At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse business risks and provide expert advice on conflicts and compliance.
- Company: Dynamic firm committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Join a trusted team and make a real impact in business acceptance.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of legal conflicts, AML, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Business Acceptance Advisor to join our Business Acceptance department in London, Bristol or Dublin.
Responsibilities
- Carry out checks in the Business Acceptance system and analyse results to ascertain whether prospective new business could give rise to any conflict (legal, commercial or confidential information), risk, AML, sanctions or reputational issues. If so, engage with the business to discuss and explore potential resolutions.
- Serve as a subject matter expert for conflicts/confidentiality/AML/risk issues, providing proactive advice and guidance on whether work can be taken on under the respective rules/legislation/guidance and/or whether any steps need to be taken before proceeding, and provide assistance with those steps (e.g. client consent wording, erection of information barriers, additional approvals from management, MLRO, MLCO etc).
- Regularly liaise with partners and senior stakeholders to answer their queries, acting as an intermediary where necessary to resolve conflicts, AML, risk or reputational issues.
- Support the design, testing and implementation of new systems, policies, controls and procedures to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the team and the Business Acceptance function.
- Support the drafting, creation and maintenance of business‑facing policies relevant to the Business Acceptance function.
- Act as a point of escalation for Business Acceptance issues from more junior members of the team.
- Train staff members on the relevant Business Acceptance rules, policies, controls and procedures, including supporting a full training programme for more junior members of the Business Acceptance team.
- Conduct risk assessments on new clients and matters, escalating to management as needed.
- Assist with lateral hire checks from a conflicts and broad risk perspective and liaise with sponsoring partners to support the lateral programme.
- Assist with international regulatory audits and support developments as a result of feedback from these audits.
- Support proactive business outreach opportunities to promote the Business Acceptance function and ensure the department is seen as a trusted business advisor.
Qualifications
- A strong and developed understanding of relevant rules around conflicts (legal and commercial), AML and sanctions and experience of applying them in a law firm as part of a client/matter onboarding process. Lawyer‑level understanding is expected; a legal qualification is not required.
- Broad IT skills, particularly experience of using a workflow tool (e.g. Intapp) and of interrogating external commercial databases and free resources.
- Good business research skills (e.g. establishing and understanding the legal nature and ownership structure of the firm's client base and the type of work involved in typical matters).
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- Experience of dealing with partners and assisting them to resolve Business Acceptance issues.
- Ability to organise workloads, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
- Strong sense of teamwork.
- Flexibility with working hours as required and willingness to work extra, including unsociable hours, when required.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:
- Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity.
- This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment.
- We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.
- Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible.
- Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities.
- We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues.
Benefits
- Competitive package including bonuses dependent on role/level, private medical insurance, and pension contribution.
- Hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office, with flexibility dependent on role, team, and client demands.
- Global Skills Academy providing live workshops, podcasts, short videos, and practical learning experiences.
- In‑house generative AI tool Percy available to support work.
Location: London, Bristol, or Dublin.
Business Acceptance Advisor employer: Simmons & Simmons
Contact Detail:
Simmons & Simmons Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Acceptance Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees in the Business Acceptance department on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the role and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of AML, conflicts, and risk management. We want to show that we’re not just familiar with the terms but can also discuss real-world applications.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to business acceptance scenarios. Role-play with a friend or use our resources to get comfortable articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Acceptance Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Acceptance Advisor role. Highlight your understanding of conflicts, AML, and risk issues, as well as any relevant experience you have in a law firm setting.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate your written skills. Keep it clear, concise, and professional while still showing a bit of your personality!
Highlight Your Teamwork Experience: We love a good team player! Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to resolve issues or improve processes. This will show us that you can work well with partners and senior stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simmons & Simmons
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the relevant rules around conflicts, AML, and sanctions. Brush up on how these apply in a law firm setting, as you'll need to demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be liaising with partners and senior stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex issues in the past.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively. Think of instances where you've supported team members or contributed to a project, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show that you're a team player who can thrive in their environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to conflicts or risk assessments, and think through how you would approach resolving them. This will showcase your analytical thinking and proactive mindset.