Specialist: Compliance at Cellulant Corporation

ROLE PURPOSE:

• As a Specialist: Compliance at Cellulant, you are a critical member of the Compliance team within the Legal and Compliance division of the company. You will support the team and the company at large to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations including AML/CFT. The incumbent will also support the Compliance lead to implement and maintain a robust compliance program across the company.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Stay updated on relevant laws, regulations, and internal compliance policies, and communicate any changes to relevant teams across Cellulant’s digital payments ecosystem.
• Conduct regular compliance monitoring to assess adherence to applicable regulatory frameworks governing digital financial services, mobile payments, and cross-border transactions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to track and document instances of non-compliance, ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly and effectively
• Support the team in coordinating regulatory audits and inspections, ensuring timely resolution and closure of observations or findings related to Cellulant’s platforms and operations.
• Conduct AML/CFT risk assessments across the business, evaluating risks associated with products, services, channels, and customer segments on Cellulant’s payment platforms.
• Assist in drafting and updating AML/CFT policies, procedures, and control frameworks to ensure alignment with Cellulant’s current and evolving digital product offerings.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of AML/CFT-related regulatory reports and returns to authorities in all jurisdictions where Cellulant operates.
• Conduct thorough due diligence and enhanced due diligence reviews on customers, merchants, aggregators, and strategic partners operating within Cellulant’s network.
• Identify and manage customers or partners that fall outside Cellulant’s defined risk appetite, and initiate derisking processes where necessary.
• Perform ongoing transaction monitoring across Cellulant’s platforms to identify suspicious or unusual activities indicative of potential money laundering or terrorist financing.
• Report suspicious transactions or activities to the appropriate Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) and regulatory bodies as required.
• Conduct real-time and batch transaction filtering and name screening using internal and third-party compliance tools integrated into Cellulant’s systems.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive AML/CFT training plan tailored for staff involved in various parts of the payment value chain.
• Collaborate with HR to ensure all employees receive regular training and updates on compliance obligations, AML/CFT responsibilities, and ethical business conduct.
• Design and distribute compliance awareness content, including newsletters and learning nuggets, to promote a strong compliance culture across departments.
• Oversee periodic, risk-based reviews of existing customers using data-driven approaches to assess ongoing suitability and compliance status.
• Investigate incidents reported to the compliance team, including those related to whistleblowing, breach of code of conduct, conflict of interest, or data protection concerns.
• Support the implementation of Cellulant’s anti-bribery and corruption program, ensuring all business interactions align with local and international standards.
• Recommend and implement process improvement initiatives, including leveraging automation, data analytics, and AI tools to enhance compliance efficiencies.
• Assist in the implementation and optimization of AML/CFT control tools and systems used across Cellulant’s products and services.
• Collaborate with Product and Technology teams to ensure AML/CFT and compliance tools are functioning optimally through regular testing, feedback, and issue escalation.
• Continuously monitor the return on investment in AML/CFT tools to ensure effective use of compliance resources and technology.
• Conduct compliance assessments for new product launches, service updates, or channel expansions to ensure risks are identified and mitigated early.
• Provide ongoing compliance advisory support to business units to embed regulatory awareness into product design, customer onboarding, and operations.
• Maintain and update Cellulant’s internal watchlists and blacklists, and communicate relevant changes to concerned teams for operational enforcement.
• Respond promptly and accurately to due diligence requests received from partner banks, regulators, or corporate customers.
• Execute any other tasks or special projects assigned by the compliance supervisor in support of organizational goals.
• Support the compliance lead in preparing detailed and timely management information reports for internal governance and regulatory reporting.

MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge of fundamental Banking products and services, including operational processes.
• Significant experience of Payment Services in major African Markets - including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, etc.
• In Depth knowledge of AML/CFT regulations and requirements as it relates to Payment Services, Remittance and digital financial services.
• 2-6 years of experience in customer due diligence reviews and approvals including enhanced due diligence for high-risk customers such as Remittance companies, PEPs, companies with complex structure, virtual assets or VASPs, Forex companies, etc.
• 2-6 years experience in conducting investigation of incidents especially red flags for AML/CFT risks.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting policies and procedures.
• Ability to conduct research and interpret regulatory provisions.
• Ability to use work tools such as Google Sheets, Slides, Notes, Excel, PowerPoint.

EXPERIENCE THAT WILL COUNT IN YOUR FAVOUR:

• Experience working in a FinTech, or financial institution.
• Strong business acumen Excellent Communication Skills

NICE TO HAVE EXPERIENCE

• Excellent Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle tasks at a given time.
• Problem solving and ability to meet deadlines.

QUALIFICATION & SKILLS:

• A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Risk Management, or any other relevant field of study.
• Member of relevant professional bodies (such as ACCA, CIN, ACFE, ACAMS, ACA, etc).
• A master's degree or Professional Certifications such as DCP, CAFCA, ICA, CAMS is an advantage.
• Leadership skills, Presentation skills, Interpersonal skills, and Analytical skills.