[Hiring] Senior Compliance Associate @Woodstock Legal Services

Role Description

Compliance sits at the heart of Woodstock Legal Services. It keeps client money safe, files moving and the firm on the right side of its regulators - and as the business grows, so does the volume and variety of that work. We are excited to create two Junior Compliance Officer roles to work alongside the Senior Compliance Associate and give the function the depth and resilience it needs.

This is not a box-ticking job. You will be close to real matters and real deadlines, helping make sure the firm operates compliantly, complex AML/KYC checks are complete, evidence is captured properly and proportionate compliance support is provided to stakeholders. You will see the full breadth of compliance in a modern legal business via routine work and fresh legal projects touching on AML, data protection, conflicts, policy etc.

Both roles share the same profile. Day-to-day focus is likely to a blend of high-risk AML/KYC, general compliance support with pre-completion escalations, data protection, SAR administration and strategic/policy and legal governance work – with cross-training across everything.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting AML/KYC administration – gathering, tracking and recording evidence, and following up on source of funds and source of wealth queries.
• Performing regular horizon scanning and taking a proactive stance in implementing the relevant outcomes.
• Supporting SAR and data protection administration, including collating evidence for data breach assessments, assisting with containment actions and notifications where required.
• Co-ordinating cyclical processes and activities.
• Preparing reports, drafting guidance notes and supporting communication on key compliance themes, performing data analysis and presenting to key stakeholders/leadership team.
• Monitoring the central Compliance inbox, maintaining registers, dashboards, trackers and compliance records accurate and up to date, so there is always a clear audit trail – open to the use of technology.
• Tracking policy reviews via a clear governance framework, and helping keep guidance, training and process documents current.
• Being a reliable first point of contact for consultants, Support, Accounts and Operations on routine compliance questions.
• Chasing outstanding items politely and persistently - a surprising amount of good compliance is simply excellent follow-through.
• Preparing higher-risk or complex matters for escalation to the Senior Compliance Associate and leadership team, with the background pulled together and ready.
• Supporting the Senior Compliance Associate with embedding a culture of compliance and establishing a compliance learning programme from scratch.
• Leading compliance projects to meet organisational goals and achieve marginal gains.

Qualifications

• Experience in a law firm or other regulated environment, especially familiarity with AML/KYC, SRA requirements and data protection basics.
• Organised: you keep lists, close loops and nothing slips through.
• Attention to detail - names, dates, figures and documents all matter here.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and navigate complex matters with limited supervision.
• A clear, warm communicator and a team player who values their autonomy.
• Completely trustworthy with confidential and sensitive information.
• Curious about how legal and regulatory in-house compliance works, and keen to build a career in it.
• Comfortable juggling several work streams and asking for help when priorities clash.

Benefits

• 33 days’ annual leave (25 + bank holidays) plus your birthday off
• Extended Christmas holiday
• Pension contribution
• Give back - support a good cause with a charity day each year
• Regular socials/team events