Graduate Compliance Assistant

MCS is supporting a leading professional services firm in Belfast to recruit a Compliance Assistant to join their Risk & Compliance team.
The Job
This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate or early-career professional to join a highly regarded professional services environment and kick-start a career within Risk & Compliance. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Risk & Compliance, supporting the firm's onboarding, anti-money laundering, regulatory compliance, file management and quality assurance functions while gaining valuable experience in a regulated legal environment.
To support the Head of Risk & Compliance in the implementation and continuous operation of the firm's anti-money laundering, financial crime, regulatory, onboarding, file management and quality assurance frameworks, ensuring compliance and efficient service delivery.
The role is responsible for applying the firm's policies and procedures, maintaining accurate records, escalating issues appropriately and supporting an efficient and reliable compliance service to fee earners and the wider firm.
The Company
This organisation is highly regarded within the professional services sector and is known for its supportive, collaborative and high-performing culture. You will be joining a structured compliance function that values accuracy, professionalism and continuous improvement, while offering ongoing training, mentoring and career development opportunities.
Package/Benefits
Competitive salary DOE
Hybrid working after a successful probationary period
23 days annual leave + 13 statutory days
Strong pension contribution
Private medical insurance
Life assurance
Income protection
Cycle to work scheme
Monday - Friday working pattern
The Role
Assist with processing new client and reactivation requests in line with AML and onboarding requirements
Prepare and review engagement letters and onboarding documentation
Support fee earners and clients with KYC, CDD and onboarding requirements
Conduct client due diligence, sanctions screening, PEP checks and adverse media searches
Support AML, financial crime and risk assessment processes across the firm
Assist with ongoing CDD/KYC refresh activity and monitoring requirements
Support source of funds and source of wealth reviews
Identify and escalate potential compliance, AML, onboarding and file management risks
Assist with compliance investigations, remediation projects and audit responses
Support file opening, file closing, archiving, retention, retrieval and destruction processes
Carry out file reviews, control checks and quality assurance tasks
Support compliance with Lexcel, ISO and other quality assurance frameworks
Maintain compliance records, registers and management information
Support internal and external audits, compliance monitoring and continuous improvement activities
Other ad hoc duties may be required

The Person
Essential Criteria
Relevant degree in Law, Business Studies or a related discipline
Highly organised with strong attention to detail
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office
Proactive with the ability to manage workload independently
Eagerness to learn and develop a career within compliance, risk or regulatory functions
Desirable Criteria
Exposure to, or awareness of, client onboarding or new business intake processes
Understanding of financial crime, AML, risk management or regulatory requirements
Experience gained through placement, internship, part-time work or employment within a legal, financial services or professional services environment
Knowledge of compliance processes within a regulated environment

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity, please contact Caoimhe Lawlor at MCS on
If you have a disability, which means you require assistance at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us directly to discuss.
Honeycomb is committed to providing equality of opportunity to all.
Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current vacancies.