Bennett Jones Careers

Compliance Officer

Location: Bennett Jones Limited and The Debt Advisor Limited (Manchester office)
Reports to: The Head of Compliance
Department: Compliance
Employment Type: Full-time

Scope of Work

The Group Compliance Officer is responsible for managing and undertaking the compliance functions of a consumer debt management business, which holds FCA permissions to undertake debt counselling and debt adjusting, and a consumer Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) business regulated by the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA). This role involves ensuring both businesses adhere to relevant regulatory frameworks, including FCA guidelines and the IPA Volume Practitioner Regulation Scheme.

The Group Compliance Officer will ensure the effective creation and implementation of compliance plans, monitor compliance issues, and report directly to the Head of Compliance on compliance matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

Compliance Leadership and Management

  • Develop, review, and update the Compliance Plans for both the consumer debt management and IVA businesses in line with FCA guidelines and IPA regulations
  • Implement the Compliance Plans.
  • Provide guidance, training, and performance management to ensure effective implementation of the compliance plans.
  • Foster a culture of compliance across the group, ensuring all employees understand and adhere to regulatory requirements.

Regulatory Adherence and Monitoring

  • Ensure ongoing compliance with FCA regulations for debt counselling and debt
    adjusting activities, and IPA regulations for the IVA business.
  • Monitor regulatory developments, assess their impact on the business, and update policies and procedures accordingly.
  • Conduct regular compliance audits and risk assessments to identify potential areas of vulnerability and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

Reporting and Communication

  • Prepare detailed compliance reports for the Head of Compliance, highlighting compliance issues, severity, and recommended actions.
  • Communicate complex regulatory requirements and updates to the Head of Compliance and other stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies, managing relationships and communications with the FCA, IPA, and other relevant authorities.

Compliance Plans Implementation

  • Oversee the implementation of compliance plans across the group, ensuring they are integrated into daily operations.
  • Work closely with operational teams to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, providing support and guidance as necessary.
  • Ensure the timely and accurate completion of all required regulatory filings and submissions.

Incident Management and Resolution

  • Investigate and manage compliance breaches or incidents, ensuring timely resolution and implementation of corrective actions.
  • Develop and maintain a robust incident reporting process to ensure all compliance issues are promptly reported and addressed.
  • Review and analyse compliance data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Training and Development

  • Develop and implement a compliance training program for staff across the group to ensure ongoing awareness and understanding of regulatory obligations.
  • Ensure all staff are kept up to date with the latest regulatory changes and internal compliance policies.

Continuous Improvement

  • Drive continuous improvement of compliance processes and controls, ensuring they remain effective and efficient.\
  • Participate in strategic planning and decision-making processes, providing compliance insights and guidance to support business objectives.
  • Promote innovation in compliance practices, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance the compliance function.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related
    field preferred. A master's degree or professional certification in compliance (e.g., ICA, CRCM) is preferred.
  • Experience: Demonstrate relevant experience in compliance management within the
    financial services industry, preferably in debt management or insolvency.
  • Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of FCA regulations related to debt counselling and
    debt adjusting, as well as the IPA Volume Practitioner Regulation Scheme.
  • Skills:
    • Strong leadership and team management skills.
    • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
    • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
    • Ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and apply them to business operations.
    • Proficiency in compliance management software and tools.

Key Competencies

  • Integrity and Ethics: Upholds high standards of honesty and integrity, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in monitoring compliance and preparing reports.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to anticipate regulatory changes and develop strategies to maintain compliance.
  • Decision-Making: Strong decision-making skills, particularly in managing compliance risks and incidents.
  • Collaboration: Works effectively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance across the group.

This job description outlines the key responsibilities and expectations for the role of Group Compliance Manager. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of regulatory compliance in the financial services sector, and demonstrate the ability to lead compliance teams and ensuring adherence to complex regulatory frameworks.

To apply - please contact Elaine Kibble or call 07517109632

Ready to become part of the Bennett Jones Team? Please send your CV to elaine.kibble@bennett-jones.co.uk

Management Accountant

June 10th 2024. (This is a part-time hybrid role across two group companies.)

Company Descriptions

The Debt Advisor Ltd & Bennett Jones Limited, based in Manchester city centre, offer innovative advice and solutions to relieve consumer and business debt. Recognized for the quality of advice and service, our experienced and caring team understands how stressful debt issues can be. We are authorized and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority & Insolvency Practitioners Association to provide advice on debt solutions and debt consolidation. Both businesses are long established with a proven track record in the financial services industry and boast a team of circa 90 experienced and skilled employees.

Role Description

This is a part-time hybrid role for a Management Accountant across two group companies. The Management Accountant will be responsible for financial statements, accruals, and performing analytical tasks using their finance and accounting skills. The role is located in Manchester, with flexibility for some remote work.

Qualifications/Skills

  • Preparing Statutory Financial Accounts and liaison with external accountants
  • Knowledge of working with PowerBI (PBI) or similar tools
  • Strong Financial forecasting and modelling (currently Excel) in a medium-sized business
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Experience in creating Management accounts in small and medium-sized companies.
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • Effective communication and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency in Sage0
  • Part or fully CIMA-qualified

Industry: Financial Services

Employment Type: Part-time (15-20 hours per week flexible)

Salary: Negotiable on experience

To apply - please contact Elaine Kibble or call 07517109632

Ready to become part of the Bennett Jones Team? Please send your CV to elaine.kibble@bennett-jones.co.uk