AML/KYC Quality Control and Testing Specialist

Northern Trust; Ireland; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Trust in Ireland is seeking an AML/KYC Quality Control and Testing Specialist to ensure compliance with AML/KYC regulations. The successful candidate will execute quality control reviews and control testing activities, identifying issues and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with various teams. Candidates must have relevant experience and a university degree, along with excellent communication abilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in AML/KYC Operations, Quality Assurance, or Financial Crime Compliance.
• Strong understanding of Customer Due Diligence and Enhanced Due Diligence.
• Experience producing management reporting and presenting outcomes clearly.

Responsibilities

• Perform risk-based quality control reviews of AML/KYC files.
• Execute testing of AML/KYC controls for compliance.
• Evaluate the completeness of customer due diligence documentation.
• Identify and communicate testing findings and control weaknesses.
• Contribute to governance reporting including quality metrics.

Skills

AML/KYC regulations understanding

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

University degree or relevant experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

AML/KYC Quality Control and Testing Specialist

Northern Trust is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented AML/KYC Quality Control and Testing Specialist to join the First Line of Defence (1LOD) AML/KYC function. This role is responsible for executing quality control reviews and control testing activities across the KYC Center of Excellence (CoE). The successful candidate will provide independent assurance over AML/KYC onboarding, periodic reviews, event‑driven reviews, and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) activities, helping to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance with regulatory expectations, internal policies, and operational standards. This role supports the ongoing enhancement of the AML/KYC control environment through testing, root cause analysis, reporting, and continuous improvement activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform risk‑based quality control reviews of AML/KYC files, including onboarding, periodic reviews, event‑driven reviews, and Enhanced Due Diligence cases.
• Execute testing of AML/KYC controls to assess compliance with regulatory requirements, internal procedures, and enterprise policies.
• Evaluate the completeness and accuracy of customer due diligence documentation, risk assessments, screening results, approvals, and audit trails maintained within AML/KYC systems.
• Identify, document, and communicate testing findings, control weaknesses, procedural gaps, and quality issues in a clear and evidence‑based manner.
• Support root cause analysis activities to identify recurring themes and opportunities to strengthen controls and processes.
• Track testing findings and remediation actions through to closure, ensuring timely resolution and appropriate escalation where necessary.
• Contribute to governance reporting, including quality metrics, testing outcomes, trend analysis, key risk indicators (KRIs), and management information.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of testing methodologies, sampling approaches, quality standards, and testing procedures.
• Partner with KYC Operations, Program Management, and Risk teams to support remediation activities and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• University degree and/or relevant professional experience.
• Experience in AML/KYC Operations, Quality Assurance, Testing, Financial Crime Compliance, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of AML/KYC regulations and requirements, including Customer Identification Program (CIP), Customer Due Diligence (CDD), and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD).
• Experience reviewing complex customer structures, high‑risk client files, and financial crime controls.
• Understanding of quality assurance principles, control testing methodologies, and issue management processes.
• Strong analytical and investigative skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience producing management reporting and presenting testing outcomes clearly and concisely.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Work Authorization

Applicants must have the right to work in Ireland at the time of application and for the duration of employment. Northern Trust is unable to provide employment permit sponsorship for this role.

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [e-mail], or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.