Business Acceptance Assistant - 12 Month FTC - Leeds

We are Eversheds Sutherland, a global law firm, with more than 5,000 people across over 30 countries. We’re full-service with deep niche and sector experience. Whatever challenge, wherever in the world, we’re equipped and ready to meet it. We live our values, we’re purposeful and purpose‑led. So although the world is fast‑moving and rapidly changing, we see it as a place where everyone can thrive.

For business professionals, our environment is highly collaborative with value being placed on diversity of ideas, skills and mindsets. It’s energetic, fast‑moving and there’s always something new to get involved in. You will get exposure across geographies and the firm as a whole. The future is a place of opportunity.

The Eversheds Sutherland Business Acceptance Team (BAT) is a business critical function operating within the Risk Team to support the business in meeting its legal and regulatory obligations. The department is based in Leeds and is split into two sub‑teams, the Conflicts Team and the Client Opening Team.

The Client Opening Team provides support to the partners and fee earners across all practice groups to ensure compliance with Anti Money Laundering ("AML") obligations in the various locations we do business. You will be responsible for carrying out due diligence on the Firm’s clients and any third‑party payers to ensure the Firm is not exposed to financial crime. This is a varied role covering multiple client types located in various jurisdictions across the globe. The role requires a mix of technical knowledge, commercial awareness and highly tuned research skills and provides a unique insight into the breadth of work of a global law firm. A structured training plan has been developed to equip you for the role and there are opportunities for development and progression within the team.

Role And Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring new client submissions or reactivations of existing clients are processed in accordance with applicable AML legislation, regulatory requirements and the Firm’s internal policies.
• Conduct thorough research from a range of sources and databases to build a risk profile for new and existing clients.
• Conduct client and matter risk assessments and categorise clients in line with Firm policies and procedures.
• Analyse client due diligence information, identify any potential AML issues and escalate to the Senior BAT Manager, Senior In‑house Counsel or MLRO.
• Assist in the delivery of tasks aligned to the Firm’s ongoing monitoring programme.
• Process third party payment requests in line with Firm policies and procedures.
• Screen clients and counterparties against applicable sanctions lists and elevate any potential issues to the Sanctions Clearance Group.
• Collate and record client due diligence information and maintain accurate records of progress throughout the client onboarding process.
• Provide an efficient and professional service to the legal teams and provide support and advice.
• Assist in the delivery of BAT projects where required.

Skills And Experience

• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct thorough research using the internet and databases.
• Ability to work independently and with others as part of a team along with remaining calm and professional at times of increased workload and pressure.
• Excellent IT skills across the MS suite of programmes and willingness to learn new computer packages, software and document management systems.
• Language skills (particularly German, Spanish, French, Arabic, Mandarin or Cantonese) are desirable but not essential.

What’s in it for you?

At Eversheds Sutherland, we provide benefits focused on looking after you: your development, your performance, your financial future and your health, as well as providing the opportunity to make a contribution to the world.

• We’re fair, transparent and equitable.
• We share in the success of the firm, reward alignment to our values, going above and beyond and your individual performance.
• We support flexible ways of working through our remote working policy and commitment to flexible, agile and hybrid ways of working.
• We support your health and performance through our dental, healthcare and wellness support.
• We support everything you are and all you bring through our powerful commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• We provide a platform for your career, whatever your ambitions through our structured professional and personal training, mentoring and development programs.
• We provide experience and opportunity through international and cross‑function exposure.
• We provide an opportunity to give back through our pro bono work and community engagement.
• We help you plan ahead through retirement planning, insurance and assurance.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Eversheds Sutherland, “Inclusive” is a core business value. We bring together different skillsets, global mindsets and approaches. We foster diversity of thought and the freedom to put ideas into action. We have an inherent respect for the individual. We have a strong belief in collaboration and teamwork. Sharing ideas, asking questions, solving challenges and meeting our clients’ goals: together. We want all our people to thrive at work and reach their full potential and we work hard to continue to build a diverse and inclusive culture, monitor and report on our progress and impact, and develop our approach. This is reflected in our policies, systems and processes, and in our work with diversity membership organisations. Many of our people work flexibly in some way and we are open to considering how we can accommodate flexible working arrangements alongside role requirements. If this is important to you, please talk to us about it during the recruitment process. We want you to perform at your best during our recruitment process. If there is any adjustment or support you need, please contact us so we can discuss how we can best assist you.