Senior Manager Financial Crime Risk Management CDD Periodic Review

EY and Risk Management; Belfast; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A consultative firm is seeking a Senior Manager (Associate Director) in Belfast to lead the Financial Crime Risk Management team. This role involves operational leadership, driving process improvements, and providing AML/KYC expertise. The ideal candidate will have over 2 years of senior management experience in a related field, strong leadership skills, and a focus on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years in a senior management role within professional or financial services.
• Experience in KYC/CDD compliance function with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong decision-making skills and ability to discuss risk-based arguments.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations and performance of the Belfast CDD team.
• Lead a junior team to deliver exceptional results.
• Drive process optimisation and AI-enabled initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance on AML/KYC challenges.
• Engage stakeholders and build strong relationships across Service Lines.

Skills

Leadership and interpersonal skills

AML/KYC expertise

Process improvement skills

Change management

Communication and influencing skills

Education

Relevant financial crime qualification (ICA or CAMS)

Job description

Senior Manager (Associate Director) – Financial Crime Risk Management (CDD Periodic Review)

Location: Belfast
Team: Risk Management Client Due Diligence (CDD)
Level: Senior Manager / Associate Director

About EY and Risk Management

EY Risk Management is responsible for delivering exceptional client service while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and protecting the EY brand. Our central Client Due Diligence (CDD) team supports UK, Ireland, and Channel Islands engagement teams with client onboarding and ongoing monitoring, prioritising the management of financial crime risks such as money laundering, terrorist financing, bribery, corruption, sanctions evasion, and fraud.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Manager to lead and drive performance within our CDD Periodic Review team in Belfast. This leadership role requires inspiring a large team, ensuring operational excellence, and delivering continuous improvement across processes, technology, and people. You will also serve as a trusted subject‑matter expert in AML/KYC, providing technical guidance and challenging ineffective processes and policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Manage day‑to‑day operations and performance of the Belfast CDD team, ensuring quality output and adherence to SLAs.
• People Leadership: Lead and inspire a relatively junior team to deliver exceptional results.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive process optimisation, automation, and AI‑enabled initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Technical Expertise: Serve as a sounding board for complex AML/KYC challenges, providing clear risk‑based rationales and guidance.
• Delegated Approvals: Take delegated responsibility from 2nd Line for client risk factor approvals and escalates issues to MLRO and Financial Crime teams when necessary.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with Service Lines and EY Partners through clear communication and impactful conversations.
• Change Management: Lead multiple change projects simultaneously, ensuring successful delivery and adoption.
• Governance & Reporting: Oversee production and analysis of Management Information to monitor performance and identify improvement opportunities.

Skills and Attributes for Success

• Proven ability to lead large operational teams with strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Subject‑matter expertise in AML/KYC, with a capacity to challenge processes and provide technical solutions.
• Demonstrated experience in process improvement, automation, and AI projects to drive efficiency.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, capable of engaging senior stakeholders and inspiring teams.
• Track record of managing significant change initiatives in a fast‑paced and matrixed environment.
• Resilience and adaptability, thriving under pressure while maintaining focus on quality and deadlines.

To Qualify for the Role You Must Have

• At least 2 years in a senior management role within professional or financial services.
• Experience in a regulated firm’s KYC/CDD compliance function, including leadership responsibilities.
• Proven experience in leading process improvement and technology‑driven initiatives (automation, AI).
• Ability to act as a technical SME and escalation point for AML/KYC matters.
• Strong decision‑making skills with the ability to provide substantiated risk‑based arguments.
• Ideally holding a relevant financial crime qualification such as ICA or CAMS.

What We Look For

A dynamic people leader with deep AML/KYC expertise, a continuous improvement mindset, and the ability to inspire teams while driving operational excellence. You will combine technical knowledge with strategic thinking and interpersonal skills to deliver exceptional results.

Employment Details

Employment Type: Contract

Vacancy: 1

If you meet the criteria and are ready to make an impact, apply now and join us in building a better working world.