AML/CTF Compliance Team Leader

Clayton Utz; Sydney; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid parental leave

AIA Vitality partnership discounts

Additional leave options

Job summary

Clayton Utz is seeking an experienced AML/CTF Compliance Team Leader to join our National Risk & Compliance team in Sydney. You will lead a team of Analysts, work closely with the AML/CTF Compliance Officer, and shape the firm’s AML/CTF program to meet regulatory obligations.

You will oversee day-to-day activities, drive continuous improvement, provide SME guidance, and ensure effective client due diligence, monitoring, and reporting to AUSTRAC.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in an AML/CTF compliance role.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong understanding of AUSTRAC requirements and AML/CTF legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of AML/CTF Compliance Analysts, overseeing workflows, allocating tasks and setting priorities.
• Provide guidance on identifying and escalating potential risks, and facilitate training to build a strong compliance culture.
• Manage and triage client due diligence requests, including enhanced due diligence, and oversee ongoing monitoring of client relationships and transactions.
• Assist the AML/CTF Compliance Officer with the continuous improvement of the firm's AML/CTF program, policies, procedures and controls.
• Act as a subject matter expert and first point of contact for stakeholders on AML/CTF program application and compliance.
• Conduct controls, quality assurance and monitoring of AML/CTF processes, and maintain accurate registers and records.
• Report to senior management and AUSTRAC and stay updated on changes in AML/CTF legislation.

Skills

Team leadership

AML/CTF compliance

Risk assessment

Stakeholder management

Training & mentoring

Education

Law, business or finance degree

Job description

The Opportunity Clayton Utz is looking for an experienced AML/CTF Compliance Team Leader to join our National Risk & Compliance team, based in Sydney. In this role, you'll play a key part in the firm's Anti‑Money Laundering and Counter‑Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) program, leading a team of Analysts and working closely with our AML/CTF Compliance Officer to ensure the firm meets its regulatory obligations. This is a great opportunity for an experienced compliance professional who is ready to take the next step in their career and help shape the future of our AML/CTF program.

What You’ll Do

As Team Leader, you'll oversee the day-to-day work of our AML/CTF Compliance Analysts, while also contributing to the ongoing development and continuous improvement of our compliance program, and acting as a subject matter expert for stakeholders across the firm.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include:

• Lead and manage a team of AML/CTF Compliance Analysts, overseeing workflows, allocating tasks and setting priorities, and supporting their performance and development.
• Provide guidance to the team on identifying and escalating potential risks, and facilitate training to build a strong culture of compliance awareness.
• Manage and triage client due diligence requests, including enhanced due diligence, and oversee ongoing monitoring of client relationships and transactions.
• Assist the AML/CTF Compliance Officer with the continuous improvement of the firm's AML/CTF program, policies, procedures and controls.
• Act as a subject matter expert and first point of contact for stakeholders on the application of, and compliance with, the AML/CTF program.
• Conduct controls, quality assurance and monitoring of AML/CTF processes, and maintain accurate registers and records.
• This will include reporting for senior management and AUSTRAC.
• Stay across changes in AML/CTF legislation and regulatory requirements, ensuring the firm's compliance framework remains current and effective.

What We’re Looking For

• Tertiary qualifications in law, business, finance, or a related field.
• At least 5 years' experience in an AML/CTF compliance role, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Practical experience with client due diligence, ongoing monitoring and quality assurance, and a solid understanding of AUSTRAC requirements and AML/CTF legislation.
• Experience leading a team, including managing workloads, timeframes, priorities and people matters.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to uncover insights and drive improvements.
• Confidence building relationships and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.

Why Join Clayton Utz?

At Clayton Utz, we're more than just a law firm – we're a community that values our people and their contributions. When you join us, you'll enjoy: World‑class infrastructure and resources to keep your skills sharp and ahead of the curve, including leading AI platforms, Harvey and Claude. A focus on health and wellbeing, with initiatives to support your physical and mental health, including lifestyle and gym membership discounts via our partnership with AIA Vitality. Up to 26 weeks' paid parental leave, with flexibility over two years, plus paid superannuation. The option to purchase up to 4 weeks of additional leave annually.

About Us

Clayton Utz is one of Australia's oldest and largest independent commercial law firms, with a proud history and a forward‑thinking approach. With offices in six cities and over 1,700 employees, we're committed to excellence, innovation, and making a difference. If you're ready to take the next step in your career and lead a high‑performing compliance team, we'd love to hear from you.

Accessibility and Inclusion

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier‑free recruitment process. For more information on Clayton Utz, please visit www.claytonutz.com or follow us on LinkedIn here.

As Australia’s leading independent law firm, our culture has been built by innovative thinkers. They are the driving force behind our firm and if you choose to be part of the team your expectations will be challenged every step of the way. As part of this innovative team you will be working across major national, government, and global clients, all while collaborating with some of the sharpest legal minds in the industry. Clayton Utz has also been a powerful force in Australian pro bono practice, striving to deliver justice for those who need it and not just those who can afford it. In your time here you’ll be constantly surprised by the projects you do and what you can accomplish. We’re looking for individuals who will thrive under our spirit of independence. Built around independent thinkers we believe surrounding ourselves with dynamic, ambitious and collaborative individuals is key to creating an environment of success. In return we're committed to fostering a career path that's unique to each individual. Imagine what you could achieve at a top law firm that actually values independent thinking. Are you up for the challenge? We are committed to an inclusive culture in which all of our people are recognised for their unique contributions and are encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential.

Pro bono is a fundamental part of Clayton Utz.

The traditional legal career path is evolving. By consulting with us you can expand your experience, develop your skill set and work on a variety of assignments with top‑tier organisations in a range of sectors.