Financial Crime Compliance / KYC Manager - 15-month FTC

Saffery; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK accounting firm is seeking a Financial Crime Compliance/KYC Manager for a 15-month fixed-term contract. This role involves overseeing KYC operations and leading a dedicated team to ensure compliance with AML regulations. Ideal candidates will have experience in Professional Services and possess strong leadership skills. The position offers flexible working arrangements and a competitive salary package.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Competitive salary

Profit sharing plan

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Experience at Manager level or strong Assistant Manager ready for a new challenge.
• Deep expertise in CDD/EDD processes.
• Knowledge of AML regulations and CDD procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead AML/KYC operations and guide a dedicated team.
• Ensure compliance with KYC policies and procedures.
• Approve client relationships and conduct Enhanced Due Diligence.

Skills

Leadership

KYC Compliance

AML Regulations

Risk Assessment

Team Management

Client Relationships

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience in Professional Services

Job description

Financial Crime Compliance/KYC Manager - 15-month FTC

Step into a Leadership Role in AML/KYC

We're offering an exciting opportunity for a seasoned KYC/AML professional to take the lead in a fast-paced, high-impact environment. As a Manager and team leader, you'll oversee the day-to-day execution of AML/KYC procedures while guiding and mentoring a small, dedicated team.

This 15-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover) is your chance to take on new challenges, sharpen your leadership skills, and gain deeper insight into managing AML/KYC responsibilities in a top 15 accounting firm.

We're looking for someone with proven experience at Manager level. However, if you're currently an Assistant Manager with 3+ years of experience and are ready to take your next step on the career ladder, we want to hear from you.

The role

Take the Lead in KYC & AML Operations. We're seeking a detail-driven leader to steer the day-to-day KYC and ongoing monitoring processes, working closely with the FCC's leadership team. This is a hands-on role with real impact—perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and manages a busy workload with precision.

As a Manager, you'll be at the core of a wide range of CDD responsibilities, including:

• Driving compliance: Ensure firm-wide KYC policies and procedures are applied consistently across new or existing clients.
• Making critical decisions: Approve new business relationships and the continuation of existing ones, including limited mandates to approve EDD risk triggers/clients.
• Being the go-to expert: Act as a key contact for the business, enabling timely and high-quality CDD/KYC completion and query resolution.
• Empowering your team: Build capability, share knowledge, and support career growth.
• Staying ahead: Keep up with evolving AML regulations and industry best practices.
• Innovation: Support tech-driven improvements that boost efficiency without compromising compliance. (Saffery will implement a new KYC system during the FTC, and involvement in the roll-out will be an important aspect of the role.)
• Improving processes: Identify opportunities to streamline and enhance service delivery.
• Inspiring confidence: Build strong stakeholder relationships and establish yourself as a trusted, empowering leader.

The team

The FCC team is well-established and led by the firm's MLRO and Deputy MLRO, both of whom oversee the function full-time. The team currently comprises 17 staff members.

The office

Our London office is situated in the City and hosts over 40 partners and 400 staff members.

You

The successful candidate will have experience within Professional Services, ideally in an accountancy firm, with extensive knowledge of AML regulations and their application to CDD procedures. We are seeking an experienced Manager but will consider highly skilled Assistant Managers ready for their next challenge.

The candidate will have:

• Deep CDD/EDD expertise—familiar with complex client structures (Trusts, Estates, Private Clients, Corporate Groups) and understanding associated risks, ideally from an accounting or professional services background.
• Regulatory precision—confidence in applying CDD procedures, ensuring compliance and timely, high-quality outputs.
• Risk awareness—ability to assess client risk holistically, including AML and other factors, and escalate appropriately.
• Sector knowledge—understanding of the services offered and related risk management requirements.
• People skills—strong communication skills, relationship-building with client-facing teams and colleagues, and collaborative mindset.
• Leadership experience—ability to lead teams, nurture talent, and support others' growth.

Salary/benefits

• 35-hour working week
• Eligibility for Profit Sharing Plan
• Flexible working arrangements (post-probation)
• Work from home allowance (£25/month)
• Competitive salary
• Discretionary end-of-contract bonus (FTC)
• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical insurance (post-probation)
• Flexible benefits including holiday trading, health screening, critical illness, dental, optical
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Interest-free season ticket loan (post-probation)
• Contributory pension scheme (employer 5%)
• Three-month probationary period

The organisation

Saffery is a firm of chartered accountants and business advisers with over 80 partners and 1,000 staff across nine UK offices, plus Ireland, Guernsey, Switzerland, and UAE. We value excellence, integrity, and a client-partner approach, emphasizing training and development, evidenced by our Investors in People accreditation and consistent recognition as a top employer.

About us

Founded in 1855, Saffery LLP is the UK's 15th largest accountancy firm, providing a range of services including audit, tax, and advisory. As part of Nexia International, we connect clients to a global network of firms across 120 countries.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We prioritize ED&I through initiatives like Everyone Belongs, fostering a positive, inclusive culture where all backgrounds are valued. We encourage applications from diverse candidates, believing that individual differences strengthen our collective success.