Compliance Specialist AML/CFT Program Oversight

The Vanguard Group; Scottsdale (AZ); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard is seeking a Compliance Specialist to lead AML and KYC initiatives, monitor client activity, and support regulatory compliance across a global client base. You will work in a leadership-capacity within a dynamic team, focusing on detecting suspicious activity and mitigating financial crime risks.

The role emphasizes investigation support, policy-based risk assessment, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance compliance programs and regulatory reporting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in compliance, AML, or financial services.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong analytical, investigative, and communication skills.
• Experience assessing client risk and applying effective risk mitigation strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a highly regulated environment and exercise sound judgment when evaluating complex situations.
• Proven ability to adapt to change, navigate ambiguity, and support evolving business and regulatory priorities.
• Experience influencing others, driving process improvements, and acting as a change agent within a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor day-to-day client activity to detect suspicious behavior and assist investigators and analysts with investigations and elevate complex cases as needed.
• Assess and manage client risk through established policies, procedures, and controls to mitigate financial crime and compliance exposure.
• Review internal alerts and reports; resolve exceptions in line with policy and escalate issues that require further investigation.
• Support internal and external regulatory reporting obligations in accordance with guidelines and procedures.
• Participate in training sessions and contribute to the development of educational materials for junior team members.
• Stay current on regulatory developments and industry trends; serve as a compliance consultant and liaison to regulatory agencies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Investigative skills

Communication skills

Risk assessment

Team collaboration

Change agent

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

LexisNexis

World-Check

Job description

Lead the Fight Against Financial Crime at Vanguard

We are in pursuit of an individual with industry experience in Anti Money Laundering, Know Your Client, and Compliance Operations. In this crucial role, you'll be at the forefront of Vanguard's Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance Operations in an informal leadership capacity. Join a team committed to protecting financial integrity and combating financial crime. As a Compliance Specialist, you will play a critical role in Vanguard’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) programs. You’ll be responsible for monitoring client activity, conducting due diligence, and supporting regulatory compliance efforts across our global client base.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

Client Monitoring & Investigations

Conduct day-to-day monitoring of client activity to detect suspicious behavior. Assist investigators and analysts with investigations and elevate complex cases as needed.

Risk Management & Client Risk Mitigation

Assess and manage client risk through the application of established policies, procedures, and controls. Evaluate high-risk client relationships, identify potential risks and vulnerabilities, and recommend actions to mitigate financial crime and compliance exposure. Mitigate risk through oversight, process improvements, policy, and procedure review and updates.

Alert Resolution & Escalation

Review internal alerts and reports. Resolve exceptions in line with policy and elevate issues that require further investigation.

Regulatory Reporting Support

Internal and external reporting obligations in accordance with regulatory guidelines and departmental procedures.

Training & Mentorship

Participate in training sessions and contribute to the development of educational materials for junior team members.

Industry Awareness & Consultation

Stay current on regulatory developments and industry trends. Serve as a compliance consultant and liaison to regulatory agencies.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in compliance, AML, or financial services.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong analytical, investigative, and communication skills.
• Experience assessing client risk and applying effective risk mitigation strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a highly regulated environment and exercise sound judgment when evaluating complex situations.
• Proven ability to adapt to change, navigate ambiguity, and support evolving business and regulatory priorities.
• Experience influencing others, driving process improvements, and acting as a change agent within a team environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across different teams and contribute to shared goals.
• Familiarity with tools such as LexisNexis, World-Check, or similar platforms is a plus.

Special Factors Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission. To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best. Vanguard, one of the world's leading investment management companies, serves individual investors, institutions, employer-sponsored retirement plans, and financial professionals. We have a diverse and talented crew with a culture that promotes teamwork, along with an unwavering focus on serving our clients' best interests.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.