Head of Risk & Compliance

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join our team as Head of Risk &Compliance and also act as the firm'sMoney Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO). Our firm Myerson is a Top 200 UK Law Firm as recognised by The Lawyer. We are proud to be ranked Top Tier by The Legal 500, commended by The Times Best Law Firms 2019 and 2023. We are one of the largest independent law firms in the North West, a bold claim we are proud to make because its been hard won. No instant growth through acquisition or merger. Instead, growth earned from our day-to-day endeavours, an entrepreneurial approach to doing business and a rock-solid reputation. We recruit staff who are motivated by our core values and have an affinity to our collegiate and independent ethos. In September 2024 Myerson became a 100% employee-owned business. We are incredibly proud to be the first law firm in the Manchester market to make this positive step. Being employee owned means we have taken steps to safeguard ourindependence, stability and people first culture for years to come. The role This is a new role, and is pivotal in ensuring the firms compliance with regulatory and legal requirements, maintaining our professional integrity, and managing risk effectively. The list of responsibilities for this role is significant. Whilst not an exhaustive list, the following key duties will give some insight into the opportunity on offer: Develop, implement, and maintain the Firms compliance framework, ensuring adherence to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations. Act as a key advisor to the COLP and the Board on compliance-related matters. Monitor changes in relevant legislation and regulations, ensuring the Firm remains up to date and compliant, including general statutory and regulatory issues. Maintain and monitor the Firms risk registers. Conduct regular internal audits and risk assessments to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions. Draft, review, and update policies and procedures to ensure best practices in compliance. Oversee and manage the complaints process for the Firm and liaise with the Legal Ombudsman and SRA concerning any relevant matters. Serve as the Firms MLRO, responsible for overseeing compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) legislation, including the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations. Investigate and assess internal reports of suspicious activity, deciding whether to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with the National Crime Agency (NCA). Provide guidance and training to staff on AML requirements and their obligations. Conduct AML risk assessments and ensure the effective implementation of client due diligence (CDD) measures. Work closely with the COLP, COFA and other stakeholders to identify, assess, and mitigate statutory, regulatory and operational risks. Oversee the management of compliance breaches, ensuring appropriate reporting and remediation actions. Prepare and present regular compliance and AML reports to the COLP and Board, highlighting key risks, trends, and areas requiring attention. Act as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies, including the SRA and NCA, on compliance matters. Design and deliver training programs to ensure all staff understand their compliance and AML responsibilities. Implement training issues that might flow from complaints that are received, both Firm wide and individual departments. Foster a culture of compliance and ethical practice across the Firm Who we are looking for We are looking for a confident, motivated and capable individual who exhibits high levels of personal and professional integrity. The successful candidate will be educated to degree level andhave a significant amount of experience working in a compliance role within a professional services envirnonment, ideally at a law firm. Extensive knowledge of SRA Standards and Regulations, AML legislation and other relevant regulatory frameworks is essential. We are looking for someone with excellent communication skills as there will be a requirement toeffectively liaise with a variety of key stakeholders across the firm as well as deliver firmwide training. An analystical mindset, sharp attention to detail, entrepeneurial spiritand the ability to contribute towards positive change are all important attributes that we are looking out for. Benefits include: Generous annual leave, day off on your birthday, private healthcare, discretionary bonus scheme, smart working, flexible working hours, health and wellbeing contribution, regular team and firmwide socials, volunteer day, milestone awards, death in service scheme, a contributory pension scheme, genuine career progression and both technical and professional learning and development programmes. Myerson are strong advocates of a successful work/life balance and proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. We welcome applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds with the same ethos, passion and enthusiasm. ADZN1_UKTJ

Location: West Timperley, GB

Posted Date: 1/9/2025