AML Manager

Shepherd and Wedderburn are currently recruiting for an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Manager to join their AML team based in Edinburgh. The successful candidate will work with the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) and Head of AML to ensure the firm’s ongoing compliance with AML legislation and guidance;

The role

• To proactively assist the Head of AML in managing the AML Team on a daily basis, ensuring the team’s workload is carried out effectively, efficiently, accurately and timeously;
• To work with the MLRO and Head of AML to ensure that the firm’s AML policies, procedures and risk assessments are compliant with current AML legislation and guidance, appropriately documented, and kept up-to-date;
• To work with the MLRO and Head of AML to develop new AML procedures and improve current procedures where appropriate;
• To liaise as required with the firm's wider risk and compliance function, including where appropriate the firm's Head of Risk and Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP);
• To keep up-to-date with developments in AML legislation and guidance and ensure that relevant information is communicated effectively to fee earners and staff;
• To strive for continuous improvement by identifying, designing and actioning changes to AML policies, controls and procedures as required (at the appropriate level) and ensuring they are documented accordingly;
• To provide firm-wide or departmental training on AML legislation, policies and processes when required;
• To assist the MLRO and Head of AML in ensuring that members of the AML Team are appropriately trained to a standard required for them to perform their role effectively, to include:
  • Performing annual appraisals for direct reports when requested;
  • Identifying AML training requirements and organising training as and when necessary;
  • Assisting with recruitment for the AML Team as appropriate.
• To develop and improve procedures for effective client and matter management on the firm’s practice management system as required;
• To ensure the AML Team works effectively and collaboratively with the firm’s Cashroom, wider finance team, risk teams as a whole as well as the fee earner community;
• To assist the MLRO and Head of AML with investigating reports of suspicious activity and assisting with the preparation of any reports required to relevant authorities;
• To monitor the operation of the firm’s Source of Funds and Wealth procedures and ensure that appropriate procedures are in place to effectively monitor transfers and receipts of client funds;
• To ensure that the firm has effective client and matter risk assessment procedures;
• To undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the MLRO or Head of AML.

Person Specification

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a similar compliance/risk role
• Previous experience of managing, supervising and supporting a team
• Enthusiasm, accuracy and a sharp eye for detail
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work under pressure, to strict deadlines, and to exercise initiative.
• Ability to solve problems in a practical and methodical way
• Leadership, problem solving, analytical skills
• Process documentation and improvement skills
• Excellent customer service attitude
• Strong competency in Word and Excel
• Willingness to take responsibility for decisions
• A good working knowledge of AML legislation and AML guidance relevant to law firms is desirable. Alternatively you must have a commitment and willingness to learn and devote time to acquiring this knowledge.
• Previous experience of working in a law firm, other professional firm, or financial environment.

We are looking for someone who is flexible and reliable, who can motivate and support team members, who has a pro-active “can-do” attitude and a drive to succeed.