Job Title: Compliance Officer (SMF16 & SMF17)
Location: Cheshire, UK
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: Negotiable (approximately £45,000 - £70,000 per annum), Dependent on Experience
About Us: Our client a well-established, boutique firm of Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) based in Cheshire, committed to providing tailored financial advice to their diverse clientele. This firm prides itself on delivering a personalised service with the utmost integrity and professionalism. Due to an upcoming retirement, this company are seeking a dedicated Compliance Officer to join our team and ensure that their operations remain compliant with all regulatory requirements.
Role Overview: The Compliance Officer will play a pivotal role in overseeing and maintaining the firm's compliance framework, holding Senior Management Function (SMF) roles SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (Money Laundering Reporting Officer). This includes ensuring adherence to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations, managing FCA Gabriel returns, and preparing annual reports. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial services compliance, with a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
The company's long standing Compliance Officer is not stepping down straight away, so will be around to ensure a smooth transition while you embed yourself into the role. It is likely that they will hold onto Senior Management Functions until you have been able to settle in.
Key Responsibilities:
- Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and ensure compliance with FCA regulations and other relevant regulatory bodies.
- SMF16 & SMF17 Responsibilities: Oversee compliance oversight (SMF16) and act as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (SMF17), ensuring that all regulatory obligations are met.
- FCA Gabriel Returns: Prepare and submit FCA Gabriel returns in a timely and accurate manner.
- Annual Reporting: Oversee the preparation and submission of the firm's annual reports, ensuring all regulatory deadlines are met.
- Policy Development: Develop, implement, and review internal compliance policies and procedures.
- Advisory Support: Provide ongoing compliance advice and support to our team of advisors, ensuring all advice given meets regulatory standards.
- Auditing and Monitoring: Conduct regular audits of client files, marketing materials, and business practices to identify and mitigate compliance risks.
- Training: Organize and deliver compliance training sessions to staff to keep them informed of regulatory changes and best practices.
- Reporting: Prepare and present compliance reports to senior management, highlighting key areas of risk and recommended actions.
- Complaint Handling: Oversee the management of client complaints, ensuring they are handled in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Key Requirements:
- Proven experience in a compliance role within the financial services sector, ideally within an IFA environment.
- Strong knowledge of FCA regulations and guidelines, including experience with FCA Gabriel returns and annual reporting.
- Experience holding SMF16 (Compliance Oversight) and SMF17 (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) roles, or the capability to take on these responsibilities.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
- High level of integrity and professionalism, with a commitment to maintaining the firm's reputation.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Relevant qualifications, such as a Diploma in Financial Planning or a Certificate in Financial Services Compliance, are desirable.
On Offer
- A friendly, supportive work environment within a close-knit team.
- Opportunity to shape and develop the compliance function in a growing firm.
- Competitive salary of £45,000 - £70,000 per annum with potential for professional development and growth.
- Company benefits package, support with any further studies etc