AML Operations Team Lead

Accenture Portugal; Lisboa; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is looking for an AML Operations Team Lead in Lisbon. This role involves managing a team of AML analysts and ensuring compliance with AML regulations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 3-5 years of experience in AML operations, with at least 2 years in a leadership position. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and communication skills and have advanced English proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• English level: C1 (advanced proficiency).
• Valid work permit or EU/Schengen citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of AML analysts.
• Oversee daily investigation workflow.
• Ensure adherence to AML regulations and client-specific policies.
• Identify red flags and trends in operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows.

Skills

Deep understanding of AML typologies, red-flag indicators and regulatory obligations.

Excellent leadership, communication and analytical decision-making skills.

Strong report writing and case narrative skills.

Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Law or related field.

Job description

Follow the link to apply for the AML Operations Team Lead role at Accenture Portugal.

Role Overview

The Transaction Monitoring Team Lead manages a team of AML analysts handling end‑to‑end transaction monitoring alerts and investigations. The role ensures high‑quality, timely, and compliant case handling in line with client expectations and global AML regulations. The team lead serves as the bridge between operations management and analysts, overseeing daily workflow, quality and performance while maintaining a strong adherence to the risk‑based approach (RBA) and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• People and Performance Management: Lead, coach and develop a team of AML analysts to achieve productivity, quality and SLA targets. Conduct regular one‑on‑ones, performance reviews and feedback sessions to foster continuous improvement. Identify training needs and collaborate with QC and Training SMEs to close knowledge gaps. Utilize data analytics to monitor trend analysis, KPI reporting and quality metrics to drive performance improvements. Promote team engagement, discipline and accountability in line with company values and client expectations.
• Operational Delivery: Oversee and support day‑to‑day investigation workflow – allocation, prioritisation, case handling and review – to ensure timely and accurate completion of alerts. Monitor individual and team performance metrics (throughput, quality, turnaround time) and drive corrective action when needed. Ensure investigation narratives, dispositions and SAR recommendations meet internal and regulatory standards. Maintain clear audit trails, escalation logs and adherence to case documentation standards.
• Quality and Compliance Oversight: Partner with QC and QA teams to ensure error rates remain within acceptable thresholds. Conduct regular spot‑checks or peer reviews to reinforce investigation quality and consistency. Act as first point of escalation for operational or procedural issues raised by analysts. Reinforce adherence to AML regulations (FATF, EU AMLD) and client‑specific policies.
• Risk and Escalation Management: Identify potential red flags, fraud trends, typologies and emerging risks in daily operations, with strong emphasis on detecting new and evolving typologies. Escalate unusual trends, potential control gaps or high‑risk cases to Operations Manager or MLRO‑designated contacts. Support internal audits and ensure the team maintains full audit readiness and compliance with record‑keeping requirements.
• Process and Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with cross‑functional teams (Training, QC, Reporting, Delivery Excellence) to streamline workflows and enhance investigation efficiency. Participate in calibration and governance sessions to align standards across delivery locations. Contribute to process improvement initiatives and suggest automation or analytics‑driven enhancements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Law or related field.
• English level: C1 (advanced proficiency).
• Valid work permit or European Union/Schengen citizenship (or residency for Portugal).

Experience

• 3–5 years total experience in AML or Financial Crime Operations.
• At least 2 years of leadership experience managing transaction monitoring or investigative teams.
• Strong exposure to E2E investigation, alert handling, SAR/STR preparation and AML quality frameworks.

Certifications

• ICA certifications in AML, Financial Crime or Compliance and/or CAMS (Certified Anti‑Money Laundering Specialist).

Skills

• Deep understanding of AML typologies, red‑flag indicators and regulatory obligations.
• Excellent leadership, communication and analytical decision‑making skills.
• Strong report writing and case narrative skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast‑paced environment and adapt flexibly to change management needs.