Compliance Officer

About Us

Hejaz is a leading provider of innovative and Sharia compliant products and services. Our mission is to empower the Muslim community with ethical financial alternatives, including superannuation, wealth management, property finance, and fintech innovations like the Halal Money app. With a global presence spanning six offices, we are inviting talented professionals to be part of our continued expansion.

Position Description:

The Compliance Officer – Financial Crime is a highly specialized and critical role responsible for establishing, maintaining, and enhancing Hejaz's comprehensive financial crime framework. This framework encompasses Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF), sanctions compliance, and fraud prevention across all business lines. The incumbent acts as the nominated Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), serving as the primary liaison with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). A key responsibility involves the direct supervision of the FinCrime Analyst, ensuring the effective execution of financial crime prevention strategies and ongoing proactive monitoring of financial crime risks. This role demands an expert understanding of financial crime typologies, regulatory obligations, and risk management principles to protect Hejaz from illicit financial activities.

Key Deliverables & Responsibilities:

· AML/CTF Program Management: Develop, maintain, and continuously update Hejaz's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Program, including both Part A (General) and Part B (Specific) across all operational business lines. Ensure the program remains robust, effective, and compliant with the AML/CTF Act and associated Rules.

· Transaction & Sanctions Monitoring Oversight: Oversee the strategic implementation and ongoing effectiveness of proactive system monitoring for suspicious transactions, sanctions screening, and fraud detection. This includes ensuring the proper calibration of monitoring systems and the timely identification of suspicious behaviours or activities.

· AUSTRAC Reporting & Liaison: Ensure the timely, accurate, and complete submission of all mandatory reports to AUSTRAC, including Suspicious Matter Reports (SMRs), Threshold Transaction Reports (TTRs), and International Funds Transfer Instructions (IFTIs). Act as the primary point of contact for AUSTRAC inquiries and audits.

· Enhanced Customer Due Diligence (ECDD): Conduct thorough Enhanced Customer Due Diligence (ECDD) on escalated cases involving high-risk clients or complex structures. Ensure that client risk assessments are accurate, comprehensive, and regularly reviewed in accordance with Hejaz's risk appetite and regulatory requirements.

· Proactive Behavioural Monitoring: Implement and manage proactive monitoring of staff onboarding practices, Know Your Customer (KYC) data integrity, and transaction behaviours. The objective is to identify and pre-empt potential financial crime breaches or vulnerabilities within internal processes and systems.

· Training & Awareness Programs: Design, develop, and deliver comprehensive AML/CTF and fraud prevention training and awareness programs for all Hejaz staff. Ensure that employees at all levels understand their roles and responsibilities in combating financial crime.

· Regulatory Intelligence (Financial Crime): Continuously monitor and analyse guidance from AUSTRAC, trends identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and updates to international sanctions regimes. Assess the impact of these developments on Hejaz's financial crime framework and implement necessary adjustments.

· Compliance Tools Management: Oversee the selection, implementation, and ongoing calibration of AML monitoring software and other financial crime compliance tools. Ensure these systems are effectively configured to Hejaz's specific risk profile and operational needs.

· Investigations & Case Management: Lead and oversee financial crime investigations, ensuring that all cases are thoroughly documented, evidence is meticulously gathered, and appropriate actions are taken, including escalation to law enforcement where necessary.

· Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Conduct regular financial crime risk assessments, identify key vulnerabilities, and develop robust mitigation strategies. Report on the effectiveness of controls and recommend enhancements to senior management.

Key Requirements

• Minimum 4 years experience in regulatory reporting, compliance, or risk within banking, financial services, fintech, or from reputable firms preferred.
• Strong English communication skills, with proven ability to work with international teams and regulatory frameworks
• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple reporting deadlines.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professional judgment.
• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Professional certification in Compliance, Governance, or Risk Management (e.g. ICA, CAMS, CGRCP, ISO 37301, or similar) is desirable.