Head of Forensic Investigations in Cardiff

We are looking to appoint a Head of Forensic Investigations, a key role within our Specialist & Proactive Investigation functions.

Reporting to the Director - Specialist and Proactive Investigations, you will lead a team of Forensic Investigation Managers and Forensic Investigation Officers, with a primary focus on on‑site financial investigations of complex and high‑risk regulatory matters following reports of serious professional misconduct. You will be expected to review accounts, ledgers, client files, bank information and other material gathered on site to assess how a firm is operating and identify risks relating to compliance, governance and client money.

You will deliver the highest standards of quality and timeliness in investigations, with outcomes that protect the public, uphold high professional standards and provide a credible deterrent to the regulated community.

This role also requires an imaginative and creative thinker with the ability to work to tight deadlines, often balancing a significant and varied caseload. You will manage a range of complex investigations over their entire life cycle. This will include overseeing on‑site reviews, directing the examination of financial and operational records, and working with senior members of the team to define scope, assess regulatory risk and develop investigative strategies.

What's in it for you

• A great opportunity to join the leadership team, influence the future direction of the directorate and make a meaningful difference.
• Working in a dynamic environment, managing the day‑to‑day operations of the Investigations department and leading some of our highest‑profile and highest‑risk cases.
• Play a key part in delivering one of our corporate strategy objectives: improving and maintaining the quality and timeliness of our investigation and enforcement work to uphold high professional standards.
• An opportunity to lead casework that is at the heart of our objective of increasing public trust and confidence in legal services.
• An additional 3% of annual basic salary, on successful completion of probation, for you to choose the benefits that best suit your lifestyle and personal situation.
• Pension – We will contribute 1½ – 2 times your contribution, up to 12.25%. So, if you contribute 7%, you will enjoy the maximum combined contribution of 19.25%.
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 days after 2 years and 30 days after 5 years, plus bank holidays and the option to buy or sell up to 5 days’ holiday.
• Rewards hub with access to discounts and cashback savings across a range of retailers.
• Life assurance, health screening, private medical insurance and more.

What we are looking for

• Ideally, a qualified accountant with experience and knowledge in forensic accounting, complex financial investigation, or the review of firms’ books, records and financial controls in a regulatory, legal or professional services environment.
• Strong ability to review accounts, ledgers, client files, bank information and other financial or operational records to identify indicators of compliance failures, governance weaknesses and risk to client money.
• Experience of examining material obtained on site to assess how a firm is managed in practice, including systems, controls, governance arrangements and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Must be able to demonstrate a strong awareness of the legal profession and our role as a regulator, with a significant and up‑to‑date understanding of the external legal, political and economic factors that influence the sector.
• Able to make decisions at both operational and strategic level, with experience of managing managers.
• Proven experience of decision‑making and case direction at senior level on complex investigations, with an appreciation of risk‑based, proportionate decision‑making in a regulatory or legal environment.
• Proven ability to deliver clear messages to senior and external stakeholders on very complex and technical issues.
• Proven experience of developing and maintaining senior‑level relationships with people of influence across a wide range of bodies, including police forces, the SFO, the NCA, banks, insurers, accountancy firms and other regulators.
• Experience of delivering high‑quality forensic accounting and financial investigative work, including analysing complex financial information and forming clear, evidence‑based assessments of compliance and governance risk.
• Significant experience of effectively monitoring and driving high standards and continuous improvement in quality and performance across specialist operational teams.

Useful and additional information

A role profile is attached at the bottom of the advert on our website.

We are recruiting for this role in our Birmingham, Cardiff, and London offices. You will be based in the office nearest to your location, with the expectation of working 2 days a week in the office and the remainder of the week from home.

The starting salary for this role is from £70,000 to £75,000, depending on knowledge, skills and experience. For those eligible, an additional 10% London weighting will apply.

To apply

Please click 'apply' to complete the online application form and upload a CV and cover letter, explaining how you meet the requirements of the role. The cover letter should be no longer than 2 pages.

To find out more about the recruitment and selection process and how to make the most of your application, please visit our jobs pages.

Closing date for applications is Monday 27 July at 23:55. Assessment and Interviews are anticipated to take place in August.