Director - Financial Crime

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KordaMentha is seeking an experienced Financial Crime Director to lead Auckland’s Financial Crime Consulting practice, guiding AML, CFT, ABC, sanctions, fraud and modern slavery initiatives, with a focus on data-driven strategy, reporting and client advisory. The role demands eight plus years in consulting or advisory within financial crime, deep regulatory knowledge, and a proven ability to build client relationships and steer cross-functional teams. To apply, tailor your CV to show leadership of high-impact projects, quantified risk reductions, and persuasive stakeholder engagement; include examples of thought leadership and industry influence; highlight NZ regulatory familiarity and any ACAMS or related certs; demonstrate culture fit with collaboration and growth mindset.

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 empower organisations to proactively mitigate regulatory and reputational risks across all financial crime disciplines, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT), fraud, anti-bribery and corruption (ABC), sanctions, and modern slavery. As trusted advisors, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of service to our clients.

Due to sustained growth in New Zealand, we are seeking an experienced Financial Crime Director to join our dynamic Auckland team. In this pivotal role, you will collaborate with a team of experts in Financial Crime Consulting, leading initiatives in financial crime research, analysis, reporting, and audit services.

Your market reputation and expertise will enhance our collective capabilities, helping clients navigate the complexities of New Zealand’s financial crime risk management and compliance obligations. You will ensure they understand their responsibilities to protect their organisations and the community against financial crimes.

This key leadership position requires strong analytical skills, pragmatism, and the ability to inspire and drive team performance. If you thrive on tackling complex financial crime challenges and making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply!

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead high-impact projects, using data-driven insights to tackle complex financial crime challenges. Make decisive contributions to safeguarding against fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Forge strong relationships with key executives and industry leaders. Influence decisions, foster open communication, and drive collaboration across teams.
• Reporting & Compliance: Deliver compelling reports, whitepapers, and insights that shape industry practices. Help clients to ensure all activities comply with financial crime regulations and standards.
• Client Relations: Manage top-tier client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor while articulating the firm’s vision and maintaining the highest level of service excellence.
• Persuade and Influence: Lead strategic discussions and negotiations, influencing client direction and outcomes. Drive transformative change through persuasive communication, exemplifying effective influence. Shape firm protocols and initiatives, impacting culture and operations. Build trust and motivation, aligning goals with strategies for key stakeholders.
• Thought Leadership: Position yourself as a thought leader in the financial crime industry, representing the firm at conferences, in industry networks, and through published works.

Qualifications

• 8 + years’ experience in consulting/advisory and the financial crime industry

• Extensive experience in financial crime, including a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving abilities with a proven track record of making critical decisions.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex issues clearly and persuasively.
• Proven ability to build and nurture client and team relationships, driving initiatives and achieving strategic goals.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, with experience guiding and motivating a high-performing team.
• Preferred:
• Tertiary qualifications in Business, Law, or a related discipline
• Industry-recognized certifications such as ACAMs is a plus
• Previous experience in the financial services sector or a similar high-stakes environment.
• In-depth knowledge of the regulatory landscape surrounding financial crime.

Additional Information

Join KordaMentha — Where Your Growth Is Our Priority

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.