Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Project Implementation Manager

Location:

Belfast

Workplace:

Hybrid

The opportunity:

The Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Project Implementation Manager will To join our highly-regarded AML/Know Your Client (KYC) Compliance team at Baker McKenzie Global Services in Belfast. Our team is responsible for conducting essential global KYC activities, including AML and sanctions screening, beneficial ownership research, risk assessment, document verification for new and existing client and matter registrations, ongoing monitoring, periodic reviews, and foreign activations.

We are looking for a manager-level subject matter expert to support an upcoming project aimed at reviewing our current global Anti-Money Laundering (AML) baseline standards. This role involves understanding global regulatory requirements, identifying supporting technologies, and making recommendations for enhancements to our services, with a specific focus on helping local offices meet their AML obligations.

The role-holder will act as one of two subject matter experts and serve as the primary point of contact for the project. They will work closely with the AML Service Owner and the NBI lead/Office of General Counsel to develop and execute a detailed project plan. This includes making recommendations based on outreach and discussions with local offices.

Additionally, the role will involve helping local offices meet their audit requirements by establishing standardized processes, outlining roles and responsibilities, and collating and sharing relevant documentation to assist with regulator requests.

Working at Baker McKenzie:

Baker McKenzie is the world’s leading law firm with offices all over the world. Our Belfast Centre is home to over 400 colleagues in both legal and professional services.

We offer one of the best workplace benefits packages in the business with comprehensive private health cover, income protection, life assurance and a full employee assistance plan. These and a host of other benefits make us one of the most desirable companies to work for in Belfast.

We are committed to promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity for all and are confident we can provide a career as individual and as exceptional as you.

About the role:

As part of this role, the successful candidate will:

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Project team, AML Service Owner, NBI Global Process Owner, and Office of General Counsel to understand the breadth of the project and build out and deliver a thorough plan to enhance AML services to the local offices, thereby mitigating the risk of non-compliance with AML regulations
• Conduct outreach with local offices to understand the current processes, volumes, technology, and resources regarding AML in their jurisdiction
• Ensure that this outreach is completed satisfactorily by building strong and trusted relationships with key stakeholders
• Collaborate with the project team to create and maintain project plans and required trackers to provide regular progress updates to key team members
• Understand local regulations, documenting consistencies and differences across jurisdictions
• Review outreach findings, understand regulations, and identify areas for improvement and enhancements at both a local and global level
• Conduct a review of available data sources, making recommendations on which to use on a go-forward basis, including cost analysis
• Make recommendations on potential data storage systems, liaising with the Data Privacy Counsel and Technology team as required, to facilitate document storage, sharing, and retention to reduce duplication of efforts across local offices
• Assist with developing potential implementation proposals for local vs global standards of AML screening
• Help to design implementation plan including resources and technology required, roll out, and communications plan
• Assist with implementation including, but not limited to, testing of technology, liaising with vendors, recruitment, and training of in-market or center-based resources
• Provide audit support to local offices including; understanding regulatory requirements, collating and sharing relevant documentation, and potential outreach to other offices to facilitate document collection
• Develop a scalable and repeatable process for AML audit support services to be offered by the Global AML team

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree desirable
• A recognized AML/Compliance qualification is desirable but not essential
• Proven experience of working in a professional services environment with a focus on AML/KYC
• AML/KYC SME with strong knowledge and understanding of AML/CTF/Sanctions regulations and requirements, and financial crime risks associated with the range of services in the legal industry
• Experience with AML/KYC/Due Diligence processes, vendors, and systems
• Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Must have good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and other productivity tools (Intapp knowledge is an advantage)
• Able to manage processes efficiently, with accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to contribute ideas for process improvements and adapt easily to procedural changes
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
• Strong decision-making capabilities
• Team player adaptable to a fast-paced and changing environment
• Good planning, time management, and prioritization skills
• Able to work well independently
• Flexible to work a reasonable shifting schedule is required
• Positivity and the adoption of a solution-based approach in all aspects of work