Head of Business Acceptance

Reporting to the Director of Risk, the Head of Business Acceptance will have primary responsibility for Conflicts and AML within the UK, Ireland and Dubai and will liaise with the US business in relation to the resolution of Conflicts involving the listed jurisdictions. Experience of ABA Conflicts rules and resolution will be a strong advantage for any candidate applying for the role.

Key responsibilities

• Overall day-to-day responsibility for Business Acceptance within the firm, including acting as a point of escalation where necessary for the Business Acceptance and the Senior Analysts.
• Occasional visits to the Liverpool office are likely to be required.
• Acting as deputy MLRO and supporting the MLRO with a range of relevant issues, including dealing with internal suspicious activity reports and external SARs.
• Being a point of liaison for the US Conflicts team on issues arising and supervising a team of London based analysts who are being recruited to assist with US Conflicts issues.
• Keeping up-to-date with changes in relevant legislation, policies, procedures and practices.
• Acting as the firm's Anti-Bribery & Corruption Officer and monitoring the Gifts and Hospitality register, including providing advice to partners and fee earners on potential bribery and corruption matters.
• Acting as the firm's Sanctions Officer and advising partners and fee earners on potential sanctions issues.
• Supporting the MLRO and Director of Risk during regulatory audits and visits and ensuring audit points/findings are actioned.
• Supervising the Business Acceptance Manager in preparing documentation for the annual AML Risk Assessment and the annual Independent AML audit.
• Developing close relationships with other business services functions to facilitate co‑operation and knowledge sharing and attending regular Heads of Business Services meetings to provide input into broad operational issues.
• Organising and presenting training on risk topics as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Able to demonstrate understanding of the risks faced by an international commercial law firm.
• Ability to manage the resolution of legal and commercial conflicts of interest with regards to the applicable regulatory requirements and taking account of the competing needs of the firm's partners and offices.
• Experience of the US ABA conflict of interest roles will be an advantage and will need to be learned by any candidate who does not have prior experience of them.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and teams at all levels across the firm's UK and international practices.
• Understands the demands of fee earners and can provide commercial solutions under pressure.
• Able to manage a range of projects effectively to completion.
• Shares knowledge across the team, and provides ongoing instruction and support.
• Calm and professional in the face of competing demands.
• Leads by example.
• Approaches challenges logically, identifying issues in complex situations and communicating solutions effectively.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Actively promotes teamwork across the risk management team, promoting a team culture that encourages co‑operation, support and knowledge sharing.

Benefits

• Hybrid working (Offering the opportunity to work remotely, while maintaining a social boundary by working from our award-winning offices for 3 days a week).
• Holiday (Our basic annual holiday entitlement starts at 25 days, with a further discretionary day of paid leave in December. You may also purchase up to five extra days each year (pro rata).
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave (After one‑year service, you are entitled to up to 26 weeks leave full pay if you or your partner give birth or adopt a child).

Equal Opportunity

We value and celebrate the differences in who we are, what we have experienced and how we think, so all candidates will be treated fairly regardless of age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender identity, marital status, neurodiversity, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and socio‑economic background.