Senior Compliance Manager

Job Description:

Senior Compliance Manager

Are you an experienced compliance leader with a passion for maintaining the highest standards of regulatory integrity and operational excellence? Do you have the expertise to oversee complex compliance matters while supporting the growth and quality standards of a top-tier professional services firm? Join our client, a leading accounting and advisory firm with a team of dedicated professionals. We are committed to delivering exceptional compliance oversight, supporting client growth, and offering a platform for advancing your career in compliance management.

A well-established audit, advisory, and compliance firm based in Aberdeen. With a team of professionals, we deliver bespoke compliance, audit, and advisory solutions to our diverse client base. As a forward-thinking organisation, we embrace innovation, collaboration, and continuous professional development to ensure success for both our team and clients.

The Opportunity:

As a Senior Compliance Manager, you will have the opportunity to:

• Lead and manage the firm’s overall compliance function, ensuring adherence to regulatory frameworks such as AML, GDPR, and auditing standards.
• Shape and influence the firm’s compliance strategy, ensuring ongoing process improvements and external regulatory requirements are met.
• Oversee key areas such as AML, MLRO responsibilities, engagement letters, audit standards, client monies, GDPR compliance, and ethics, while reporting directly to the partner group.
• Take ownership of key quality management processes, including cold reviews, root cause analysis, and the System of Quality Management (SOQM).
• Build and nurture relationships with external reviewers and regulatory bodies.
• Support and mentor junior professionals and contribute to their leadership development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Compliance Leadership:
• Lead the firm’s compliance efforts across areas including AML, GDPR, audit standards, and regulatory frameworks. Ensure strict adherence to professional standards and legal regulations.
• AML & MLCO:
• Act as the MLCO and oversee the firm’s anti-money laundering policies, ensuring full compliance and that AML reporting is conducted effectively.
• Audit Quality Management:
• Oversee the cold review process, ensure continuous improvement through root cause analysis, and take ownership of the firm’s System of Quality Management (SOQM). Ensure compliance with audit standards such as ISAs and ICAS guidelines.
• External Reviews & Relationships:
• Build and manage relationships with external reviewers and regulatory bodies. Ensure Practice Assurance and Audit Compliance reviews are carried out, with a focus on process improvements.
• GDPR & Data Protection:
• Oversee the firm’s GDPR compliance in collaboration with the Data Protection Officer (DPO). Ensure data protection protocols are followed and coordinate GDPR audits, reporting, and staff training.
• Client Monies & Investment Business:
• Oversee the management of client monies and ensure FCA compliance for investment business activities.
• Ethics & Independence:
• Ensure the firm adheres to ethical guidelines, including regular independence assessments and compliance with ICAS’s Code of Ethics.
• Engagement Letters:
• Manage the preparation and compliance of engagement letters, ensuring they meet regulatory standards.
• Annual Compliance & Certifications:
• Oversee annual compliance processes, including Fit and Proper certifications and independence declarations.
• CPD Management:
• Coordinate and manage Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for all qualified staff and those in senior leadership positions. Oversee the annual CPD collation and review process to ensure compliance with ICAS standards.
• Process Improvement:
• Lead ongoing process improvements in compliance areas, ensuring the firm remains aligned with evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Strategic Leadership and Compliance Development:

• Collaborate closely with senior management to define the firm’s compliance strategy and drive growth through regulatory excellence.
• Lead the development and implementation of new compliance initiatives, including quality management systems, process automation, and compliance technologies.
• Participate in the strategic planning of compliance-related projects, ensuring they align with the firm’s long-term objectives.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Strong working knowledge of UK compliance regulations, including AML, GDPR, audit standards, and ethical requirements.
• Professional qualification such as ACA/ACCA/CA or compliance-related certification (e.g., ICA, ICAEW, or similar).
• Proven experience in managing compliance functions, overseeing audit quality, and handling relationships with external regulatory bodies.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with a track record of driving process improvements and managing teams.
• Strong organisational and strategic skills, with experience in coordinating CPD and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The Senior Compliance Manager Role

This role offers a unique opportunity for an accomplished compliance professional to take on a leadership position, shaping the firm’s compliance strategy, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, and driving process improvements. If you are passionate about compliance, process excellence, and fostering a culture of integrity, we invite you to apply and join our dynamic team.