Senior Manager - Financial Crime Risk Management - CDD Periodic Review

Senior Manager (Associate Director) – Financial Crime Risk Management (CDD Periodic Review)

Location: Belfast
Team: Risk Management – Client Due Diligence (CDD)
Level: Senior Manager / Associate Director

About EY and Risk Management

At EY, risk management is at the heart of delivering exceptional client service and protecting our brand. Our Risk Management (RM) function ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, upholds EY’s business standards, and safeguards our reputation.

Managing financial crime risks—such as money laundering, terrorist financing, bribery and corruption, sanctions evasion, and fraud—is a top priority. Our central Client Due Diligence (CDD) team plays a critical role in supporting UK, Ireland, and Channel Islands engagement teams with client onboarding and ongoing monitoring.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Manager to lead and drive performance within our CDD Periodic Review team in Belfast. This is a leadership role where you will inspire and manage a large team, ensure operational excellence, and deliver continuous improvement across processes, technology, and people. You will also act as a trusted subject matter expert in AML/KYC, providing technical guidance and challenging ineffective processes and policies.

This role reports to the Central CDD team Director, who oversees EY’s Central CDD function.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Manage day-to-day operations and the performance of the Belfast CDD team, ensuring quality output and adherence to SLAs.

• People Leadership: Lead and inspire a relatively junior team to deliver exceptional results

• Continuous Improvement: Drive process optimisation, automation, and AI-enabled initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Technical Expertise: Serve as a sounding board for complex AML/KYC challenges, providing clear, risk-based rationales and guidance.
• Delegated Approvals: Take delegated responsibility from 2nd Line for client risk factor approvals and escalate issues to MLRO and Financial Crime teams when necessary.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with Service Lines and EY Partners whilst through clear communication and impactful conversations.
• Change Management: Lead multiple change projects simultaneously, ensuring successful delivery and adoption.
• Governance & Reporting: Oversee production and analysis of Management Information to monitor performance and identify improvement opportunities.

Skills and Attributes for Success

• Proven ability to lead large operational teams with strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Subject Matter Expertise in AML/KYC, with the ability to challenge processes and provide technical solutions.
• Demonstrated experience in process improvement, automation, and AI projects to drive efficiency.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, capable of engaging senior stakeholders and inspiring teams.
• Track record of managing significant change initiatives in a fast-paced and matrixed environment.
• Resilient and adaptable, thriving under pressure while maintaining focus on quality and deadlines.

To Qualify for the Role, You Must Have

• At least 2 years in a senior management role within professional or financial services.
• Experience in a regulated firm’s KYC/CDD compliance function, including leadership responsibilities.
• Proven experience in leading process improvement and technology-driven initiatives (automation, AI).

• Ability to act as a technical SME and escalation point for AML/KYC matters.

• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to provide substantiated, risk-based arguments.
• Ideally, a relevant financial crime qualification such as ICA or CAMS.

What We Look For

A dynamic people leader with deep AML/KYC expertise, a continuous improvement mindset, and the ability to inspire teams while driving operational excellence. You will combine technical knowledge with strategic thinking and interpersonal skills to deliver exceptional results.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services. We are committed to building a better working world through innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. We offer flexible working arrangements to help you balance your career and personal priorities.

If you meet the criteria and are ready to make an impact, apply now and join us in building a better working world.