Principal Consultant, AML (Anti-Money Laundering)

The Opportunity:

The individual in this position serves as the supervisor, relationship manager, account owner, or engagement lead for certain ACA managed services clients.  Principal Consultants have supervisory, training, and/or subject matter expertise responsibilities in addition to their expertise and support on managed services engagements. Principal Consultants are expected to maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding AML regulations, best practices, and nuances associated with the products and services they engage in.

What you’ll do: 

• Facilitate, lead, and/or participate in managed services projects with other supervisors, relationship managers, account owners, and project leads
• Demonstrate deep expertise in KYC onboarding, CDD/EDD, and financial crime compliance, particularly with exposure to offshore jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands and Luxembourg.
• Manage more complex and/or difficult client relationships with respect to managed services projects and services, as well as engage with other ACA account owners and relationship managers to ensure excellent client service
• Oversee client relationships, including onboarding new clients, setting scope and workflow expectations, communicating findings, tracking budgets, reviewing invoices, answering questions, and ensuring client expectations and contractual obligations are met
• Conduct reviews of clients’ books and records, deliverables, and other documents
• Supervise, coach, and mentor junior consultants and analysts, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence. 
• Act as a subject matter expert on KYC onboarding, CDD/EDD, sanctions screening, and complex entity structures. 
• Provide strategic guidance on AML regulatory requirements and best practices, including those relevant to the Cayman Islands, Luxembourg, and other offshore jurisdictions. 
• Conduct quality assurance reviews and provide sign-off on high-risk or complex cases. 
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and implement department-wide initiatives, including training programs, process improvements, and regulatory updates. 
• Represent the firm in client meetings, risk forums, and regulatory discussions as needed. 
• Stay current with evolving AML regulations and industry trends to ensure compliance and innovation. 

To Qualify for the role, you will have: 

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 7 years of experience in AML/KYC, financial crime compliance, or related fields. 
• Proven experience in investor onboarding, including high-risk clients, funds, trusts, and complex ownership structures.  
• Knowledge of global AML regulations (FATF, EU AMLD, FCA, POCA, etc.) preferred. 
• Hands-on experience with offshore jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands and Luxembourg preferred.  
• Proficiency with AML tools such as WorldCheck, LexisNexis, or equivalent. 

Ideally, you’ll also have:

• Major or concentration in compliance, criminal justice, law, business, accounting, finance, and/or economics preferred.

Skills and Attributes for Success: 

• Demonstrated professional integrity
• Dependable, flexible, and adaptable to new ACA initiatives and changing client needs
• Ability to exercise discretion and make independent judgments on matters of significance
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, small team environment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and clients
• Highly motivated and goal oriented; pro-active in one’s own education and career progression; volunteers for and shows initiative on both internal and external projects and tasks
• Dedicated to upholding ACA’s high-quality standards and customer service focus
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and comfortable working in a tech enabled environment.

What working at ACA offers:

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. Our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options as well as a flexible work environment. You’ll also be granted time off for designated ACA Paid Holidays, Summer Fridays, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being. We also offer unique benefits such as Student Debt Forgiveness and Pet Insurance.

About ACA:

ACA Group is the leading governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) advisor in financial services. We empower our clients to reimagine GRC and protect and grow their business. Our innovative approach integrates consulting, managed services, and our ComplianceAlpha® technology platform with the specialized expertise of former regulators and practitioners and our deep understanding of the global regulatory landscape.

What we commit to:

ACA is firmly committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, which applies to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotions, training, discipline, terminations, layoffs, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation and all other terms and conditions of employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.