Associate Director - Financial Crime

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

KordaMentha is seeking an Associate Director to lead complex AML/CTF engagements in Auckland, partnering with clients across the reporting entity landscape to navigate NZ and AU financial crime obligations. You will lead and grow a high‑performing team, apply expert judgement to shape pragmatic, risk‑aligned solutions, and communicate clearly to senior stakeholders. The ideal candidate has 6–8 years in professional services, industry or regulatory settings, a strong AML/CTF background, governance and due diligence experience, and a proven ability to deliver large engagements and mentor juniors. To apply, tailor your resume and cover letter to quantify impact, highlight leadership and cross‑functional collaboration, and align with KordaMentha’s values and growth opportunities.

Company Description

For more than 20 years, KordaMentha has supported businesses through some of their most complex matters and opportunities. Founder owned and led, we are an advisory firm that helps corporations, financiers, lawyers, private investors and government clients to grow, protect and recover value.

That’s what we do, but it’s how we do this that makes us who we are.

Proudly independent, strategically local, and with a bias for action to get things done, we focus on doing what is right by our clients, our people, and the wider community. Our track record shows that we help navigate the best path forward in challenging times, and do so across cities, regions and territories.

In the most stressful or demanding environments, we continue to drive change where it really counts.

Job Description

We are seeking an Associate Director to join our dynamic Financial Crime team. You will partner with clients across the reporting entity landscape, applying your market expertise and experience leading large, complex engagements to help them navigate Australia and New Zealand’s financial crime risk and compliance obligations. You will play a critical role in supporting clients to understand and meet their responsibilities to protect their organisations and the community from financial crime.

You will have the opportunity to work directly with senior leaders, gaining strong mentorship and contributing to the growth of the New Zealand team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead complex financial crime engagements with a strategic focus
• Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing consulting team
• Apply expert judgement to synthesise qualitative insights and shape pragmatic, risk‑aligned solutions for our clients
• Lead, coach, and develop high‑performing consulting teams in financial crime advisory
• Apply expert judgement to synthesise qualitative insights and shape pragmatic, risk‑aligned solutions

Qualifications

• 6–8 years’ experience in professional services, industry or regulatory environments, with demonstrated capability leading large and complex AML/CTF or financial crime engagements.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business, Law, Finance, Accounting or a related discipline.
• Strong technical knowledge of AML/CTF legislation, regulatory expectations, risk management frameworks and industry best practice.
• Proven experience leading and delivering large engagements
• Proven experience assessing, designing and uplifting AML/CTF programs, including governance, customer due diligence, transaction monitoring and assurance activities.
• Highly developed analytical, critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing high‑quality reports and presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, influence decision‑makers and manage diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong organisation, project management and delivery skills, including managing engagement risk, timelines and quality.
• Experience coaching and supporting junior team members, contributing to capability uplift.
• Willingness to travel domestically (and internationally if required).

Additional Information

EVP: Build your future - shape ours.
We don’t just hire talent; we invest in it - with support that accelerates your success in every way

Why Join Us?

• Professional Development: Expert mentorship, tailored training via KordaMentha Business School, study support, and our Accelerate program for Analysts to Associate Directors — build your brand, expand your network, and gain strategic insights from senior leaders
• Flexibility: We champion work/life integration with options that fit your lifestyle.
• Career Growth: Merit-based promotions, secondments, and opportunities to work alongside senior leaders on impactful projects.
• Leave That Works for You: Buy extra leave and access volunteer, generous parental leave and career break options.
• Culture & Connection: Social events, cultural celebrations, and our bi-ennial black-tie ball.
• Family Support: Flexible parental leave, return-to-work support through our partner GracePapers, and resources for every stage of family life.
• Health & Wellbeing: Inclusive wellness initiatives and confidential and industry leading EAP for you and your family.

This isn’t just a job — it’s a place where your ambitions are nurtured, your wellbeing is valued, and your contributions celebrated. Ready to shape your future with us?

At KordaMentha, we believe there is strength in difference. Our entrepreneurial spirit expands the possibilities for action. We approach situations, challenges, and opportunities with optimism, curiosity, and diversity of thought. We seek novel solutions to problems and encourage unconventional and innovative approaches. 

Our team's diverse skillsets, backgrounds and experiences fuel KordaMentha's different mindset. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, recognising that talent and potential extend beyond traditional qualifications. Our selection process values diverse perspectives and considers each applicant's unique strengths and capabilities.