KYC Assistant - FTC Contract

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is seeking a KYC Assistant for our Basingstoke office on a fixed term contract. You will support the review and screening of new clients and matters, and help obtain and review KYC material for AML and regulatory purposes.

You will use various resources to verify identities, identify owners and controllers of corporate clients, and screen for risk factors. The role requires accuracy, IT literacy, and strong communication, within a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• Proven accuracy with good attention to detail.
• IT literate and proficient with common software.
• Clear, effective communication at all levels.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise tasks.
• Works well as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Process and review all new and amended clients and matters.
• Obtain and review KYC materials to verify client identities.
• Screen client and matter parties for PEP, sanction, and other risk factors.
• Elevate concerns and deactivate matters where KYC is inadequate or risk is not mitigated.
• Undertake research to support risk assessment of new clients and matters.
• Contact clients to obtain information and documents as necessary.
• Liaise with fee earners and support staff as required.
• Maintain KYC and risk records in firm systems.
• Assist with Best Practice Enquiry 'Triage' process and related duties.
• Participate in training and self-development as required.

Skills

Attention to detail

IT literate

Good communication

Team player

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a KYC assistant to join our Basingstoke office on a fixed term contract basis and work in a team responsible for reviewing and screening new clients and new matters and to assist in obtaining and reviewing ‘know your client’ (KYC) material as necessary for various risk management and regulatory purposes, including as required by anti-money laundering legislation.

Responsibilities

• To process and review all new / amended clients and matters as opened by the firm.
• To obtain and review KYC materials using available applications, online resources and hard copy documents in order to verify the identity of individual clients and to identify the owners and controllers of corporate or organisation clients.
• To use available resources to screen client and matter parties for PEP status,
• sanctioned status and for other risk factors as our screening tools allow, and to elevate concerns as appropriate.
• To deactivate matters where KYC is inadequate or where risk factors have not been adequately mitigated and to inform fee earners as appropriate.
• To undertake research as requested in order to assist the Best Practice team in determining whether risk factors associated with new clients and matters are acceptable.

• To contact clients to obtain information and documents as necessary
• To liaise with fee-earning and support staff as necessary.
• To assist with the keeping of KYC and general risk records using the firm’s systems, as directed.
• To assist with the Best Practice Enquiry ‘Triage’ process as requested
• To assist the Best Practice team as appropriate and to perform other duties as reasonably required
• To undertake training when required and being responsible for self-development

Essential & Desirable Criteria

• Proven accuracy with good attention to detail
• IT Literate
• Good communications skills at all levels.
• Able to work under pressure and to prioritise where necessary
• Able to work as part of a team

The firm operates a hybrid agile working policy allowing employees to work from home (or another UK location) for at least 50% of their time. Individuals can also apply for other flexible working options either at the time of recruitment or during the course of their employment.

We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact [e-mail]