Forensic Investigator - South East (Home based)
Forensic Investigations (FI) is a key component part of the Intelligence and Investigation Directorate within the SRA. Investigators attend solicitors’ premises throughout England & Wales to identify, investigate and report serious breaches of all rules (Accounting and Conduct). They also investigate serious fraud and dishonesty not specifically covered by the Rules but which is considered likely to bring the profession in to disrepute and are required, where applicable, to secure admissible evidence for use in the Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal (‘the Tribunal’) and, if the matter proceeds to a criminal prosecution, at Court. Investigators support action taken by the SRA by giving evidence as required.
The position involves the investigation of mortgage fraud, money laundering, high yield investment fraud, probate fraud and new frauds or schemes as they arise. The role also includes working with law enforcement and other regulators. The role is mobile/field based and officers are expected to travel throughout England and Wales in accordance with their duties. Selected candidates will be provided with the appropriate equipment to enable them to work in the field.
The package includes a car cash allowance of £5,600 per annum pro rata.
Essential
Valid driving licence
Degree and/or ideally hold a professional qualification such as an accountancy or legal qualification
Experience in Accountancy, Law or a relevant investigative environment
Ability to comprehend and articulate the nature of complex frauds
An understanding of risk and the nature of dishonesty
Ability to analyse numerical and financial information from a wide range of sources
Detailed knowledge of the handbook and code
Detailed knowledge of Solicitors Act and Legal Services Act
Working knowledge of Fraud Act, Money Laundering Regulations and Proceeds of Crime Act
Knowledge of how a wide range of frauds work in practice
Awareness of implications of legislation and guidance that may impact on investigations, e.g. Serious Organised Crime and Police Act, Police & Criminal Evidence Act, Criminal Justice Act (s) Financial Services Authority Guidelines, Freedom of Information Act, Data Protection Act, Human Rights Act
Calm and deliberate in situations when being challenged
Ability to deliver innovative solutions to problems as they arise when away from the office e.g. lack of records and sources of information
Resilient and able to cope in a high stress working environment on a daily basis
Computer skills to include a good working knowledge of Excel and Word
Ability to identify unusual and complex issues, together with the tenacity to pursue those issues and the confidence to challenge the solicitor’s conduct
Ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely in written and oral form, including the ability to write logical, clear and concise reports
Excellent interpersonal skills and knowledge of investigative techniques, including cognitive interviewing of suspects and witnesses
Knowledge of legal gateways and intelligence sharing arrangements
An understanding of the legal processes, procedures and Rules of Evidence relating to the investigation and prosecution of solicitors and their employees
An awareness of other Regulators and how they operate
Ability to give cogent evidence both in the Tribunal and at court and the ability to deal with aggressive cross examination whilst maintaining the reputation of the regulator
Awareness of technical developments and patterns of criminality. Fraud is a fast moving environment and Investigators must remain up to date, open to new ideas and able to think strategically
Ability to efficiently manage own time and prioritise investigations so that they are completed on a timely basis
Ability to work alone with limited supervision
Additionally, we provide a generous flexible benefits package, including gym membership with a tax only cost, an excellent defined contribution pension scheme and an additional 3% of annual basic salary upon successful completion of probation.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Diversity and inclusion is central to everything we do. We are actively committed to promoting and participating in good practice in the way that we attract, recruit and retain staff.
Everyone is encouraged to bring their whole self to work because we appreciate the value that a truly diverse workforce brings to an organisation. We celebrate difference, recognising the benefits this brings to our inclusive culture, including age, disability, gender identity and expression, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation and socio economic background.
We are a Stonewall Top 100 Employer, a member of ENEI, a disability confident employer and we are happy to talk flexible working.
This opportunity is closed to applicants.