Senior Risk & Compliance Manager: Governance & AML/KYC

Optimized People; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimized People seeks a Risk and Compliance Manager to lead the development and maintenance of the firm’s risk and governance framework. You will work with cross‑functional teams to implement compliance initiatives, update onboarding and conflict processes, and oversee teams ensuring policy adherence.

The role requires extensive AML/KYC/FICA experience, strong Microsoft Office skills, and a proven track record in law firm risk and compliance.

Qualifications

• Matric/Grade 12 completed.
• 10–15 years AML/KYC/FICA experience.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Adobe Pro.
• Experience managing teams in a professional services environment.
• Risk and compliance experience in a law firm.

Responsibilities

• Report to CEO and contribute to a risk governance framework.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement compliance initiatives and address risks.
• Collaborate with legal teams to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and ethics.
• Update onboarding and conflict processes and manage teams delivering these processes.
• Stay updated on significant legal developments including FICA, POPIA and related regulations.
• Maintain and prioritise the firm’s risk register with mitigation steps and controls.
• Provide diagnostic and advisory support on risk and compliance issues for the firm.
• Advise on client and supplier engagements including engagement letters and supplier terms.
• Investigate non-compliance and report deviations to authorities when required.
• Design and deliver e-learning training to foster awareness and accountability.
• Draft, implement and monitor firm-wide manuals, policies and procedures on ethics and risk.

Skills

MS Word

MS Excel

MS Outlook

MS PowerPoint

Communication skills

Discretion

Time management

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Stress tolerance

Education

Matric/Grade 12

Tools

AJS account system

Document management systems

Adobe Acrobat Pro

MS Office Suite

Job description

Optimized People seeks a Risk and Compliance Manager to lead the development and maintenance of the firm’s risk and governance framework. You will work with cross‑functional teams to implement compliance initiatives, update onboarding and conflict processes, and oversee teams ensuring policy adherence.

The role requires extensive AML/KYC/FICA experience, strong Microsoft Office skills, and a proven track record in law firm risk and compliance.