Team Leader: Transaction Monitoring at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• Lead a team of Analysts in the Intelligence & Surveillance area in support of the Senior Manager to ensure that transaction monitoring and reporting are performed in accordance with regulation, legislation, policy and standards.

Job Description

Accountability:  Operational Support and Coordination

• Manage investigations relating to Anti Money Laundering by ensuring that the required SLAs are achieved and take appropriate action to ensure that these timelines are met
• Assess investigation findings in order to establish trends and escalate all issues of a significant nature to the Manager on a timely basis (as and when these occur) and through various meetings and reports (content presentation, accuracy, quality and completeness are important)
• Ensure that the team’s investigations are of high quality, accurate and contain value adding conclusions for the relevant investigation, by conducting quality assurance/reviews.
• Collate appropriate, accurate and reliable MI to effectively manage compliance risks
• Evaluate and challenge information received from stakeholders with the objective of achieving continuous improvement in compliance
• Make meaningful recommendations for the various types of investigations. This will include, but is not limited to systems/people/processes
• Inform and implement of any suggestions or proposals to enhance investigative methodologies
• Inform management immediately of any new trends which have been identified during investigations for further escalation to stakeholders

Accountability:  People Management

• Supervise a team to ensure effective daily operations.
• Allocation and alert management
• Support the TM Manager to develop a high performing team by conducting daily huddles, weekly team meetings and monthly one-on-one sessions
• Performance and Consequence Management, when required
• Coach and mentor team members
• Establish and maintain a succession plan for the team
• Review leave plans in place and make recommendations to the line manager to adjust the plans if required. Review leave captured on the HR employee system to ensure that all leave was captured.
• Drive participation in departmental Citizenship initiatives

Accountability: Reporting and Governance

• Report and escalate all AML compliance risks and issues arising from businesses promptly and appropriately in accordance with Group and local legal and regulatory requirements
• Inform management regarding AML compliance matters which may pose financial or reputational risks for the business
• Respond promptly to information requests from the Regional MLRO, Country MLRO’s and  Financial Crime Units
• Provide appropriate information to management on a daily, weekly and monthly basis by collating appropriate, accurate and reliable MI relating to key risk indicators
• Understand and manage risks and risk events (incidents) relevant to the role.

Accountability:  Stakeholder Management

• Support the Manager by ensuring the effective coordination of information on a continuous basis
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with in-country Financial Crime teams (for example MLRO’s and HOC) with the aim of understanding their needs
• Implement established escalation processes for significant issues and concerns raised
• Maintain professionalism and business ethics in all verbal and written communication with stakeholders.
• Discuss emerging or current issues with local and in-country teams and escalate or resolve these issues where possible

Education and experience required

• Legal or Governance, Risk management, Investigations or Compliance qualifications
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience, preferably in AML/ Compliance/ Investigations and a combination of banking

Knowledge and skills: 

• Specialist knowledge of AML Policies and procedures, particularly Transaction Monitoring
• Ability to conduct and take ownership of the end to end Transaction Monitoring quality assurance
• Advanced user of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Good understanding of banking products and services

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)