Financial Crime Investigations, Senior Associate

Team & Opportunity

To support the Financial Crime Investigations (FCI) team by conducting investigations performing Enhanced Customer Due Diligence (ECDD) for new and existing high-risk customers lodging Suspicious Matter Reports (SMRs) and making recommendations to the Financial Crime Management Team (FCMT). The FCI Senior Associate will also be responsible for updating procedures training others and assisting with the rollout and operationalisation of any new initiatives and project requirements including testing. This role requires strong record keeping and governance ensuring all activities comply with internal procedures regulatory requirements and industry best practices. This role works collaboratively within the FCI team and with stakeholders across Financial Crime Operations (FCO).

In this role you will:

• Conduct investigations into potential financial crime including gathering reviewing and analysing information and documentation.

• Perform ECDD for new and existing high-risk customers ensuring all required information is collected assessed and documented.

• Prepare and lodge SMRs with AUSTRAC in accordance with regulatory requirements and internal procedures.

• Make risk-based recommendations to the Financial Crime Management Team and support the Senior Management Approval Process.

• Ensure all investigations ECDD and SMR activities are completed accurately thoroughly and within required timeframes.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of AML/CTF regulations investigative techniques and industry best practices.

• Escalate complex or high-risk cases to the FCI Specialist or management as appropriate.

• Update and maintain FCI procedures checklists and controls ensuring they are current and effective.

• Conduct and support reactive investigations into a broad range of financial crime-related activities that can be referred to the team internally or by external parties.

• Train and coach other team members to uplift team capability and ensure consistent application of standards.

• Support the rollout of new initiatives and operationalise project requirements including assisting with testing and implementation.

• Ensure all record keeping is accurate complete and compliant with documented procedures and governance requirements.

• Participate in training coaching and knowledge-sharing activities within the team.

• Support audits regulatory reviews and participate in controls testing and special projects as required.

• Foster strong working relationships with internal stakeholders including Financial Crimes Compliance Client Operations and external parties.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate will have:

• Demonstrated experience in financial crime investigations ECDD and SMRs.

• Working knowledge of AML/CTF regulations investigative techniques and requirements.

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to review work for accuracy and compliance.

• Strong record keeping and governance skills.

• Critical thinking judgment and problem-solving skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and support the Team Leader and Specialist.

• Experience in financial crime AML/CTF investigations or compliance roles preferred.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct Enhanced Customer Due Diligence (ECDD) for new and existing high-risk customers

• Prepare SMRs for submission to AUSTRAC.

• Make recommendations to the Financial Crime Management Team (FMCT)

• Update and maintain FCI procedures and train other team members.

• Support the rollout and operationalisation of new initiatives and project requirements including testing.

• Ensure all activities comply with internal procedures regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

• Ensure all record keeping is accurate complete and meets governance standards.

• Escalate complex cases as required.

• Contribute to process improvements and knowledge sharing.

• Support audits regulatory reviews and participate in special projects.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Demonstrated experience in a similar role in a Financial Crime team preferably within AML/CTF transaction monitoring screening intelligence analysis and/or reporting.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning collaboration and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.