Manager, AML/ CFT Compliance (Fixed Term) – Auckland, New Zealand

The AML Compliance Manager is a contract role that will be responsible for the ongoing management, governance and oversight of Western Union’s New Zealand regulatory and policy obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering & Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act 2009 and associated sanctions and terrorism financing compliance frameworks (current and expected).

The purpose of the role is to support the Senior Manager, AML Compliance as a ML/TF and sanctions subject matter expert, for the purpose of managing increased activity arising from audit remediation actions, general regulatory engagement, and review of the current New Zealand AML/CFT Programme (policy, procedure and controls).

The role protects Western Union New Zealand from AML/CFT and Sanctions-related regulatory and operational risk while enabling sustainable business growth through a robust and effective compliance framework. This contract role is for twelve (12) month period with option for review and possible extension, depending on the level of regulatory activity present at that time.

An opportunity to join Western Union’s Compliance Team on a full-time basis for a 12-month period.

Role Responsibilities

• Support remediation activities arising from audit findings, including stakeholder coordination, progress tracking, and reporting to the WUIL Board in partnership with the NZ MLRO.
• Partner with the NZ MLRO to manage responses to regulatory requests from the Department of Internal Affairs, including matters relating to ongoing regulatory reviews.
• Support remediation activities arising from audit findings, including stakeholder coordination, progress tracking, and reporting to the WUIL Board in partnership with the NZ MLRO.
• Support the NZ MLRO in managing regulatory engagements with the New Zealand Police Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), including responses to information requests and reporting-related changes.
• Drive New Zealand participation in general enhancement initiatives, partnering with offshore Western Union personnel and providing recommendations to enhance the New Zealand AML/CFT Programme.
• Conduct gap assessments and support enhancements to the New Zealand AML/CFT Programme, including the review and update of policies, procedures, and controls.
• Lead the review and enhancement to risk assessments and AML/CFT frameworks, including the Customer Risk Assessment methodology.

Western Union Competencies:

• Regulatory SME
  • The role requires subject matter expertise in New Zealand AML/CFT and sanctions legislation and regulations, and practical experience in managing and mitigating AML/CFT risk.

• Customer Focus
  • The role will partner with offshore Product, Risk, Operations, Legal and Compliance teams to ensure regulatory obligations are appropriately embedded across customer-facing activities and business processes.
  • Influences customer outcomes through effective governance and regulatory oversight.

• Management & Planning
  • The role will involve designing, enhancing and maintaining relevant governance frameworks, policies, and compliance programs.

• Business Expertise
  • The role requires a strong understanding of the remittance industry, regulatory expectations within that space, as well as remittance industry market practices.

• Leadership
  • The role will lead cross-functional initiatives and promote compliance culture.
  • The role will lead New Zealand regulatory initiatives across multiple business functions, influence senior stakeholders, provide subject matter expertise, and drive accountability for regulatory obligations.

Core Factors:

Functional Knowledge

• The role requires sufficient understanding and expert knowledge of regulatory obligations, governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for New Zealand’s AML/CFT and sanctions/terrorism financing regulatory requirements.

Area of Impact

• Directly impacts regulatory compliance, governance, risk mitigation and operational readiness across multiple business functions.

Nature of Impact

• Exercises substantial independent judgement when interpreting regulatory obligations, assessing compliance impacts and advising business stakeholders on AML/CFT and sanctions/terrorism financing regulatory requirements.

Problem Solving

• Resolves complex regulatory and compliance issues requiring interpretation of legislation, regulatory guidance, risk assessment and practical business solutions.
• The role will require consideration of information from various internal and external sources.

Role Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience within Compliance, Regulatory Affairs, Risk Management, Legal or Financial Services Governance, including at least 3 years managing regulatory compliance and/or governance activities.
• Bachelor's degree in law, Finance, Commerce, Business, Governance, Risk Management or related discipline.
  • Qualification in one or more Compliance certification (preferably CAMS), or postgraduate qualification in Governance, Risk or Law is desirable.

Additional Skills Needed:

• Advanced communication, stakeholder management, influencing, leadership, independent judgement, constructive challenge and problem solving.

Pre-requisites for Technical Skills:

Advanced

• Regulatory Compliance Frameworks
• Regulatory Interpretation and Advisory
• Compliance Monitoring and Assurance
• Regulatory Change Management
• Risk Assessment, Controls Design, and Assurance
• Policy and Procedure Development
• Regulatory Reporting

Work Shift

Western Union values in-person collaboration, problem solving, and ideation whenever possible. We believe this fosters common ways of working and supports how we execute initiatives for our customers. The expectation is to work from the office a minimum of three days a week.

BENEFITS AND OTHER DETAILS

Benefits

You will also have access to short-term incentives, accident and life insurance, and access to best-in-class development platforms, to name a few (https://careers.westernunion.com/global-benefits/). Please see the location-specific benefits below and note that your Recruiter may share additional role-specific benefits during your interview process or in an offer of employment.

Your New Zealand specific benefits include:

• Paid Time Offs
• KiwiSaver Sponsored Scheme
• Global Employee Assistance Programme

Other Details

We are passionate about honoring our employee's identity and fostering a feeling of belonging. Our commitment is to provide an inclusive culture that celebrates the unique backgrounds and perspectives of our global teams while reflecting the communities we serve. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, political affiliation, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status. The company will provide accommodation to applicants, including those with disabilities, during the recruitment process, following applicable laws.

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Estimated Job Posting End Date:

This application window is a good-faith estimate of the time that this posting will remain open. This posting will be promptly updated if the deadline is extended or the role is filled.