Senior Compliance Manager

Vedder's London office is seeking a Senior Compliance Manager who will oversee the London and Singapore office’s compliance functions, ensuring regulatory obligations are met and internal processes remain robust, up to date and fit for purpose.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct line management, supervision and mentoring to the Risk and Compliance Supervisor and the AML/Conflicts Analyst.
• Serve as the Compliance and Finance Administration Officer (COFA) for the London Office including working with the Accounts Manager to oversee the finance operations of the London office.
• Serve as the Money Laundering Compliance Officer (MLCO) and the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for the London Office with ultimate responsibility for AML compliance including accountability for breaches, designing the AML training, receiving internal disclosures of suspicious activity and reporting suspicions to the NCA.
• Serve as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for the Singapore Office.
• Work closely with the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) in managing day-to-day duties to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the firm’s authorisation.
• Work closely with the Office Manager on the management of the firm’s compliance system, VinciWorks/OmniTrak.
• In conjunction with the Accounts Manager manage the partner capital loan accounts and handle any queries in relation to such with both partners and banks.
• Understand, embrace and ensure the firm’s compliance, accounting and finance policies and procedures are implemented, updated as necessary and adhered to in each office.
• Ensure jurisdictional requirements and practices are met.
• Work with the Accounts Manager and the Audit and Tax Accounting Manager to ensure all regulatory audits are completed and filed in a timely manner, acting as an additional point of contact during the audits for questions or concerns.
• Oversee adherence to the Solicitors Account Rules whilst serving as the liaison between the SRA and the firm.
• Respond to the Office for National Statistics’ annual surveys (i.e., Annual Business Survey and Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings).
• Work with the Payroll Manager to ensure compliance with payroll and tax laws in London and Singapore.
• Ensure compliance with all and any tax equalisation “letters of support” requirements.
• Work with the Accounts Manager to manage all VAT reconciliations.
• Oversee internal file reviews and prepare compliance reports.
• Maintain Terms of Business and ensure updates are communicated and implemented.
• Manage compliance registers (complaints, high-risk matters, COLP and COFA notifications, breaches, declined instructions).
• Ensure DBS checks are completed and renewed in line with SRA/Law Society requirements.
• Act as the primary liaison with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies, ensuring that firm management is kept abreast of any compliance or financial issues requiring attention.
• Facilitate internal communications and information delivery to decision-makers, including partners in charge.
• Complete projects and tasks on various issues when needed; maintain flexibility as business requirements evolve.
• Identify and implement process improvements proactively.
• Collaborate with the Finance team as well as cross-functionally throughout the firm on US based projects as needed.
• Collaborate with the Payroll team to provide guidance on processing, tax or other queries relating to the processing of payroll for all London and Singapore employees.
• Lead London and Singapore compliance meetings.
• Create and distribute a monthly compliance newsletter.
• Participate in bank reconciliation meetings and be the gatekeeper for the breach register.
• Assist as back up to other team members during periods of absence or as needed.
• Assist in any ad-hoc assignments as and when they arise.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with attention to detail.
• A professional demeanour with a proven ability to coordinate and implement efficient processes.
• Ability to operate independently as well as within a team environment and perform duties which require considerable judgment, collaboration and initiative.
• The ability to problem solve, maintain composure and work well within a high pressure environment.
• Exemplary interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and interface effectively and courteously with employees of all levels within the organisation.
• Ability to handle sensitive and/or confidential matters.
• Ability to handle multiple projects with shifting priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Law, Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline.
• A recognised accounting qualification such as AAT, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent full accountancy qualification is desirable.
• A Law Society Risk and Compliance accreditation (or equivalent) is desirable.

Required Experience

• Proven experience in legal finance, accounting, compliance, risk management and financial controls within a law firm.
• Proven experience in managing the day to day duties of the COFA, MLRO and MLCO within a law firm.
• Demonstrated seniority enabling full access to financial and administrative records, with the capability to oversee compliance systems and exercise independent judgement when required.
• Solid understanding of UK and Singapore regulatory framework, including SRA regulations, Solicitors Accounts Rules, LSAG (AML), GDPR, ICO, ACRA, LSRA.
• An understanding of the specific finance and accounting principles and requirements in the UK and Singapore.
• Experience of managing teams and individuals of varying levels of skills and experience.
• Must satisfy the SRA’s “fit and proper” criteria, demonstrating integrity, honesty, and a record free from disciplinary actions, criminal offences, or conduct concerns that would raise suitability issues for appointment as COFA.

Computer Skills

• All Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Elite 3, One Source, Emburse.