Key duties and responsibilities:

• Conducting conflict searches, identifying, and resolving any conflicts and confidentiality issues, and escalating matters as appropriate;
• Identifying and verifying new clients and conducting ongoing monitoring of existing clients and analysing ownership and control and source of wealth/funds to assess AML and sanctions risks. Determining applicable CDD or EDD requirements, collecting and reviewing relevant CDD material and approving matter openings in Intapp or escalating as necessary;
• Conducting screening to identify politically exposed persons (PEPs), sanctions issues and other regulatory and reputational risks;
• Conducting and reviewing risk assessments to ensure that the appropriate risk ratings are assigned and escalation procedures are followed in high-risk scenarios;
• Assisting the finance team and others with client account queries and ensuring compliance with SRA accounts rules;
• Providing practical advice and assistance to fee-earners regarding conflicts, AML and sanctions obligations;
• Assisting in developing and the delivery of compliance training programmes to the wider firm including induction training to new joiners on the risk management department’s role and responsibilities;
• Assisting with the creation and maintenance of information barriers;
• Conducting file audits of partner matter files to review compliance with the firm’s policies, controls and procedures;
• Assisting with the maintenance of our client and matter data in Intapp; and
• Supporting the Business Acceptance Manager and Head of Business Acceptance with ad-hoc projects, as required.

This job description encompasses the main duties of the role but is not exhaustive. Responsibilities may vary from time to time in line with the needs of the department.

The candidate

The successful candidate will ideally have a minimum of 1 year’s previous experience of working as an AML & conflicts analyst at a law firm.

Technical skills:

• Working knowledge of paragraphs 6.1 - 6.5 of the SRA’s Codes of Conduct, including detailed analysis and resolution of complex conflicts and confidentiality issues;
• Working knowledge of the AML legislative regime (including the 2017 Money Laundering Regulations and the 2019 Amendment Regulations, POCA, the LSAG Guidance) including advising on CDD requirements;
• Working knowledge of sanctions regimes, PEPs and other high-risk categories; understanding of complex corporate structures, trusts and SPVs;
• Ideally a good working knowledge of Intapp Open; and
• Strong analytical, written and communication skills.

Client service and communication:

• Ability to communicate effectively with partners and others in the firm;
• Exhibits a sensibly commercial approach and is solutions focused;
• Anticipates internal client needs by understanding commercial pressures;
• Responds positively to and promotes change; and
• Demonstrates strong presentation skills and is comfortable presenting.

Application screening

Any offer of employment with us is subject to our pre-employment checks which are conducted by a third-party screening provider. These checks will be initiated with your consent, and your CV will be sent to the provider by us. The screening will include but is not limited to your employment references, professional and academic qualifications including grades and any criminal records. Your offer will be subject to the successful completion of these checks.

Our commitment to inclusion

Inclusion is one of our key priorities and it is a goal we are actively working towards. We believe that an inclusive, forward-thinking culture is intrinsically important and enables us to provide innovative solutions to our clients.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, bringing different perspectives and experiences, making Macfarlanes an exciting and stimulating place to work. We seek to recruit the best candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, social or economic background, religion, disability, sexual orientation or any other characteristic.

As part of this commitment, we will ask you certain diversity data questions. We would really appreciate you and/or your recruiter completing these questions when submitting an application to Macfarlanes as this data enables us to measure our progress and identify any actions needed to continue to support an inclusive culture. This data is anonymised to maintain the privacy of applicants. If you have any questions relating to how this data is used, please contact a member of the recruitment team.

Should you require any adjustments during the application and/or interview process, please do not hesitate to inform your recruiter or a member of the recruitment team. Please note, the job description is available in other accessible formats (for example, large print).

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who best meet the essential criteria for the role. If you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme, please email the recruitment team at recruitment@macfarlanes.com.