Compliance Officer & MLRO

Compliance Officer & MLRO - Job DescriptionFirm Fox Management ConsultanciesAbu Dhabi, UAEFull-time, on-siteAbout FirmFoxFirmFox is a digital SaaS corporate services platform that helps entrepreneurs incorporate their business across the UAE. We handle licensing (mainland & freezones), visas, PRO services, accounting and ongoing compliance for founders, SMEs and international groups entering the region, delivered through a technology platform rather than a traditional consultancy model.We are establishing a licensed entity in ADGM and are hiring the compliance team for it.About the roleYou will be the named Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer for FirmFox's ADGM Company Service Provider licence. This is a regulated appointment and the successful candidate will be subject to ADGM approval. You will own the compliance and AML framework end to end: building it, running it, and being the point of accountability for it with the Registration Authority. You will also take responsibility for the financial records of the entity, so we are looking for someone who is as comfortable with a set of accounts as they are with a suspicious activity report.This is a standalone role with direct access to the Founder. It suits someone who wants ownership rather than a seat inside a large compliance department.The role is based in our ADGM office and requires attendance during business hours.Key responsibilitiesRegulatory and licence obligationsAct as the appointed Compliance Officer and MLRO for FirmFox's ADGM Company Service Provider licence.Serve as the primary point of contact with the ADGM Registration Authority.Prepare and file the Annual CSP Return, including the client register, fee schedule, management and employee details, complaints register and staff training confirmations.Maintain the staff certification register and ensure all client-facing and Registrar-facing staff are certified and remain so.Maintain the complaints register and manage complaints through to resolution.Monitor the minimum regulatory capital position and escalate immediately if it falls below the required threshold.Maintain professional indemnity and other required insurance cover, and evidence it on request.Manage regulatory inspections, thematic reviews and any remediation arising from them.AML, CTF and sanctionsDesign, implement and maintain the AML and CTF policy framework, procedures and controls, aligned to the ADGM AML Rules and UAE federal AML law.Own and maintain the business risk assessment.Own client due diligence and enhanced due diligence, including UBO identification, source of funds and source of wealth, PEP screening and ongoing monitoring.Operate sanctions screening against UNSC and UAE Local Terrorist List obligations, and action any match in line with the required timeframes.Receive and assess internal suspicious activity reports, and file STRs and SARs with the UAE FIU through goAML.Maintain the STR register, decision logs and all AML records.Deliver AML training across the business and maintain the training record.Advise the commercial team on client acceptance, risk rating and offboarding decisions.Maintain the compliance manual, compliance monitoring programme and breach register.Report to the Founder and the board on compliance status, risk exposure, STR statistics and regulatory developments.Finance and accountingMaintain the books and records of the group entity.Prepare monthly management accounts and support the annual audit.Manage invoicing, payments, payroll input and bank reconciliations.Handle VAT and corporate tax filings, working with external advisers where required.RequirementsEssentialMinimum 5 years in compliance and AML within the UAE, ideally with a corporate service provider, law firm, audit firm or regulated financial institution.Direct experience of ADGM, DIFC or an equivalent regulated environment, and working knowledge of the UAE AML/CTF framework and goAML reporting.Eligible to be approved by the ADGM Registration Authority as Compliance Officer and MLRO.A recognised compliance or AML qualification (for example ICA, CAMS or equivalent).A recognised accounting qualification (ACCA, CA, CPA, CMA) or demonstrable hands-on accounting experience, including preparing management accounts.UAE resident.Strong written English and the confidence to hold a position with regulators, clients and senior management.DesirableExperience taking a new licence or entity through regulatory approval and into operation.Experience with SPVs, holding structures and foundations.Familiarity with cloud accounting and CRM systems.Strong written and verbal Arabic language skills.What we offerCompetitive salary, reviewed annually.Full ownership of the compliance function from day one.Direct reporting line to the Founder and a genuine seat at the table on how the business is built.Visa, medical insurance and standard UAE benefits.How to applyApply via LinkedIn or send your CV to hello@firmfox.com with the subject line "Compliance Officer & MLRO". Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.