Senior Specialist: Compliance

Role Summary: 

As a Senior Specialist: Compliance at Cellulant, you are a critical member of the Compliance team within the Risk and Compliance division of the company. You will support the team and the company at large to ensure Compliance with relevant laws, regulations including AML/CFT.

Senior Specialist : Compliance will support the Compliance lead to implement and maintain a robust compliance program across the company.

Key Responsibilities:

• Stay abreast of relevant laws and regulations, as well as internal policies and communicate changes to the Business.
• Conduct Compliance monitoring of the Business and assess the level of Compliance with extant laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders to track instances of non-compliance and ensure remedial actions are implemented accordingly.
• Support the team in coordinating regulatory audits and ensure prompt closure of observations / findings.
• Conduct AML/CFT Risk assessment of the Business, it’s products and services, as well as customers.
• Support the team to draft, update relevant AML/CFT policies, procedures and control documents that are tailored to current business activities of Cellulant.
• Ensure AML/CFT-related regulatory reports and returns are submitted to relevant authorities within the stipulated timelines.
• Conduct due diligence reviews including enhanced review on customers, partners.
• Detect customers / partners that fall outside Cellulant’s risk appetite and derisk them accordingly.
• Carryout ongoing transaction monitoring to identify suspicious transactions.
• Report suspicious activities or transactions to relevant authorities.
• Conduct ongoing transaction filtering and screening.
• Develop AML/CFT training plan for members of Staff.
• Collaborate with HR to ensure members of Staff are adequately trained on Compliance and AML/CFT requirements.
• Develop Compliance awareness newsletters, nuggets to be circulated to members of Staff in periodic basis.
• Oversee the risk-based periodic reviews of existing customers.
• Review and investigate incidents reported or escalated to the Compliance team - including whistleblower reports, code of conduct, Conflict of Interest, etc.
• Support the Compliance lead in implementing a robust anti-bribery and Corruption program.
• Introduce initiatives that could simplify existing process and procedures including the use of automation, AI.
• Support the implementation of AML/CFT control tools.
• Collaborate with the Product and Technology team to ensure AML/CFT tools are working optimally by conducting periodic quality checks and escalating anomalies.
• Continuously strive to optimize ROI on investments in AML/CFT tools.
• Carryout Compliance assessment of new products / services and updates to existing products / services.
• Provide advisory services to the Business in Compliance matters.
• Maintain, update the Company’s internal watchlist / blacklist and communicate updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Promptly Respond to due diligence requests from business partners or bankers.
• Carryout any other exercise that may be assigned to you by your supervisor.
• Support the Compliance lead to prepare periodic Management Information reports.

Educational and Experience Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Risk Management, or any other relevant field of study.
• Member of relevant professional bodies (such as ACCA, CIN, ACFE, ACAMS, ACA, etc).
• A master's degree or Professional Certifications such as DCP, CAFCA, ICA, CAMS is an advantage.
• Knowledge of fundamental Banking products and services, including operational processes.
• Significant experience of Payment Services in major African Markets - including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, etc.
• In Depth knowledge of AML/CFT regulations and requirements as it relates to Payment Services, Remittance and digital financial services.
• 2-6 years of experience in customer due diligence reviews and approvals including enhanced due diligence for high-risk customers such as Remittance companies, PEPs, companies with complex structure, virtual assets or VASPs, Forex companies, etc.
• 2-6 years’ experience in conduct investigation of incidents especially red flags for AML/CFT risks.
• Demonstrate experience in drafting policies and procedures.
• Ability to conduct research and interpret regulatory provisions.
• Demonstrate ability to use work tools such as Google sheets, slides, notes, Excel, Powerpoint.

Experience that will count in your favor:

• Experience working in a FinTech, insurance or financial institution.
• Strong business acumen
• Integrity, Good Judgement, Team Player

Nice to have experience:

• Excellent Communication Skills
• Excellent Interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle tasks at a given time
• Problem solving

Skills:

• Presentation skills, Interpersonal skills, and Analytical skills

Personal attributes

• Integrity, Good Judgement, Team Player