At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the onboarding team and enhance AML/CTF processes in a dynamic legal environment.
- Company: Join Freeths, a friendly and innovative law firm with a strong risk management culture.
- Benefits: Competitive rewards, recognition for excellence, and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on compliance and governance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong AML/CTF knowledge and proven leadership experience in financial crime roles.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth and collaboration across multiple offices.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 ÂŁ per year.
Freeths Risk and Compliance team is seeking a Head of Onboarding to join their friendly and collegiate team. This role will ideally be based in any of our Leeds, Nottingham or Birmingham offices, will be interesting and diverse with the following responsibilities:
- AML/CTF Governance, Systems & Oversight
- Support the MLRO and MLCO in maintaining an effective firmâwide AML/CTF framework in line with laws and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements.
- Lead the ongoing development, review, and enhancement of AML policies, controls and procedures.
- Lead with the review and implementation of the use of AI in onboarding processes and data analysis.
- Oversee CDD, EDD, and ongoing monitoring activities, ensuring consistency and regulatory compliance.
- Maintain up to date knowledge of regulatory developments.
- Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, develop and support members of the internal onboarding team to ensure high standards of technical expertise and operational performance.
- With the external client and matter inception team: manage the relationship ensuring alignment of processes, service levels and quality expectations; collaborate to enhance systems, processes and end-end efficiency; escalate and resolve operational issues to maintain strong working relationships.
- Suspicious Activity Reporting
- Act as a primary escalation point for internal suspicious activity reports.
- Conduct comprehensive investigations and prepare SARs for submission to the NCA, deputising for the MLRO as needed.
- Maintain full audit trails, including SAR registers and case logs.
- Regulatory Reporting & Interaction
- Support the MLRO and MLCO with interactions with the SRA and other agencies.
- Assist with regulatory inspections, external audits, and independent assurance reviews.
- Monitor regulatory developments and communicate changes to relevant stakeholders.
- Advisory: to Lawyers and Senior Management
- On AML/CTF, sanctions, financial crime concerns and risk-based decision making.
- On UBO analysis, source of funds (SOF), and source of wealth (SOW).
- Review and sign off highârisk clients, including PEPs, and higherârisk jurisdictions.
- Training & Culture
- Lead the creation and delivery of AML/CTF training programmes.
- Champion a strong risk management culture across the firm.
- Reporting
- Produce reports to senior management and governance committees to support the MLRO and MLCO.
Key Experience Required:
- Essential
- Strong knowledge of AML/CTF and sanctions legislation and its application in the legal sector.
- Proven experience in AML/financial crime leadership roles.
- Demonstrable leadership experience, including managing and developing teams.
- Strong investigative, analytical, and decisionâmaking skills.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Desirable
- ICA or equivalent AML/compliance qualification.
- Experience engaging with regulators, auditors, or law enforcement.
- Experience with AML technology solutions or digital onboarding systems.
- Experience working within a legal or professional services environment.
Key Skills Required:
- High integrity and strong ethical standards.
- Proactive, pragmatic, and solution oriented.
- Effective leader with strong coaching and collaboration skills.
- Able to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
If you would be interested in applying or finding out more please do contact Penny.Heighway@Freeths.co.uk. No agencies please.
Risk and Compliance: Head of Onboarding - Nottingham, Leeds or Birmingham employer: Freeths LLP
Contact Detail:
Freeths LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Risk and Compliance: Head of Onboarding - Nottingham, Leeds or Birmingham
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal and compliance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and donât be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Freeths is all about teamwork and recognition, so think of examples that showcase your collaborative spirit and how youâve celebrated successes in past roles.
â¨Tip Number 3
Show off your expertise! Be ready to discuss your knowledge of AML/CTF regulations and how you've applied them in previous roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership and problem-solving skills.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining the Freeths team. Letâs make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Risk and Compliance: Head of Onboarding - Nottingham, Leeds or Birmingham
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Onboarding role. Highlight your experience in AML/CTF and leadership, showing how you fit perfectly with our team at Freeths.
Showcase Your Skills: Donât just list your qualifications; demonstrate your strong investigative and analytical skills. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've tackled challenges in compliance and risk management.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value integrity and a proactive attitude, so share your passion for compliance and how you can contribute to our culture at Freeths.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application via our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freeths LLP
â¨Know Your AML/CTF Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AML/CTF legislation and its application in the legal sector. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these frameworks in previous roles, as well as any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Onboarding, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Think of examples where you've successfully managed and developed teams, and be ready to share how you foster a collaborative environment while maintaining high standards.
â¨Be Ready for Regulatory Discussions
Since this role involves interaction with regulators and auditors, prepare to discuss your experience in these areas. Highlight any past experiences where you've navigated regulatory inspections or audits, and how you ensured compliance within your team.
â¨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication skills are crucial for influencing senior stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics like suspicious activity reporting or risk-based decision making.