Job Description

OVERVIEW OF ROLE

The role-holder will be a member of abrdn’s Monitoring & Oversight (M&O) unit which sits within the Risk and Compliance function.  The M&O unit has responsibility for delivering a programme of reviews of regulatory compliance and control in various aspects of abrdn’s business functions and to recommend actions for improvement.  In addition to conducting various reviews as part of the M&O programme, the role-holder will also support the ongoing evolution of review methodologies, including the use of technology and data to build insight about the business’ compliance and control standards.

RESPONSIBLE FOR

• Providing input into the development of a group-wide Monitoring & Oversight Plan based on reasoned risk-based prioritisation criteria.   This includes building a wide variety of hard and soft information sources so as to be able to form a view of key compliance and control issues that may warrant attention.

• Leading a team of M&O professionals on a day-to-day basis including training, mentoring, development of staff and performance management to deliver the M&O plan

• Managing key stakeholder relationships within all 3 lines of defence.

•  Managing the delivery of the Risk & Compliance Monitoring & Oversight Plan.   This includes: (a) reviewing the terms of reference of specific reviews, (b) liaising with various stakeholders at all stages of the review process, (c) conducting the necessary review field work using a variety of information gathering techniques, such as (i) interviews, (ii) walk-throughs, (iii) workshops, (iv) documentation studies, (v) test-scripts, (vi) analysis of structured and unstructured data (d) documentation of testing results and (e) drafting of issues, action plans and reports

• Managing the delivery of special investigations / reviews that may arise from time to time.

• Responsible for working with the business to frame and design appropriate actions that address areas where compliance and control issues have been identified for remediation and ensuring that such actions are tracked through to completion and associated reporting.

• Liaising with the Risk & Compliance Business Partnering Teams regarding emerging themes and review findings to incorporate these into the advice provided to the business.

• Identifying structured and unstructured data sources that could support focussed and effective M&O reviews,

• Advising M&O colleagues on specific tests that could be applied to conduct certain M&O reviews.

• The production and presentation of written reports that clearly and concisely explain the M&O reviews that have been undertaken, including the testing, the key findings and the recommended actions. 

• Promoting and encouraging a risk culture that underpins abrdn’s values and drives risk awareness and accountability within the business.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree qualified or equivalent professional experience.

KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Previous practical experience (12-15 years) in a Compliance advisory / M&O role, with relevant qualifications or training being an advantage.

• Effective team player and team leader to support the wider M&O function

• Previous experience in leading a team and mentoring junior level staff

• Good knowledge of the investment management life cycle and experience of analysing and assessing associated risks and controls an advantage.

• Thorough understanding of internal control concepts and methodology with the ability to evaluate and determine the adequacy and effectiveness of controls.

• Proven experience in working effectively in a matrix organisation with the ability to participate in multiple projects / reviews concurrently.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex and sensitive issues to senior management and external parties

• Ability to influence and impact change.

• Proven ability to be able to complete project / assignments on-time and adjust to changing priorities.

• Experience in automation and/or analysis of structured and unstructured data sources.

• In depth knowledge of MS Office suite of applications.

• Ability to problem solve and work with the business to derive practical solutions.

• Commitment to working flexibly working with colleagues in European time zones.

We’re committed to providing an inclusive workplace where all forms of difference are valued and which is free from any form of unfair or unlawful treatment.  We define diversity in its broadest sense – this includes but is not limited to our diversity of educational and professional backgrounds, experience, cognitive and neurodiversity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief and ethnicity and geographical provenance.  We support a culture that values meritocracy, fairness and transparency and welcomes enquiries from everyone.

If you need assistance or an adjustment due to a disability please let us know as part of your application and we will assist.