Business Acceptance Assistant

Join to apply for the Business Acceptance Assistant role at Eversheds Sutherland
.

We are Eversheds Sutherland, a global law firm with more than 5,000 people across over 30 countries. We’re full‑service with deep niche and sector experience. Whatever challenge, wherever in the world, we’re equipped and ready to meet it. We live our values, we’re purposeful and purpose‑led. So although the world is fast‑moving and rapidly changing, we see it as a place where everyone can thrive.

We’re ambitious for our clients, our communities – and for you. Whether you’re starting out on your career or well established, whether you’re a lawyer or in business services, if you’re looking for what’s next, we are too.

For business professionals, our environment is highly collaborative with value placed on diversity of ideas, skills and mindsets. It’s energetic, fast‑moving and there’s always something new to get involved in. You will get exposure across geographies and the firm as a whole. The future is a place of opportunity, focusing on your success and what’s next will ensure you thrive too.

The Eversheds Sutherland Business Acceptance Team (BAT) is a business‑critical function operating within the Risk Team to support the business in meeting its legal and regulatory obligations. The department is based in Leeds and is split into two sub‑teams, the Conflicts Team and the Client Opening Team.

The Client Opening Team supports partners and fee earners across all practice groups to ensure compliance with Anti‑Money Laundering (“AML”) obligations in the various locations we do business. You will be responsible for carrying out due diligence on the Firm’s clients and any third‑party payers to ensure the Firm is not exposed to financial crime.

• Ensuring new client submissions or reactivations of existing clients are processed in accordance with applicable AML legislation, regulatory requirements and the Firm’s internal policies.
• Conduct thorough research from a range of sources and databases to build a risk profile for new and existing clients.
• Conduct client and matter risk assessments and categorise clients in line with Firm policies and procedures.
• Analyse client due diligence information, identify any potential AML issues and escalates to the Senior BAT Manager, Senior In‑house Counsel or MLRO.
• Assist in the delivery of tasks aligned to the Firm’s ongoing monitoring programme.
• Process third‑party payment requests in line with Firm policies and procedures.
• Screen clients and counter parties against applicable sanctions lists and escalates any potential issues to the Sanctions Clearance Group.
• Collate and record client due diligence information and maintain accurate records of progress throughout the client onboarding process.
• Provide an efficient and professional service to the legal teams and provide support and advice.
• Assist in the delivery of BAT projects where required.

• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct thorough research using the internet and databases.
• Ability to work independently and with others as part of a team and remain calm and professional under increased workload and pressure.
• Excellent IT skills across the MS suite of programmes and willingness to learn new computer packages, software and document management systems.
• Language skills (particularly German, Spanish, French, Arabic, Mandarin or Cantonese) are desirable but not essential.

• We’re fair, transparent and equitable.
• We share in the success of the firm, reward alignment to our values, going above and beyond and your individual performance.
• We support flexible ways of working through our remote working policy and commitment to flexible, agile and hybrid ways of working.
• We support your health and performance through our dental, healthcare and wellness support.
• We support everything you are and all you bring through our powerful commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• We provide a platform for your career, whatever your ambitions through our structured professional and personal training, mentoring and…