Client Onboarding Assistant
Job title
Client Onboarding Assistant
Department
Standards & Ethics
About Higgs
Our vision is to be the independent regional law firm of choice, recognised for having a positive long-term impact upon its people, its clients, its business partners and its community.
When it comes to our people, the team is everything at Higgs – an environment of sharing and collaboration, and a real sense of loyalty to each other and the firm. That is coupled with a desire for everyone to learn and develop. We are always striving to be better. We enjoy what we do. We are genuinely interested in our clients and want them to feel a part of the firm too.
Our approach to our people draws on enjoyment, health & wellbeing, developing talent, technical excellence, training, reward and recognition.
When recruiting, we:
- Value enthusiasm and personality
- Want to be an employer of choice for talented, driven and client-focused people
- Are always looking for the very best to strengthen our team and bring new skills and ideas
- Integrate new people to realise their potential
With over two hundred employees and Members we offer a flexible and unique environment for people to grow their careers. Together we grow.
Role purpose
The Client Onboarding Assistant will perform all operations relating to the effective management of the Firm’s client onboarding, anti-money laundering, ‘Know Your Client’ (KYC) and risk checks.
The Client Onboarding Assistant remains accountable for establishing and maintaining an ongoing service-based relationship with all departments and will be able to recognise the needs and expectations of the Firm’s lawyers, translating these into a responsive service as part of the wider Standards & Ethics team.
Key responsibilities
In line with policies and procedures key responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and completing relevant customer due diligence, KYC, AML and risk checks.
- Input client data and upload documents to client onboarding system.
- Technical point of contact for KYC and AML onboarding enquiries.
- Obtaining KYC and AML information from various sources.
- Review KYC and AML information for all legal entity types.
- Liaise effectively with all stakeholders managing expectations.
- Providing challenge when appropriate to do so.
- Participate in KYC and AML related projects as required.
- Support Head of Standards & Ethics in continuous process improvement.
Person specification
- Good communication, organisational and team skills
- Good attention to detail
- Flexible and dependable, able to take the initiative.
- Able to remain calm under pressure and work to tight deadlines.
- Conscientious, approachable and enthusiastic
- Able to quickly build confidence, respect and trust with others.
Technical knowledge
- Experience of legal compliance with a good knowledge of legislative and regulatory practices and procedures affecting the onboarding process.
- Experience of working with a practice management system (PMS).
- Knowledge of KYC, AML and due diligence requirements in respect of private clients, corporate entities, partnerships and complex structures including trusts.
- Knowledge of onboarding software, online AML checking and accessing KYC/AML information from a variety of sources.
- Previous experience of working in a law firm preferred.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint
Other information
The firm offers hybrid working wherever possible. Our Higgs’ Best FIT (flexible, inclusive, together) principles are designed to ensure that people are able to complete their best work from the most appropriate location.
We also encourage a ‘dress for your diary’ approach.
Equal opportunities
As charter signatories to The Law Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Charter, Higgs LLP are committed to developing a diverse business by engaging with the widest pool of talent and promoting equality of opportunity for everyone. Our mission is to ensure that everyone is empowered to be the best version of themselves and to have a voice which can be shared, heard and respected.
