Client Onboarding Officer JBLE1_NI in Belfast

We are recruiting a Client Onboarding Officer for our Belfast team. This is a critical operational role within the firm's Risk function. You will be responsible for the end-to-end inception process, acting as a primary gatekeeper for the firm. We are looking for a candidate who is already competent in both Conflicts of Interest and AML/CDD. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to analyse complex corporate structures, identify regulatory risks, and apply judgment to maintain an excellent onboarding function.

Key Responsibilities

• Conflicts Clearance
  • Analyse complex conflict check results generated by the firm's systems (Intapp), differentiating between administrative "false positives" and genuine legal or commercial conflicts.
  • Investigate corporate relationships to determine if a conflict exists, utilising internal databases and external corporate intelligence tools.
  • Identify potential conflicts and escalate where necessary, liaising directly with stakeholders to resolve issues efficiently.
  • Maintain clear and auditable records of all conflict clearance activity.
• Client Due Diligence (CDD)
  • Experience of detailed Due Diligence on high-risk clients, including unravelling complex ownership structures (Trusts, SPVs, Funds) to identify Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs).
  • Advise on CDD requirements across multiple jurisdictions, tailoring guidance to local regulatory expectations.
  • Perform risk assessments at client inception and during updates, identifying high-risk clients through screening and analysis.
  • Investigate and assess adverse media, politically exposed persons (PEPs), and source of wealth/funds, preparing clear and concise reports for senior review.
  • Collate all research and approvals in a structured and comprehensible manner for internal use.
• Ad Hoc Support
  • Respond to onboarding, billing, and file-opening queries from fee-earners, PAs, and business services teams.
  • Assist the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) with research for suspicious activity reports.

Key Skills & Experience

• Experience in both conflicts checking and anti-money laundering (AML) processes.
• Familiarity with a multi-jurisdictional legal environment.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate findings clearly.
• Manage a high-volume workload independently, prioritising urgent matter openings without compromising on regulatory accuracy.
• Confident communicator, comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
• Self-motivated and collaborative, with a willingness to take on both complex and routine tasks as needed.
• Experience using Intapp and screening platforms.

What do we offer?

• You can be yourself: It takes everyone to make us who we are. We’re a culture of diverse perspectives, with each of us making unique contributions that make us better together.
• In the office or WFH?: We think the best balance is more time in the office than at home, so we operate a 60:40 rule.
• Beyond salary: We offer plenty of benefits; private medical insurance, health cash plan, dental insurance, life assurance, critical illness insurance, matched pension contributions up to 7%, holiday trading, plus many more.
• Modern Office Space: Located in the iconic Titanic Quarter with excellent commuter links and parking nearby.
• Nurturing your talent: Take a 'build a career' approach to your training. You’ll be on a pathway but free to wander if you see something you’d like to study more closely.
• Funnel your interests: You have a life outside work, and we can help it to flourish. Join clubs, affinity networks, inclusive events, and pro bono/charity initiatives.
• Inclusion is not exclusive: If all our differences are highlighted, no one stands out for being different. At Fieldfisher, all our rich diversity is celebrated.

What to do next:

• Click 'Apply Now', complete an online application and upload a CV. Successful applications will be invited to a 20-30-minute introductory call with a recruiter.
• For hybrid opportunities, you’ll be invited to visit our offices for a face-to-face meeting.
• We will work around everyone’s availability. You can contact us at Callum-Caolan.Burn.
• We recruit on a rolling basis. Your application may be reviewed before the application deadline.