Job Description

Company Description
At S&W, we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that make a difference. As one of the UK's top 10 fastest-growing accountancy firms, we have been a trusted partner since 1881--helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations.
Built on expertise and driven by ambition, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including tax and accountancy, advisory and assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring. We are defined by our purpose--to help navigate challenges, unlock potential, and achieve the extraordinary.

To support the Money Laundering Reporting Officer in ensuring that the business has systems and controls in place to satisfy legal and regulatory requirements.
As the Team Manager and Deputy MLRO you will oversee the day to day running of the firm's financial crime team and deputise for the MLRO in their absence. You will oversee regular monitoring and provide advice and recommendations on all relevant financial crime issues across all business service lines, from client due diligence to sanctions. You will support the MLRO in delivering on their regulatory obligations, including producing the MLRO annual report, financial crime risk assessments and any improvements to process and policy.
The role holder will be expected to assist the MLRO in developing the financial crime function, including acting as a point of escalation for their reports and managing the financial crime issues tracker. You will be the lead contact for the business and wider legal and compliance supporting functions as required. You will be expected to occasionally visit other UK offices.
This role can be based in a London, Liverpool or Glasgow location.
As the Financial Crime Professional Services Lead, your responsibilities will include among others

• Deputise for the MLRO in their absence
• Maintain a current knowledge of Financial Crime related legislation and guidance and make recommendations as appropriate
• Ensure that up-to-date risk assessments are documented and maintained with support from the MLRO
• Investigate and respond to Financial Crime referrals, Economic Sanctions and PEP/SOE escalations
• Assist in response preparations to Law Enforcement requests for information and Court Production Orders
• Manage the suspicious activity report submission process
• Ensure that relevant policies and procedures are kept up to date
• Review EDD for higher-risk prospects and existing clients, escalating concerns to the MLRO
• Ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to screen new and existing clients against required lists of financial sanctions targets and PEPs and ensure the review and escalation of true matches.
• Oversee testing of relevant screening systems and controls
• Ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to monitor for potential market abuse where relevant, to prevent fraudulent and money laundering suspicious activity, bribery and corruption, and the facilitation of tax evasion
• Identify, design, implement and deliver training on financial crime key competencies as required
• Investigate financial crime related escalated referrals
• Train, develop and manage direct reports and more junior members of the team

Qualifications
Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role, you should have experience

• Proven experience of 3-4 years in a similar role
• Extensive experience in a Financial Crime/Compliance role within professional services or another relevant sector
• Must be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of Anti Money Laundering and other financial crime legislation and related guidance pertaining in particular to professional services
• Good understanding of current Sanctions specifically in relation to Accountancy/Professional Services firms
• Experience in assessment and submission of Suspicions Activity Reports to NCA
• Significant experience of analysing legislation, interpreting and advising accordingly
• Relevant qualifications in financial crime prevention desirable but not essential based on experience
• Strong leadership skills

Desired

• Educated to degree level, 2:1 classification or above
• Diploma in AML or Financial Crime would be an advantage

Additional Information
As a colleague here at S&W you will have access to benefits that include

• Competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Pension contribution
• Hybrid working model (role dependent)
• Generous holiday package
• Option to purchase additional holiday
• Shared parental leave
• Fully funded training towards professional qualifications
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Eye care support

We are proud to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings, representative of society and our clients. At S&W we have a wide range of highly active employee resource groups and we're delivering multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation. It is our commitment to provide a workplace where all colleagues, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, feel respected as individuals and feel that they can achieve their full potential and work in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate for your needs throughout the application process. Please let your Recruiter know.