Compliance & AML Officer

Alpha; Durban; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Alpha, based in Durban, seeks a Junior Compliance & AML Officer to perform AML and compliance checks on buyers and sellers in UK property transactions. You will ensure due diligence, SoF/SoW verification, and proper documentation before funds progress in transactions.

You will collaborate with conveyancers, case handlers, and compliance managers across the UK, maintaining records and escalating suspicious matters as needed. This is a junior, detail-oriented role within a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Law, Commerce, Finance, Risk Management, Accounting or Business Administration.
• Familiarity with UK AML legislation is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct CDD and KYC checks on buyers and sellers.
• Verify identity and address documentation.
• Evaluate SoF and SoW evidence.
• Review bank statements and financial documents.
• Identify and escalate high-risk transactions.
• Ensure files comply with UK AML laws and internal policies.
• Complete sanctions, PEP and adverse media screenings.
• Maintain accurate compliance records and assist with ongoing monitoring.
• Liaise with fee earners to obtain documentation; meet SLAs.
• Contribute to internal audits and QA processes.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Document review

English communication

Administrative skills

Multi-caseload management

Integrity & confidentiality

UK AML familiarity

Education

Law

Commerce

Finance

Risk Management

Accounting

Business Administration

Job description

The Junior Compliance & AML Officer is responsible for conducting Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and compliance checks on buyers and sellers engaged in UK residential property transactions. This role ensures that all client due diligence, source of funds verification, and compliance obligations are thoroughly completed prior to the acceptance of funds or the progression of property transactions.

The postholder will collaborate closely with conveyancing solicitors, case handlers, and compliance managers across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct Client Due Diligence (CDD) and Know Your Customer (KYC) checks.
• Verify identity and address documentation.
• Evaluate Source of Funds (SoF) and Source of Wealth (SoW) evidence.
• Examine bank statements and other supporting financial documents.
• Identify and flag unusual or high-risk transactions.
• Escalate any suspicious matters to senior compliance personnel.
• Ensure all files comply with UK AML legislation and internal policies.
• Complete sanctions, Politically Exposed Persons (PEP), and adverse media screening.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date compliance records.
• Assist with ongoing monitoring of existing clients as required.
• Liaise with fee earners to obtain any outstanding documentation.
• Ensure compliance checks are finalised within agreed service level agreements (SLAs).
• Support internal audits and quality assurance processes.

Required Skills

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and evaluative skills.
• Confident in reviewing and interpreting financial documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Robust administrative and organisational capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple caseloads efficiently.
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Familiarity with UK legal frameworks and procedures is advantageous.

Experience

Preferred:

• 0-2 years' experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
• Know Your Customer (KYC)
• Financial compliance
• Banking operations
• Legal administration
• Conveyancing administration
• FICA compliance

Experience within legal, banking, insurance, or financial services sectors would be advantageous.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in one or more of the following disciplines:

• Law
• Commerce
• Finance
• Risk Management
• Accounting
• Business Administration

Desirable

• Experience in FICA compliance
• ACAMS certification or currently studying towards it
• ICA or other compliance qualifications (not essential for a junior role)

Key Performance Indicators

• Completion of AML checks within agreed SLAs.
• Accuracy and thoroughness of compliance reviews.
• Maintaining a low error rate.
• Timely escalation of high-risk or suspicious matters.
• Positive compliance audit outcomes.