Senior Financial Compliance Specialist

About the Role:

We are seeking a seasoned professional to join our Compliance team as a Senior Specialist. This critical role will support the implementation and maintenance of a robust compliance program across the company.

Key Responsibilities:

• Stay up-to-date with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies, communicating changes to the business.
• Conduct compliance monitoring of the business, assessing its level of compliance with extant laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to track instances of non-compliance and ensure remedial actions are implemented.
• Support the team in coordinating regulatory audits and ensuring prompt closure of observations/findings.
• Conduct AML/CFT risk assessments of the business, its products, and services, as well as customers.
• Support the team in drafting, updating relevant AML/CFT policies, procedures, and control documents tailored to current business activities.
• Ensure AML/CFT-related regulatory reports and returns are submitted within stipulated timelines.
• Conduct due diligence reviews, including enhanced reviews for high-risk customers.
• Detect customers/partners outside our risk appetite and derisk accordingly.
• Carry out ongoing transaction monitoring to identify suspicious transactions.
• Report suspicious activities/transactions to relevant authorities.
• Conduct ongoing transaction filtering and screening.
• Develop AML/CFT training plans for staff members.
• Collaborate with HR to ensure staff members are adequately trained on compliance and AML/CFT requirements.
• Develop compliance awareness newsletters/nuggets for periodic circulation.
• Oversee risk-based periodic reviews of existing customers.
• Review and investigate incidents reported or escalated to the Compliance team.
• Support the lead in implementing a robust anti-bribery and corruption program.
• Introduce initiatives simplifying existing processes/procedures, including automation/AI.
• Support the implementation of AML/CFT control tools.
• Collaborate with the Product/Technology team to ensure AML/CFT tools function optimally.
• Continuously optimize ROI on investments in AML/CFT tools.
• Conduct compliance assessments of new products/services and updates to existing ones.
• Provide advisory services to the business on compliance matters.
• Maintain/update the Company's internal watchlist/blacklist and communicate updates.
• Promptly respond to due diligence requests from business partners/bankers.
• Perform any other exercise assigned by your supervisor.
• Support the lead in preparing periodic management information reports.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Risk Management, or relevant field.
• Member of relevant professional bodies (ACCA, CIN, ACFE, ACAMS, ACA).
• Master's degree or Professional Certifications (DCP, CAFCA, ICA, CAMS) advantageous.
• Fundamental knowledge of banking products/services, operational processes.
• Significant experience in Payment Services in major African markets (Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa).
• In-depth knowledge of AML/CFT regulations and requirements for Payment Services, Remittance, digital financial services.
• 2-6 years' experience in customer due diligence reviews/approvals, enhanced due diligence for high-risk customers.
• 2-6 years' experience in conducting investigations of incidents, red flags for AML/CFT risks.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting policies/procedures.
• Ability to conduct research/interpret regulatory provisions.
• Demonstrated ability to use work tools (Google Sheets, Slides, Notes, Excel, PowerPoint).

Desirable Experience:

• Experience working in FinTech, insurance, or financial institution.
• Strong business acumen.
• Integrity, good judgment, team player.

Benefits:

• We offer market-related compensation.
• Generous personal time off.
• Market-permitting medical/life insurance benefits.

Other Opportunities:

• A diverse and inclusive workforce.
• An extensive footprint in 10+ countries.
• The power to solve payment challenges on the continent.