We're BDO, a global network connected to local markets. Our people work together to provide specialist expertise, helping businesses achieve their goals and grow.
We inspire others, to go further. We create together, to reach higher. We build trust, to lead purposefully.
Whether you're building your future or starting your career – with us, you won't do it alone. From creating solutions for our clients to building careers for our people, we shape what matters, and that's where you come in.
Director - Risk Management & Economic Crime
Reports to: Head of Risk Management & Economic Crime
Description of Role
The Director – Risk Management & Economic Crime is a senior leadership role within the Global Office Risk & Compliance function, working closely with the Head of Risk Management & Economic Crime in shaping, delivering and embedding the network and the Global Office risk management and economic crime frameworks.
The role includes collaborating with the Global Head of Risk and Compliance and the Head of Risk Management and Economic crime in identifying strategic risks and potential mitigations, provision of advice on complex risk and economic crime matters as well as representing risk management in governance forums from time to time. They should also work with other team members to develop and improve the enterprise and strategic risk management frameworks.
This role requires an experienced risk leader capable of operating with authority at executive level, influencing senior stakeholders across the network, and exercising sound judgement in high impact, time critical situations.
Key responsibilities
Strategic leadership and framework ownership
* Work with the Head of Risk Management and Economic Crime to develop and execute the Global Office and network-wide Risk Management strategy.
* Work with the Head of Risk Management & Economic Crime on the design, evolution and rollout of global risk management and economic crime policies.
* Liaise with senior leaders to identify emerging and strategic risks to the network, assess their potential impact, and shape appropriate mitigation strategies.
Senior risk advisory and decision support
* In collaboration with the other senior risk leaders, act as a point of escalation for complex and sensitive risk matters, providing clear, pragmatic and proportionate advice to Global Office leadership and member firms.
* Lead or support responses to consultations and incidents, including client acceptance escalations, sanctions matters, regulatory issues and control failures.
* Handle ad hoc risk queries and reporting back through appropriate governance structures.
Economic crime and regulatory oversight
* Assist at senior level in ensuring that the Network mitigates legal, regulatory and reputational risks across the economic crime landscape. This includes:
* Targeted financial sanctions
* Anti-money laundering
* Bribery and corruption
* Monitor and respond to regulatory developments, assessing implications for the network and advising on required actions.
* Participate in AML and related working groups, providing subject matter expertise and leadership.
Risk communication and network engagement
* Share responsibility for the development and dissemination of risk alerts on topical or emerging risk matters.
* Engage with senior stakeholders across member firms, balancing global standards with local regulatory and cultural considerations.
* Build credibility and trust across the network
Leadership, collaboration and team contribution
* Work closely with the Head of Risk Management & Economic Crime and senior colleagues across the Risk & Compliance department.
* Provide leadership, guidance and, where appropriate, oversight to team members, with sensitivity to team dynamics and individual strengths.
* Operate effectively within a predominantly remote, globally distributed team.
Skills, experience and qualifications
Essential
* Graduate level education, preferably with a relevant professional or postgraduate qualification or substantial proven experience in risk management, economic crime, compliance or a related discipline within an accounting firm or other professional services environment
* Strong technical knowledge of economic crime and compliance obligations, including sanctions, anti-money laundering, bribery and
* Experience dealing with complex risk matters, incidents and escalations at senior stakeholder level.
* Proven ability to operate effectively in a global, multicultural environment, recognising differing regulatory, cultural and operational approaches.
* Ability to work effectively within a predominantly remote and virtual team.
Desirable
* Exposure to audit, assurance, ethics and independence regulatory obligations
* Must be fluent in English; knowledge of another language is desirable
Personal attributes
* Strong judgement and ability to operate calmly under pressure.
* Pragmatic, solutions focused approach to risk and compliance.
* Collaborative working style, balanced with the confidence to challenge appropriately.
* Sensitivity to team dynamics and the ability to work effectively across different personalities and cultures.
Why BDO?
We inspire others, to go further
At BDO, your ideas matter. You're encouraged to think beyond the expected, explore new possibilities, and shape your own path. Here, you can make a meaningful impact, on your career, on your community, and on the future we build together.
We create together, to reach higher
We're a people‐powered organisation, united by our diverse strengths and shared ambition. You'll join a collaborative global team that values your perspective, amplifies your ideas, and supports your growth. Through global connections, shared knowledge, and opportunities for mobility, you'll be part of something bigger: creating solutions that matter.
We build trust, to lead purposefully
Your expertise drives real outcomes at BDO. You'll be part of an organisation that is trusted, recognised, and respected worldwide. With a strong commitment to integrity, sustainability, and positive impact, you'll be empowered to lead with purpose, both in the work you deliver, and in the communities where you live and work.
Privacy statement
The BDO network is coordinated by Brussels Worldwide Services BV (BWS). By providing personal information during the application process, you consent to BWS processing your personal data for the purpose of treating your application, evaluating your candidacy, and contacting you about the position for which you have applied. We also may process your personal data to:
* Evaluate you for any open positions throughout the BDO network.
* Generate general statistics.
* Inform you of any other job opportunities.
You also agree that we may share such data with BDO firms and service providers, if relevant to this job application.
BWS does not collect 'sensitive' personal information except when voluntarily provided by the candidate as part of the application.
If you voluntarily provide sensitive personal information as part of your application, you consent to the use of that information by BWS for legitimate business purposes and the transfer and storage of such information to and in BWS databases.