Principal Specialist: Anti-Money Laundering Compliance

Job description

When it comes to putting people first, we're number 1. The number 1 Top Employer in South Africa. Certified by the Top Employer Institute 2026. Role Purpose/Business Unit: To ensure that the M-Pesa and financial services businesses of Vodacom Group and its subsidiary companies are compliant with all applicable anti-money laundering laws (AML), regulations and rules, and all company policies, codes and standards, and to implement adequate systems and processes to monitor and ensure AML compliance and best practice. Your responsibilities will include: Develop appropriate anti-money laundering compliance, risk, governance policies and frameworks to support the Anti-Money Laundering Program. Research, analyse, interpret and advise on AML regulatory and technical information and laws. Researching and writing policies and position papers on targeted technical AML issues. Oversee, review, train, and assist with the implementation of the AML Program for the mobile financial services business to ensure continuous improvement in compliance policies, processes, and procedures. Work across the Group (markets, M-Pesa Africa, Vodafone and Financial Services) for the implementation, oversight and support of AML Program. Collate and analyse information from various sources to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal AML Program compliance controls across the markets, including the use of data analytics, robotics and AI. Regular review of the AML risk control matrixes and risks as a result of trigger events and advisory support and challenge on risk ratings, control and design effectiveness. Provide end-to-end reporting and incident management support in an agile environment, support advising on AML Program related queries and developing pragmatic and compliant commercial solutions. Stay up to date with developments in the AML legal, regulatory and governance environment and keep abreast of new policies and legislation as well as changes to existing AML legislation. The ideal candidate for this role will have: LLB Degree or relevant Commercial Degree. Professional qualification in AML required - ACAMs, ICA. Higher relevant degrees will be an advantageous. Higher relevant specialist qualifications in e.g. risk or compliance management will be an advantage. Comprehensive and specialist knowledge of financial services legislation in South Africa and on the continent. Sound understanding of compliance and risk management principles. Minimum of 8 years’ AML specialist experience in financial services with relevant compliance and risk management experience. Deep knowledge of Financial Services, Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-bribery and Financial Services legislation. Telecommunications and mobile financial services experience will be advantageous. Professional qualification in Compliance, Risk, Law, will be advantageous. Core competencies, knowledge, and experience: Significant experience in anti-money laundering in the Financial Services and mobile financial services industry including development, implementation and management of AML compliance and risk frameworks. Ability to analyse, interpret and advice on anti-money laundering and financial crime regulatory and technical information and mobile financial service laws with ability to apply highly technical rules in a pragmatic and commercial manner. Deep understanding of Compliance and Risk Management principles and application into the day-to-day activities. Self-starter and self-motivated who is able to prioritise and manage multiple work streams. Researching and writing policies and position papers on targeted AML technical issues. Ability to present authoritatively to internal and external stakeholders to ensure appropriate protection of Vodacom’s interests, whilst concentrating on the issues that really matter. Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills. Influencing, bridging and negotiating skills (verbal and written). We make an impact by offering: Enticing incentive programs and competitive benefit packages Retirement funds, risk benefits, and medical aid benefits Cell phone and data benefits, advantages fibre connection discounts, and exclusive staff discounts offered in collaboration with partner companies Closing date for Applications: 15 September 2026. The base location for this role is Vodacom, Midrand Campus The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply. Vodacom is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion.