Vacancies

Compliance Manager

We're looking for a driven compliance professional to join our Risk & Compliance team as Compliance Manager!

Your role will be central to Manx Financial Group PLC's programme of regulatory compliance. You'll use your expert knowledge to ensure that there are adequate and effective controls in place to mitigate against regulatory, reputational, legal and operational risks.

It will be your responsibility to lead, coach and mentor the Isle of Man based Compliance team. You'll be Money Laundering Reporting Officer for both Conister Bank Limited and our sister Company, Edgewater Associates Limited.

If you are a strong people manager with detailed knowledge of Isle of Man MLRO duties and feel this challenge is perfect for you, please apply below or email your CV to careers@mfg.im.

General Purpose

• Provide the Manx Financial Group PLC and its subsidiaries with compliance support (in line with Key Responsibilities detailed below);
• Actively work to ensure that there are adequate and effective controls in place to mitigate against regulatory risks, reputational, legal and operational risks;
• Manage the Isle of Man based Compliance team, and deputise for the UK based Compliance Manager as required;
• Act as Money Laundering Reporting Officer for Conister Bank Limited and Edgewater Associates Limited;
• Support the Head of Risk and Compliance and other Senior Managers in discharging their duties under the Controlled Function and Senior Managers Certification Regimes.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Drive compliance with all Isle of Man legislation, regulation and applicable codes of practice in the markets in which we operate (excluding company law and employment law);
• Identify potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk - develop/implement corrective action plan for resolution of problematic issues and provide general guidance on how to avoid or deal with similar situation in the future;
• Implement effective issues and actions tracking, with appropriate escalation and reporting, for open risks;
• Independently raise awareness to management, and the Group Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and Board if required, on any deficiencies in the Group’s compliance with its Isle of Man regulatory obligations and ensure appropriate action is taken to address issues raised;
• Provide management, ARCC and Board with an opinion on the internal regulatory controls within the Group through regular and appropriate reporting;
• Maintain and analyse key risk data in order to inform and support reporting on internal regulatory controls;
• Review and analyse new legislation and regulation, engage with the business in order to assess the impact, plan the implementation of regulatory change and embed within company policies and procedures;
• Direct the planning and delivery of the compliance training programme (to cover general compliance, AML/CFT, financial crime requirements) for both new and existing staff as required;
• Maintain adequate compliance policies in line with regulatory requirements, including the annual review and refresh of relevant manuals, policies and procedures;
• Manage and monitor the effective implementation of compliance related policies, including the maintenance of all registers and logs required by the Financial Services Rulebook and AML/CFT Handbook;
• Coordinate the management of queries and referrals received into the team, ensuring that internal processes lead to queries being dealt with in a constructive and timely manner;
• Manage a register of regulatory returns and notifications, ensuring that submissions are planned and owned within the team, and delivered in an accurate and timely manner.
• Provide Compliance advice and support on corporate projects;
• Lead regulatory visits and inspections in the Isle of Man. Including completion of preparatory work with relevant department heads, management of on-site examinations and follow-up activity;
• Work closely with the Compliance Manager (UK), the Monitoring Manager and the Risk Manager to ensure that assurance plans remain risk focused and relevant, and that outputs are actively supported and addressed;
• Assist with a programme of compliance monitoring as required, to ensure that controls are adequately designed and operating effectively to maintain compliance with all applicable law and regulation;
• Actively promote risk and compliance awareness within the business and the development of a positive risk and compliance culture, including the provision of regulatory compliance and risk related coaching to the business as required.
• Support the use of the Group Risk Management Framework across the business in accordance with the requirements of each Group subsidiary company.
• Actively manage and coach the Isle of Man Compliance team – setting and monitoring objectives, performing regular one to ones and formal performance reviews, developing appropriate Personal Development plans;
• Drive own self-development to continue to meet the requirements of the role and the needs of the business.

Principle Accountabilities

• To the Group Head of Risk & Compliance and the Managing Director of Conister Bank Limited, the Group Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and the Group Board of Directors.
• To act as the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority approved Compliance Officer for Conister Bank Limited and Edgewater Associates Limited;
• To act as the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority approved Money Laundering Reporting Officer (“MLRO”) for Conister Bank Limited and Edgewater Associates Limited, responsible for the review and assessment of all suspicious transaction reports and act as liaison for all external regulatory and enforcement enquiries.

Working Relationships

• Independent and direct access to the Group’s responsible officers;
• Isle of Man Financial Services Authority to ensure ongoing compliance with regulations;
• Unfettered access to all business lines and support departments, with the authority to examine business processes, documents and speak to any member of staff in order to accomplish stated objectives.

Decision Making Authority

• Empowered to make policy interpretation decisions based on Isle of Man FSA and UK FCA Handbook requirements on a day to day basis.
• Empowered to assess events to determine whether a notifiable breach of rules has occurred, and whether notification to the FSA or Information Commissioner is required.
• Mandated to liaise with the Isle of Man regulator on general matters and notifications with prior approval from either the Head of Risk and Compliance, or the Directors.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Hold a relevant professional qualification, or have a minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience (e.g. Compliance/Risk/Internal Audit/Legal);
• Detailed working knowledge of the Isle of Man FSA Rule Book 2016 and the AML/CFT Code 2019, as they apply to deposit taking/banking, investment business and insurance intermediaries;
• Ability to work independently and manage own workload under pressure;
• Systematic approach to work with demonstrable ability to deliver to deadline, whilst maintaining attention to detail;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience of presenting to senior management and internal committees.
• Working knowledge of international regulatory standards, including practical experience of applying FCA regulatory standards;

Competency Framework

Planning and Accountability - Level 4
Adaptability and Learning - Level 3
Judgement - Level 4
Communication - Level 3
Customer Focus - Level 3

Applications Support Engineer

Our IT team are searching for a knowledgeable IT professional to join them as an Applications Support Engineer.

You will be responsible for the operation, support and administration of the Company's new and existing business software applications. You'll have excellent knowledge of banking and payment systems, MS Office applications and a minimum of 5 years relevant technology experience.

Please see below for a full job description or to apply.

General Purpose

Operation, support, and administration of the company’s new & existing business software applications.

Key tasks and responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities & ownership:

• Conister Deposit System
• Conister Lending System and all related utilities, processes, and interfaces
• External data transfers including Bottomline CSeries (Equifax, Credit Checking, BACS, etc.)
• SUN Accounts & Vision
• Virtual Cabinet
• ServiceDeskPlus (process, data, and policing)
• Company websites
• All client applications and related workstation configuration

Secondary responsibilities:

• Active Directory & all related functions (i.e. profiles, scripts, GPOs, etc.)
• Microsoft Technologies
• Microsoft Exchange
• VMWare
• SQL server & databases maintenance
• Threat protection applications
• Monitoring and security systems
• Network services, hardware, power and cabling
• Backup and restore systems
• Office machinery & consumables
• ServiceDeskPlus (maintenance only)
• Firewall & internal routing & switching management
• All Client hardware and operating system support

General obligations

• Support, maintain, document, and improve all utilities, processes, procedures, and interfaces relating to Primary Responsibilities.
• Keep the IT ServiceDesk updated on a daily basis
• 1st line IT support - ensuring the resolution of issues, and provision of client / server applications, desktop applications, and telephony systems to our end users.
• Strive to keep costs down without detriment to Primary Responsibilities
• Strive to simplify process and improve efficiency without detriment to Primary Responsibilities
• Assist in the day to day IT function and tasks as deemed necessary by the Head of IT
• Refer to Head of IT where changes to business process / procedures are planned, which may impact internal customers or day to day activity.
• Liaise effectively with outsourced 2nd line support providers and 3rd party suppliers.
• Keep individual training record up to date
• Communicate and record any disruption to services in a timely and appropriate manner
• Undertake projects that will improve support and modernisation of the systems and processes as required by the Head of IT
• Examine new technologies and assist the Head of IT in identifying important advances and trends in IT support and how they may benefit the Group.
• Strive for continual improvement in all verbal & written communication

Deliverables for monthly IT team meeting:

• Provide updates on current month’s targets and issues
• Discuss any concerns (taken outside the meeting on one to one basis if appropriate)
• Agree targets for following month

Other tasks:

• Ensure internal SLAs are being met (ServiceDesk) or discuss necessity for SLA changes
• Devise training programmes and material to increase staff application competency and awareness of security and best practices
• May act as project leader

Principle Accountabilities

• Accountable to the Head of IT for all work carried out on all Primary Responsibilities.
• Accountable to the primary owner of all secondary responsibilities for work undertaken
• Refer to the Head of IT where changes to business process / procedures are planned, which may affect internal customers or day to day activity.

NB: The Head of IT has ultimate responsibility and accountability for all IT related functions

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Essential

• Minimum 5 years of relevant technology experience (preferably holds an IT related degree)
• Excellent knowledge of banking and payment applications and interfaces.
• Excellent knowledge of banking operational support.
• Sound knowledge of desktop and telephony applications.
• An understanding of network solutions & support.
• A strong background in application support analysis and management
• Excellent documentation and procedural skills
• Self development, desire to learn, transfer, and maintain professional skill sets and documentation.
• Strong problem solving skills, ability to investigate and overcome technical difficulties, or escalate problems to 2nd line support in a timely and organised manner
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an ability to create good relationships with users and other team members
• Ability to self regulate in pressured or stressful situations
• Ability to self motivate with a desire to improve existing IT processes and practices
• Strong knowledge of MS Office applications

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of VPN & remote access
• VBA & SQL scripting skills

Working Relationships 

• Must develop and maintain productive relationships with other members of the IT department.
• Must develop a friendly & helpful demeanour when communicating internally and externally

Decision Making Authority

• Essential purchases up to £300
• Low risk upgrades and configuration changes to Primary Responsibilities

NB: All other purchases (or any purchase over £300), and any changes that represent medium to high risk of unplanned service interruption, must be authorised by the Head of IT

Competency Framework 

Judgement - Level 3

Communication - Level 3

Teamwork - Level 3

Adaptability and Learning - Level 2

Planning and Accountability - Level 2

Compliance Advisor

We're searching for a Compliance Advisor to join our Risk & Compliance team!

You'll use your knowledge and experience to provide compliance support to Manx Financial Group PLC and it's subsidiaries whilst also being Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer for the Bank.

You will be central to the smooth operation of the compliance team and build valued relationships with the business.

If you have a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience and are looking for a fresh challenge, please apply below or send your CV to careers@mfg.im.

General Purpose

• Provide the Manx Financial Group PLC and its subsidiaries with compliance support (in line with Key Responsibilities detailed below);
• Actively work to ensure that there are adequate and effective controls in place to mitigate against regulatory risks, reputational, legal and operational risks;
• Act as Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer for Conister Bank Limited and Edgewater Associates Limited;
• Act as coordinator of Data Protection matters for Conister Bank Limited and Edgewater Associates Limited.
• Support the Compliance Manager (Isle of Man) in discharging his duties as designated Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer; 

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Support

• Drive compliance with all legislation, regulation and applicable codes of practice in the markets in which we operate;
• Independently identify and escalate deficiencies in compliance with regulatory obligations, personally ensuring appropriate action is taken to address issues raised;
• Support the planning and delivery of the compliance training programme (to cover general compliance, AML/CFT, financial crime requirements) for both new and existing staff as required;
• Maintain adequate compliance policies in line with regulatory requirements, including the annual review and refresh of relevant manuals, policies and procedures;
• Support the effective implementation of compliance related policies, including the maintenance of all registers and logs required by the Financial Services Rulebook and AML/CFT Handbook;
• Actively review queries and referrals received personally or into the Compliance mailbox in a constructive and timely manner;
• Maintain a register of regulatory returns and notifications, ensuring that submissions are planned and owned within the team.
• Provide Compliance advice and support on corporate projects;
• Co-ordinate compliance matters and enquiries from external advisors or regulators as required;
• Assist with a programme of compliance monitoring as required, to ensure that controls are adequately designed and operating effectively to maintain compliance with all applicable law and regulation;
• Actively promote risk and compliance awareness within the business and the development of a positive risk and compliance culture, including the provision of regulatory compliance and risk related coaching to the business as required.
• Support the use of the Group Risk Management Framework across the business in accordance with the requirements of each Group subsidiary company.
• Drive own self-development to continue to meet the requirements of the role and the needs of the business.
• Deputise for the Compliance Manager (IOM) as required.
   

DMLRO

• Act as the MLRO in the absence of the Compliance Manager (IOM);
• Ensure that the group has effective AML/CFT systems, controls, policies and procedures in place to manage money laundering risk;
• Assess monitoring results for key AML/CFT processes to ensuring they are adequately designed and operating effectively, and where deficiencies are found effective remedial solutions are put in place;
• Take personal responsibility to ensure that processes to i) identify and manage high risk accounts (including PEPs), ii) manage and monitor sanctions exposure, iii) identify, report and assess suspicious activity, are all operating effectively in order to discharge the personal duties attached to the role.
• Thoroughly investigate suspicious activity reports and report externally where appropriate, maintaining all related records.
• Manage external enquiries from law enforcement agencies and regulators.

Data Protection

• Act as coordination point for Data Subject Access Requests, ensuring that they are managed within prescribed timescales.
• Record and coordinate Data Impact Assessments through to full completion.
• Support day to day queries in relation to data protection matters.
• Support the delivery of data protection training across MFG.
• Actively promote the consideration of data protection issues in corporate projects.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Hold, or be working towards a relevant professional qualification (eg ICA Diploma);
• A minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience (e.g. Compliance/Risk/Internal Audit/Legal)
• Up to date working knowledge of the Isle of Man FSA Rule Book 2016 and the AML/CFT Code 2019, as they apply to deposit taking/banking, investment business, and insurance intermediaries;
• Ability to work independently and to manage own workload under pressure;
• Systematic approach to work with demonstrable ability to deliver to deadline, whilst maintaining attention to detail;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Principle Accountabilities

• Report to and work under the direction of the Compliance Manager (Isle of Man) and the Group Compliance & Risk Manager.

Working Relationships

• Independent and direct access to the Group’s responsible officers.
• Unfettered access to all business lines and support departments, with the authority to examine business processes, documents and speak to any member of staff in order to accomplish stated objectives. 

Decision Making Authority

• Empowered to make limited decisions based on Isle of Man FSA and UK FCA Handbook requirements on a day to day basis.
• Empowered to assess events to determine whether a notifiable breach of rules has occurred, and to agreed, in conjunction with the Compliance Manager (Isle of Man) whether notification to the FSA or Information Commissioner as required.
• Empowered to fulfil the duties of the MLRO in their formal absence (eg to externalise suspicious activity reports).

Competency Framework

Planning and Accountability - Level 3
Adaptability and Learning - Level 3
Judgement - Level 3
Communication - Level 2
Customer Focus - Level 2

Internal Audit Manager

We are on the lookout for an Internal Audit Manager to join our Internal Audit team!

The job holder is responsible for the timely delivery of high quality assurance audit reports on third party intermediaries and portfolios of businesses which meet the requirements of the Audit Risk & Compliance Committee (ARCC) and Conister Bank Limited’s Credit Committee. They will lead internal audits in the UK and the Isle of Man across all of the Manx Financial Group’s (“the Group’s”) companies including Edgewater Associates Limited.

We would welcome applications from both the UK and IOM as there is scope for the role to be based in any of our locations (Isle of Man, Manchester or Newbury).

For further information or to apply, please submit your CV below or email careers@mfg.im.

General Purpose

The job holder is responsible for the timely delivery of high quality assurance audit reports on third party intermediaries and portfolios of businesses which meet the requirements of the Audit Risk & Compliance Committee (ARCC) and Conister Bank Limited’s Credit Committee.

The job holder will lead internal audits in the UK and the Isle of Man across all of the Manx Financial Group’s (“the Group’s”) companies including Edgewater Associates Limited.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Provide the ARCC and Group subsidiary Boards with an independent and objective evaluation of the adequacy, effectiveness and quality of operational, risk management and governance internal control framework;
• Identify potential areas of operational, financial or regulatory vulnerability and risk and provide management with a recommended corrective action plan for resolution of problematic issues and provide general guidance on how to avoid or deal with similar situation in the future;
• To develop, with the approval of the ARCC, and execute an annual Group internal audit plan to ensure that all of the internal business processes, procedures and controls are reviewed and assessed in order to identify the Group’s major risks;
• Perform audits related to third party intermediaries in accordance with contractual agreements, current legislation and professional standards. Including delivering on time high quality audit reports that clearly set out issues found and their practical solutions;
• To undertake regular internal audits of the Risk activities across the Group subsidiaries and report its findings to the ARCC;
• Provide recommendations for minimising internal control deficiencies and to recommend cost-control processes or cost reduction ideas;
• As part of the audit process influence third party audiences including partners, their products, their procedures and their practices to meet operational needs and/or regulatory requirements;
• Apply knowledge of relevant key regulations to influence audit scope;
• Contribute to the development of audit processes;
• Management of the Internal Auditor ensuring that clear objectives are set, training and support is provided and that their performance is monitored and directed to the achievement of departmental targets.
• Keep up to date with UK and Isle of Man regulatory changes and incorporate the impact of future legislation on current audits;
• Develop effective relationships with third party intermediaries and senior management to ensure strong understanding of the businesses; and
• Participates in business initiatives and pro-actively advise and assist the business on change initiatives.
• Ad hoc projects.

Principle Accountabilities

• To the Managing Director.

Working Relationships

• Independent and direct access to the Bank and Group’s responsible officers.
• Unfettered access to all business lines and support departments, with the authority to examine business processes, documents and speak to any member of staff in order to accomplish stated objectives.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Hold or working towards obtaining a recognised Internal Auditor qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience gained in consumer retail finance or the banking industry.
• Up to date knowledge of internal audit reporting.
• Good understanding of the Credit Consumer Act and the FCA’s core regulatory functions.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written.
• Business travel will be required.

Competency Framework

• Planning and Accountability - Level 4
• Adaptability and Learning - Level 4
• Judgement - Level 4
• Communication - Level 4
• Influencing Results - Level 4

Risk Manager

An opportunity has arisen for a Risk Manager to join our Risk & Compliance team!

The job holder will be responsible for:

• The delivery of an effective Risk Management Framework across Manx Financial Group PLC (in line with key responsibilities detailed in the job description;
• Leading a programme of Risk and Control Assessments across Conister Bank Limited, Conister Finance & Leasing Ltd, and Edgewater Associates Limited;
• Managing and developing a framework of risk appetite measures, including key operational risk metrics; and
• Supporting the Head of Risk & Compliance and other Senior Managers in discharging their duties under the Controlled Function and Senior Managers Certification Regimes.

The successful candidate will hold a relevant qualification or have a minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience (e.g. Compliance, Risk, Internal Audit, Legal) and have extensive experience of risk management and risk reporting.

We would welcome applications from both the UK and IOM as there is scope for the role to be based in any of our locations (Isle of Man, Manchester or Newbury).

Please see below for a full job description or to apply.

General Purpose

• Delivery of an effective Risk Management Framework across Manx Financial Group PLC (in line with Key Responsibilities detailed below).
• Lead a programme of Risk and Control Assessments across Conister Bank Limited, Conister Finance and Leasing, and Edgewater Associates Limited.
• Manage and develop a framework of risk appetite measures, including key operational risk metrics
• Support the Head of Risk and Compliance and other Senior Managers in discharging their duties under the Controlled Function and Senior Managers Certification Regimes.

Note

• this role will require some travel between the IOM and UK.
• this is a Second Line of Defence role, but may move to the First Line of Defence once the risk framework matures.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide the Executive Risk Committee, Audit Risk and Compliance Committee, and subsidiary Boards with an objective evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control and the risk management framework;
• Ongoing development of the Risk Management framework, designing, building and implementing robust tools for managing risk across the Group;
• Identify, document, assess and monitor the risks to which MFG are exposed, and the controls in place to manage those risks (using recognised risk management methodologies);
• Actively identify control weaknesses and assist in the design, documentation and implementation of more robust controls;
• Work actively and collaboratively with the business to ensure a consistent and integrated approach is applied to risk management, embedding the use of risk management tools in the First Line of Defence;
• Monitor control enhancement activity to ensure complete and timely remedial action for control weaknesses;
• Manage an incidents and events framework, capturing errors, losses, and operational complaints – assessing root cause, assisting with effective remedial action actions, and analysis and reporting;
• Develop and regularly prepare formal reports for internal Committees, ARCC and Board on planned, in-progress and completed activity, including comprehensive issues tracking data;
• Present reports to internal Committees, ARCC and Board as required;
• Actively train and coach employees on the key concepts of risk management to foster a positive risk management culture;
• Link the Risk Management Framework to the Independent Capital Adequacy Assessment Process, supporting preparation of the ICAAP document as required;
• In conjunction with the Monitoring Manager, assess and monitor key operational controls required by regulation (eg business continuity);
• Conduct control audits/investigations as required, identifying and assisting with the resolution of risk issues;
• Assist with general risk matters and enquiries from the business and external advisors or regulators.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Hold a relevant professional qualification, or have a minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience (e.g. Compliance/Risk/Internal Audit/Legal);
• Extensive experience of risk management and risk reporting, preferably in an organisation with multiple business line and geographies;
• Up to date working knowledge of international risk management methodologies and industry developments;
• Systematic approach to work with demonstrable ability to deliver to deadline, whilst maintaining attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and manage own workload under pressure;
• Strong Strategic and analytical thinking, with a focus on efficient problem solving;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience of presenting to senior management and internal committees.

Principle Accountabilities

Report to and work under the direction of the Head of Risk and Compliance

Working Relationships

• Independent and direct access to the Group’s responsible officers.
• Unfettered access to all business lines and support departments, with the authority to examine business processes, documents and speak to any member of staff in order to accomplish stated objectives.

Decision Making Authority

• Empowered to make basic administrative decisions.
• All other decisions to be ratified by the Head of Risk and Compliance.

Competency Framework

• Planning and Accountability - Level 4
• Adaptability and Learning - Level 3
• Judgement - Level 4
• Communication - Level 3
• Teamwork - Level 4