assist with the performance of other compliance related activities and projects as required, ensuring appropriate prioritisation as required.

Qualifications

• Experience in an AML compliance role, preferably within a real estate environment.
• Introductory level qualification in AML/CDD (ACAMS / ICA) would be an advantage.
• Strong communication skills- both written and verbal to allow regulatory expectations to be communicated clearly to Avison Young colleagues.
• Strong problem solving and lateral thinking abilities.
• Good understanding of Avison Young’s UK business.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Engage and build relationships with senior stakeholders and leadership teams.
• An ability to self-manage, work proactively, using own initiative without needing direction, remain motivated and lead by example.
• Keep up to date with trends and benchmarks in the main property sectors and have a good awareness of market and regulatory compliance sentiment.
• Exceptionally strong focus on delivering timely and high-quality customer service and advice.
• Embrace opportunities to collaborate with colleagues throughout Avison Young business.
• An ability to work well and remain calm under pressure.

Equal Opportunities

At Avison Young, we’ve always put people at the heart of what we do. In the last few years, we’ve increased the diversity at our board, leadership and Principal levels. Avison Young stands out for our commitment to empowering women. In addition to increasing the number of women on our board and in our leadership ranks, our internal Women’s Network of more than 500 members come together for networking and learning, and advise the business on strategies for promoting access, opportunity and inclusion in our industry. Our global DEI steering committee shapes our strategy to continue to increase industry access for underrepresented groups and accelerating initiatives led by our employee resource groups, including our Women’s Network, Black Professionals and LGBTQ+ groups. In addition to leading global initiatives, the steering committee’s work examines our policies and practices, creating accountability for results and communicating progress to our executive leadership, our clients and our communities. Our culture is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion, and well-being. We are committed to building an inclusive culture that: empowers all our employees to thrive, reflects all backgrounds and talents, allows individuals to be successful and feel a sense of belonging, and foster a workplace that is supported, inclusive and has a strong sense of community between colleagues. Avison Young is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to treating all its employees and job applicants equitably. This includes implementing deliberate strategies that advance underrepresented communities in commercial real estate careers. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to removing any obstacles to inclusion. If you need any adjustments to support your application or any part of the recruitment process, such as information in alternative formats or special requirements to access our buildings, or you are eligible under the Disability Confident Scheme please contact us.