Compliance Analyst in Manchester

As a Compliance Analyst working within our Central Compliance Unit, you will be responsible for undertaking and overseeing anti-money laundering (AML)/client due diligence (CDD) checks on new and existing clients, conflict of interest checks, on-going client monitoring, sanctions checks and assisting with other risk management procedures.

You will be the first point of contact for queries from the business and will ensure all actions carried out by CCU are conducted in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with all internal policies and procedures and in compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.

The Risk & Ethics directorate (R&E) is responsible for all areas of compliance and risk management for Shoosmiths including developing firmwide policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory compliance requirements, and to promote best practice. The team consists of the core risk management team and the Central Compliance Unit who are responsible for the onboarding of all clients/matters (including conflicts and AML).

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take responsibility to provide an efficient delivery of the firm’s client and matter inceptions process.
• Collaborate with the Partners/Legal Advisers/PAs within the Practice Groups to ensure accurate information about clients and matters is obtained.
• Manage all inceptions in a timely manner, analysing the relevant issues and resolving the query or escalating as appropriate within the Risk & Ethics Directorate.
• Review new client and matter information ensuring satisfactory details are provided by the Legal Advisors/PAs and asking for further information as necessary, including from clients.
• Review the CDD and undertake research or obtain further information.
• Analyse the CDD results and escalate AML issues as required.
• Conduct conflict of interest checks using the firm's databases.
• Analyse conflict of interest search results and resolve such issues with the business and escalate conflict issues as required.
• Follow up with LAs/PAs or other employees swiftly when seeking information or conflict resolution from other stakeholders around the firm.
• Record information, as required, for compliance and auditing purposes.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Demonstrable knowledge/understanding of a regulatory/control environment.
• Track record of working within a regulatory/control environment.
• AML expertise, particularly the Money Laundering Regulations and CDD requirements would be advantageous.
• Previous experience and knowledge of conflict of interest checks in any regulatory environment would be advantageous.
• Exceptional interpersonal & communication skills both verbally and written.
• Strong client relationship skills.
• Organised/structured & collaborative approach.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Focused on quality of output as well as speed of delivery.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Equal opportunities: Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.