Lead Financial Compliance Officer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Lead Financial Compliance Officer in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead a team of compliance professionals, oversee regulatory adherence across FAIS, FICA and AML/CFT, and act as the primary liaison with regulators.

The role is based in a modern Durban office within a prominent financial services provider. The ideal candidate has at least 6 years in financial compliance, strong leadership, analytical ability, and the capacity to translate complex

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Accounting or related field.
• Postgraduate qualifications or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CFERS, CAMS) are advantageous.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in financial compliance, regulatory affairs, or internal audit within the financial services industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain compliance policies and procedures in line with FAIS, FICA, POPIA, AML/CFT.
• Lead, mentor and manage a team of compliance officers.
• Conduct internal audits and risk assessments to identify non-compliance and propose corrective actions.
• Serve as primary liaison with regulatory authorities and manage inspections and reporting.
• Oversee AML/CTF programs and deliver comprehensive compliance training for staff.
• Investigate potential breaches and advise on remediation strategies.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and advise senior management on impact.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Accounting or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial services provider, is seeking an experienced and diligent Lead Financial Compliance Officer to join their team in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This vital role is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the firm's adherence to all relevant financial regulations, policies, and procedures. You will lead a team of compliance professionals, conduct internal audits, develop and implement compliance programs, and act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of South African financial legislation and a proven track record in managing complex compliance challenges within the **Durban** financial sector. This position requires strong leadership, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to foster a culture of compliance throughout the organization. Become a key guardian of financial integrity for a leading institution in **Durban**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust compliance policies and procedures in line with current financial regulations (e.g., FAIS, FICA, POPIA, AML/CFT).
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of compliance officers, ensuring efficient workflow and professional development.
• Conduct regular internal audits and risk assessments to identify potential areas of non-compliance and propose corrective actions.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities, responding to inquiries, managing inspections, and ensuring timely submission of reports.
• Oversee the implementation and effectiveness of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) programs.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive compliance training programs for all employees across the organization.
• Investigate potential compliance breaches and recommend appropriate disciplinary actions or remediation strategies.
• Stay updated on changes in financial regulations and advise senior management on their impact on the business.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and documentation of all compliance activities.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the compliance function within the firm.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualifications or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CFERS, CAMS) are highly advantageous.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in financial compliance, regulatory affairs, or internal audit within the financial services industry.
• In-depth knowledge of South African financial regulatory frameworks, including FAIS Act, FICA, Pension Funds Act, and AML/CFT legislation.
• Proven experience in leading and managing a team of compliance professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex legislation and translate it into practical business policies and procedures.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization and external regulators.
• High level of integrity, ethical conduct, and professional skepticism.
• Experience in managing regulatory inspections and audits.
• Residency or strong understanding of the business environment in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal** is required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent medical aid, a substantial provident fund, and life insurance coverage.
• Employees benefit from generous annual leave and paid sick leave.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including specialized compliance training and industry conferences, are provided.
• The role is based in a modern office environment in **Durban**, offering a supportive team culture and opportunities for career advancement within a stable and reputable financial institution.
• We foster a work-life balance and provide resources for employee well-being.
• Join us and play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the financial sector in **Durban**.