Legal jobs in South Africa

EY Services, Fincrime/AML/Compliance - Associate Director, Johannesburg

The opportunity

The work we do isn’t about providing ‘off-the shelf’ solutions; so, we will train and coach you to develop a set of core skills that will be transferable across a broad range of projects. You’ll work as part of high-performing teams on a broad range of financial services clients and assignments that will stretch and challenge you. You’ll be encouraged and expected to take accountability and make an impact.

Your key responsibilities

Lead the financial crime strategy across the Africa region, ensuring alignment with global compliance frameworks and local regulatory requirements.

Provide guidance on AML, sanctions, anti‑bribery and corruption (ABC) and insider trading

Drive regional initiatives to enhance financial crime controls, risk assessments, and training.

AML Officer – South Africa

• Serve as the designated AML Officer for South Africa, ensuring compliance with FICA
• Ensures compliance with the RMCP
• Maintain and update AML procedures in line with evolving regulatory expectations.
• Co‑ordination of training programmes across the SA firm to enhance awareness and understanding of the legislation

AML Folder Review and Monitoring – South Africa

• Daily review of high and moderate risk AML folders to ensure documentation completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory standards. Confirm that we may still proceed with the client relationship given the risk triggers noted
• Identify recurring errors, trends, and areas requiring enhanced focus or remediation.
• Daily liaison with RDS, engagement teams, SLQ and EPs around the interpretation of AML legislation and requirements
• Provide feedback and guidance to relevant teams to strengthen the quality and consistency of AML documentation.

Compliance - Africa

• Develop, implement and manage the company's compliance programs. This role involves monitoring and reporting on compliance issues, providing guidance to management and staff, and ensuring that the company operates within the legal and regulatory framework.
• Develop and implement compliance policies and procedures.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify potential compliance risks.
• Provide training and guidance to employees on compliance‑related matters.
• Investigate and resolve compliance issues and complaints.
• Prepare and submit compliance reports to regulatory bodies as required.
• Stay up‑to‑date with changes in laws and regulations that may affect the company.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure a cohesive approach to compliance.

Skills and attributes for success

• Legal academic and/or risk background or demonstrated affinity would be an advantage
• Previous experience of exposure to regulatory requirements across pan‑African jurisdictions would be an advantage
• Strong analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
• Complex problem‑solving capabilities

An interest in continuous self‑development

To qualify for the role, you must have:

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in AML and/or Compliance role, preferably within Professional Services environment.
• Strong knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Professional certification in AML and Compliance

What we look for

More than anything, we’re interested in people with the right attitude for the job! That’s naturally entrepreneurial people that feed on the energy of a thriving global team. You’ll need a balance of technical and analytical skills, a creative approach to work and strong communication skills. Put simply, if you’ve got big ideas on how we can do better, as well as the confidence to voice them, this role is for you.

What working at EY offers

We offer a competitive remuneration package where you’ll be rewarded for your individual and team performance. Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes support for flexible working, career development and with FlexEY you can select benefits, which suit your needs, covering holidays, health and well‑being, insurances, savings and a wide range of discounts, offers and promotions.

About EY

As a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, we hire and develop the most passionate people in their field to help build a better working world. This starts with a culture that believes in giving you the training, opportunities and creative freedom to make things better. So that whenever you join, however long you stay, the exceptional EY experience lasts a lifetime.

If you can confidently demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.