Senior Manager Financial Crime Compliance South Africa

About j. awan & partners

At j. awan & partners, we believe in “challenging the status quo every day”, delivering seamless excellence to our customers across the world. We challenge the status quo by making tailor‑made solutions to meet the specific requirements of our clients’ business interests and delivering our solutions to their needs with effective simplicity. We understand that time is precious and as such our tailor‑made solutions are simple to understand, simple to embed and simple to use.

We are a fast‑growing international Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Consultancy with our headquarters in the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC). We also have our own Technology company creating bespoke cutting edge RegTech solutions. Our business presence covers multiple jurisdictions with offices in the UAE, KSA, UK & Ireland, Singapore, Porto, Pakistan, Qatar and now in South Africa. We provide Regulatory Governance, Risk, Compliance, Finance, Recruitment and Technology services (the “Services”) to many clients including global, regional and local financial services institutions, governments and other industry partners. As part of our global expansion plan, we are now looking for an ambitious and agile professional with a strong background in compliance to join our team.

Mission / Purpose of the Role

The purpose of this role is to contribute to our client’s success by structuring and monitoring fit-for-purpose regulatory compliance and anti-money laundering programs. In addition, you will provide on-going support on all compliance and anti-money laundering matters to clients to help them meet their regulatory obligations. You will contribute to the Firm’s success by supporting the senior team in execution of client mandates and helping with origination of new business, in particular the development, implementation and sale of customized client solutions to enable South African and African based clients meet their AML/CTF obligations.

12–18 Month Mission Outcomes (“What Success Looks Like”)

• Develop, Implement and support the sale and distribution of AML/CTF solutions to support South African based clients meet AML/CTF regulatory obligations. --> Initial target is to develop an AML/CTF Business Risk Assessment and Compliance Program to be developed and launched within 4 weeks on commencing employment with sales expected to reach a minimum 2000+ users within 12 months.
• Develop a sales pipeline for outsourced compliance/AML/CTF services in South Africa. --> Initial target is to introduce 50 clients to the firm within 12 months of employment.
• Deliver comprehensive and timely compliance support to clients. --> Client deliverables are effectively completed to agreed timelines.
• Maintain accuracy and quality in compliance and AML documentation. -->No material audit findings or regulatory breaches.
• Ensure policies and procedures remain current with regulatory changes. --> Regulatory changes tracked and reported promptly. Policies and programs updated without delay. Zero outdated regulatory references.
• Strengthen client relationships through proactive and consistent communication /service delivery. --> Positive client feedback achieved. Growth in brand visibility and market presence.
• Support business development through high-quality compliance advisory. --> Documented contribution to new client mandates. Positive feedback from senior management.

Key Accountabilities

Client Compliance Support

Providing day-to-day support to clients in executing compliance deliverables --> Client deliverables executed on schedule.

Conducting KYC reviews for clients managed by any of the group entities. --> All KYC files maintained in full regulatory compliance.

Compliance Monitoring & Testing

Drafting, executing, and supporting compliance monitoring and testing program --> Monitoring reports completed within agreed timelines.

Performing desk reviews and test checks to assess the status of compliance --> Gaps addressed in a timely manner; priority towards material items.

Regulatory Licensing Support

Assisting clients in obtaining their desired regulatory licenses --> License applications submitted error‑free.

Ensuring proper documentation and follow‑up with regulator --> All regulatory deadlines met.

Policy & Procedure Development

Drafting fit‑for‑purpose compliance and AML policies and procedures --> Effective and timely execution of documentation in compliance with regulatory obligations.

Training & Awareness

Assist in providing training on compliance, AML, and other corporate governance topics --> Active participation in mandatory training as observed by Manager and client

Contribute to the development of internal knowledge‑sharing sessions --> Positive participant feedback.

Regulatory & Legislative Monitoring

Keeping abreast of relevant laws, rules, and regulations --> All regulatory updates incorporated into relevant policies and procedures in a timely and effective manner.

Ensuring any changes are reflected in the relevant policies, procedures, and compliance programs --> No instances of outdated references or rollout of changes to relevant stakeholders.

Firm Promotion & Representation

Assisting in promoting the firm at various industries and promotional events --> Active participation in assigned events as measured by Manager

Core Competencies

• Operational Excellence

Experienced in executing compliance and AML programs efficiently, ensuring high‑quality deliverables and adherence to deadlines.

• Strategic Mindset

Skilled at interpreting regulatory requirements and translating them into actionable compliance programs that mitigate risk and support business objectives.

• Interpersonal & Emotional Intelligence

Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence, enabling effective collaboration, client interaction, and regulatory engagement.

• Cultural Agility

Understands the regional and international regulatory landscape, as well as cultural dynamics within financial services and across client organizations.

Role-Specific Competencies

• Direct compliance and AML expertise with hands‑on experience implementing programs and managing regulatory obligations across anti‑money laundering and other applicable frameworks.
• Proven KYC and due diligence capability, including risk classification and SLA‑driven delivery.
• Proven track record of compliance program requirements, including testing and risk assessment protocols.
• Proven track record of policy and procedures drafting and implementation and ongoing execution of requirements.

Skills and Knowledge

• Regulatory Knowledge

In‑depth understanding of anti‑money laundering (AML) rules and regulations.

• Communication Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (additional languages are an advantage), with the ability to effectively interact with clients, regulators, and internal stakeholders.

• Execution & Attention to Detail

Exceptional problem‑solving and execution skills with strong attention to detail and consistent focus on quality.

• Organizational & Time Management Skills

Pro‑active, motivated, and highly organized; capable of handling multiple tasks, managing competing priorities efficiently, and maintaining structured compliance workflows.

• Professional Integrity & Accountability

Displays discipline, accountability, confidentiality, and high ethical standards in all professional activities.

Education & Experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Economics, or Accountancy. Postgraduate qualification preferred.

Experience

Between 4–8 years’ overall experience with 3 or more years of direct compliance and/or Anti‑money laundering experience within the financial services industry.

Certifications

CAMS, CISI, or ICA qualifications preferred. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; additional languages are a plus.

Culture & Values Alignment

• Embody a growth mindset and proactive learning approach.
• Demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
• Exhibit professional maturity and integrity in handling sensitive issues.
• Build trust and credibility with both leadership and team members.
• Align with j. awan & partners’ core values of Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation.

Rewards & Growth

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth in a global, fast‑scaling organization.
• Continuous learning and development opportunities.

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