CRA Approvals and Escalations KYC SME

Job description

Base Location: Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow plus network of 20 offices nationally: www.kpmg88careers.co.uk/experienced-professional/#LeBlender.OfficeLocations

The KPMG Risk and Consulting function is a cornerstone of our business.  Operating from 20 UK offices with a base in London we do work that matters, serving the country with diligence and expertise.

KPMG is one of the world's largest and most respected consultancies.  We've supported the UK through times of war and peace, prosperity and recession, political and regulatory upheaval. We've proudly stood beside the institutions and businesses which make the UK what it is.

By encompassing a wide range of disciplines across a breadth of areas such as FRTB, Traded Risk, Conduct risk, Model Validation and Ops Risk we become immersed in our clients' organisations, applying sector knowledge and technology solutions to deliver the best possible outcomes and get it right first time.

Why Join KPMG as CRA Approvals and Escalations KYC SME?

Our vision is to be the Clear Choice for our clients and the most trusted Firm. This is underpinned by the choice of clients we accept and work with. KPMG undertakes client risk assessments (CRA), including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Know Your Client (KYC) as part of its process for accepting clients.

The Client Assessment Team forms a key part of this process and sits within Risk & Legal (part of KBS), which is led by the Chief Risk Officer.  This team will also have a reporting line into the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO).  KPMG’s Risk & Legal function is responsible for monitoring the firm’s and its individuals’ compliance with the firm’s professional risk management and quality control policies, procedures and guidance.

The Client Assessment Team has both onshore and offshore delivery components and undertakes thorough CRA’s to help KPMG to appropriately identify, document and assess financial, reputational, money laundering and regulatory risks associated with its clients.  The CRA will include completion of AML KYC in line with the Money Laundering (Transfer of the Payer) Regulations 2017 and associated industry guidance.

What will you be doing?

The CRA Approvals and Escalations Team is new sub-team within the Client Assessment Team.

This team will provide technical support to the Client Assessment Team to make first line of defence decisions on cases including KYC without the need to refer these to the Financial Crime Team. A working knowledge of KPMG’s risk systems and processes and application of the Money Laundering Regulations is therefore required. The role will also be responsible for reviewing and approving low risk CRAs – this activity is currently performed by experienced Business Approvers and as such, excellent judgement is required.

The key responsibilities are as follows:

• Prepare draft approvals of Client Risk Assessments for Low Risk requests initially, which will be reviewed and approved by the CRA Approval Assistant Manager.  Ensure these are carried out in accordance with the KPMG’s policies/guidance, within SLA’s and to the appropriate standard.
• Provide KYC SME guidance and training to the team, to ensure regulatory requirements are met.
• Identify and initiate process and quality improvements to ensure efficiency, productivity, quality and guarantee a high level of service.

• Work closely with the CRA Approvals and Escalations Manager to embed quality and drive standardisation and process improvement. 

• Producing and interpreting management information on the teams’ activities and supporting wider reporting requirements.
• Ensuring continuous improvement of the team through masterclasses, team training and rotation whenever possible.
• Customer service and stakeholder management with the business, Capability Risk teams etc.
• Support other projects related to Client Risk Assessments (CRA’s) as and when required.

What will you need to do it?

• Strong knowledge of the firm’s risk processes and risk appetite of client acceptance
• Experience working in the Client Assessment Team or a similar team in professional services
• Proven experience working in an AML/KYC role.
• Working knowledge of AML KYC rules and regulations and knowledge of how they apply to a professional services firm.
• Highly motivated with a "can-do" and solutions focused attitude.
• Strong communication skills – able to question effectively, listen and apply judgement.
• Strong experience in a regulated environment and ability to exercise judgement to escalate issues as appropriate.
• Proven ability to build relationships and communicate with people at all levels.
• Client-focused approach with a passion for delivering excellence.
• Process excellence mind-set, including driving continuous improvement.
• Ability to process wide amounts of complex information quickly and understand the key and relevant issues.
• The confidence to challenge the status-quo and provide fresh ideas.
• Possess an eye for detail as well as an ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent organisational, literacy and numeracy skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information appropriately.
• Proactivity in identifying and driving change.
• Ability to analyse data (management information) and preparation of related data in reports or using Microsoft Excel.
• Completion of the ICA Diploma in Anti Money Laundering or CDD would be a distinct advantage.

To discuss this or wider Consulting roles with our recruitment team, all you need to do is apply, create a profile, upload your CV and begin to make your mark with KPMG.

Our Locations:

We are open to talk to Risk Assistant Managers across the country but our core hub for this role is:

• Leeds
• Birmingham
• Glasgow
• Manchester

With 20 sites across the UK, we can potentially facilitate office work, working from home, flexible hours, and part-time options. If you have a need for flexibility, please register and discuss this with our team.

Find out more:

Within Consulting we have a range of divisions and specialisms.  Click the links to find out more below:

• Consulting at KPMG: www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/experienced-professional/consulting/
• ITs Her Future Women in Tech programme: www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/people-culture/it-s-her-future/
• KPMG Workability and Disability confidence: www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/experienced-professional/applying-to-kpmg/need-support-let-us-know/

For any additional support in applying, please click the links to find out more:

• Applying to KPMG: www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/experienced-professional/applying-to-kpmg/
• Tips for interview: www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/experienced-professional/applying-to-kpmg/application-advice/
• KPMG values: www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/experienced-professional/applying-to-kpmg/our-values/
• KPMG Competencies: www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/experienced-professional/applying-to-kpmg/kpmg-competencies/
• KPMG Locations and FAQ: www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/faq/?category=Experienced+professionals