AML/KYC Quality Control and Testing Specialist

ACCA Careers; Limerick; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking an AML/KYC Quality Control and Testing Specialist to join the 1LOD AML/KYC function in Ireland. You will perform risk-based quality control reviews of onboarding, periodic and event-driven reviews, and test AML/KYC controls to ensure regulatory compliance and robust controls.

Ideal candidates bring a university degree or equivalent experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong understanding of AML/KYC regulations including CIP, CDD and EDD.
• Experience reviewing complex customer structures and high-risk files.
• Knowledge of QA principles, control testing and issue management.

Responsibilities

• Perform risk-based quality control reviews of AML/KYC files, including onboarding, periodic reviews, event-driven reviews and EDD.
• Execute testing of AML/KYC controls to assess regulatory compliance and internal procedures.
• Evaluate completeness and accuracy of due diligence documentation, risk assessments, screening results and audit trails.
• Identify and communicate testing findings, control weaknesses and quality issues clearly.
• Support root cause analysis to identify themes and strengthen controls.
• Track findings and remediation actions through to closure and escalation where needed.
• Contribute to governance reporting with metrics, trends and KRIs.
• Assist in developing testing methodologies, sampling approaches and standards.
• Collaborate with KYC Operations, Program Management and Risk teams on remediation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Reporting

Education

University degree

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions. Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide. With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

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. Please note that Northern Trust is unable to provide employment permit sponsorship for this role. This includes Critical Skills Employment Permits, General Employment Permits, Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permits, Stamp 1G permissions, and other employment permits under Irish immigration frameworks.

Working with Us

As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.

Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.

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.