Senior Associate, Forensic Accounting - Cryptocurrency

Forensic Risk Alliance; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading forensic accounting consultancy in London is seeking a Subject Matter Expert in cryptocurrency to drive investigations and compliance initiatives. The candidate should have at least three years of experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in blockchain technologies. This role offers a chance to engage with innovative cryptocurrency projects while contributing to AML efforts.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of relevant cryptocurrency industry experience.
• Experience conducting cryptocurrency investigations and flow of funds analysis.
• Strong understanding of compliance and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cryptocurrency and blockchain investigations.
• Leverage blockchain analytics for transaction tracing.
• Communicate results to clients and colleagues.

Skills

Cryptocurrency industry experience

Blockchain analytics

Attention to detail

Analytic capabilities

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Chainalysis

Tableau

SQL

Job description

We are looking for a Subject Matter Expert in cryptocurrency who seeks an exciting, long-term career opportunity at one of the most highly-respected forensic accounting, investigations, and compliance consultancies in the world. This individual has a genuine interest in all things cryptocurrency, including blockchain forensic analysis, investigations, Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions compliance.

Successful individuals in this field have a comprehensive understanding of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and cryptocurrency asset transaction tracing and analytics. They also have an understanding of fraud and money laundering typologies and experience conducting forensic investigations. This position requires a skillset in the identification of cryptocurrency financial crime risks and threats, and the ability to work in FRA's Cryptocurrency Investigations and Compliance team.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• This position will support the team driving our Cryptocurrency Investigations and Compliance group. The wide range of responsibilities include:
• Conduct cryptocurrency and blockchain investigations, including flow of funds investigations, fraud schemes, asset misappropriation, market manipulation, and sanctions evasion.
• Leverage blockchain analytics to perform transaction tracing to determine the source, destination and use of funds.
• Collaborate with FRA teams on cryptocurrency topics for client alerts and thought leadership.
• Balance multiple projects and responsibilities and track progress against work plans, highlighting potential issues to middle/senior management.
• Prepare documents, workpapers, and supporting materials that articulate the investigative steps performed.
• Communicate results with clients and colleagues in written and oral form, including drafting reports and presentations.
• Help advise various types of cryptocurrency and FinTech businesses regarding AML (e.g., Know Your Customer (KYC), Transaction Monitoring, Suspicious Activity Reporting), Sanctions, and anti-bribery and corruption program requirements.
• Proactively build and maintain relationships with industry and service provider contacts to use as sources of future business development and networking.
• Display a keen interest in technology across the financial crime space and support senior team members in driving developments and innovation to enhance the Cryptocurrency Investigations and Compliance practice.
• Be familiar with emerging crypto/Web3 trends, particularly those of non-banks and fintechs.
• Collaborate with engagement teams in assessing AML, sanctions, and fraud risks associated with crypto/Web3 business models, to align with best practice and regulatory requirements.
• Stay up to date with the latest technology and regulatory requirements through independent research of BSA/AML related regulations, FinCEN/Federal Reserve Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), and FFIEC BSA/AML Exam Manual.
• Assist in developing cryptocurrency investigation and compliance training for the FRA team.
• Support the research required in the preparation of pitches and proposals and support the firm in its business development and marketing activities.

Required Skills & Experience

• A minimum of three years of relevant cryptocurrency industry experience.
• Experience conducting cryptocurrency and traditional money laundering investigations, including flow of funds analysis.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, cyber forensics, finance, economics, mathematics, engineering, or related field required.
• Demonstrate experience in business, strategic planning, and managing client relationships.
• Demonstrate evidence of analytic capabilities.
• Experience in blockchain analytics and transaction tracing tools (Chainalysis, TRM Labs, Elliptic, or others). Chainalysis Reactor, TRM Labs, or equivalent Certification preferred.
• Demonstrate evidence of cryptocurrency ecosystem knowledge to include an understanding of blockchain and smart contract technologies, the underlying blockchain architecture, and uses of cryptocurrency and DeFi.
• Strong understanding of the compliance and regulatory frameworks applicable to financial institutions with an emphasis on FinCEN regulations and FFIEC guidelines.
• Desire and effort to keep abreast of the latest global regulatory changes facing the cryptocurrency industry, as well as the evolving cryptocurrency crime trends.
• Highly advanced ability to conduct high-quality reviews and investigations independently.
• Highly advanced organizational skills and initiative to be proactive in individual and team environments.
• Expert proficiency in using computer programs with the full suite of Office software applications, with an emphasis on Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent writing skills.
• Demonstrate experience of managing and prioritizing own workload effectively to manage concurrent and conflicting deadlines.
• Proven track record of establishing credibility with clients and senior stakeholders quickly and successfully managing ongoing client relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, strong work ethic, attention to detail, and an inquiring mind.
• Involvement in innovation and thought leadership in Cryptocurrency Investigations and Compliance practice.
• Ability and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally, if required.
• Experience working with data analysis platforms (Tableau, PowerBI, SQL, or Python preferred) and large datasets.

FRA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring the most qualified candidates based on skills, experience, and potential. Employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable local, national, and international laws.