Senior Adviser - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Location: Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney

Contract Type: Fixed Term

MinterEllison is one of Australia’s largest independent law and consulting firms. With a heritage of almost 200 years, we are known for our excellence, and our authentic and enduring relationships with our clients, our people and our communities. Clients seek out MinterEllison to help them solve complex problems every day. We do this by our full-service legal offering and complementary consulting offering.

We offer opportunities to work on industry-leading mandates for top-tier clients, while being part of a high-performing and collaborative team that values excellence, diversity of thought, curiosity, and inclusion. We value our people and empower them to achieve their ambitions - with the support, trust and autonomy to grow their careers in meaningful ways.

At MinterEllison, we're leading the way with AI and other emerging technologies, powering innovation right across our firm. You will have the opportunity to engage with AI tools we've built, and other external AI tools, to enhance efficiencies and excellence internally and with our clients.

We support sustainable ways of working regarding how, when and where you work and offer a wide range of social, financial and health benefits (see https://www.minterellison.com/-/media/Minter-Ellison/Files/Careers/MinterEllison-Employee-Benefits-Dec_2025.pdf)

The Role

This is a 12-month FTC opportunity working as a Senior Adviser, as part of the Firm's AML Compliance Team which sits within the General Counsel and Risk Office (GCR). 

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Adviser supports MinterEllison's compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) laws, assisting the Firm's AML Readiness Program. From 1 July 2026, the role incorporates a business-as-usual (BAU) focus. This includes embedding, maintaining, and continuously improving the Firm's AML/CTF compliance framework and supporting the Firm's client and matter intake function and centralised AML Compliance Team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and support day-to-day compliance with AML/CTF obligations, ensuring consistent application of requirements and that the firm's framework remains effective and aligned with regulatory expectations and industry best practice.
• Assist with the enhancement of policies, systems, and procedures for client and matter intake, ensuring compliance with AML/CTF regulations.
• Provide firm-wide training and guidance on AML/CTF obligations, client due diligence (CDD) and enhanced due diligence (ECDD) processes, and the firm's compliance program.
• Engage with Partners and stakeholders on AML/CTF compliance matters, providing clear, commercially aware advice on complex risk and regulatory issues.
• Oversee and prioritise AML/CTF and business intake-related activities, ensuring efficient delivery of services and timely resolution of high-risk or time-sensitive matters. Including monitoring team workloads and resources and ensuring controls are embedded effectively and consistently applied.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of AML/CTF activities, risk assessments, and compliance decisions in accordance with record-keeping obligations under the AML/CTF Act.
• Lead ECDD and complex risk assessments on high-risk clients, including those involving politically exposed persons (PEPs), sanctions, adverse media, complex ownership structures, and proliferation financing risk.
• Act as a formal and informal escalation point for team members, providing oversight and identification of higher risk AML/CTF issues, including any suspicious matter concerns. Exercising independent judgement to resolve matters or escalate to senior colleagues as appropriate.
• Management of direct reports as part of the centralised AML Compliance Team structure. 
• Act as mentor and quality assurance reviewer for AML Compliance Team members, providing guidance, feedback, and coaching on complex matters, reviewing risk assessment outputs, and supporting professional development.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Strong knowledge and understanding of AML/CTF legislation and regulatory requirements, including the risks associated with services provided by the legal and consulting industries.
• Strong practical experience in AML/CTF compliance at law firms. Including, CDD and EDD processes, undertaking risk assessments and advising on PEP, sanctions, and other high-risk issues pertaining to money-laundering, terrorism-financing and proliferation financing.
• Demonstrated experience operating as an escalation point and decision-maker for complex high-risk AML/CTF matters.
• Experience supporting an AML/CTF Compliance Officer, for example, preparing Suspicious Matter Reports (SMRs) with AUSTRAC or equivalent regulatory bodies.
• Experience of risk and compliance software and business intake systems (such as First AML, Intapp, etc).
• Experience in providing training and guidance on compliance-related issues, including AML/CTF and CDD processes, to key stakeholders.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with and build working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply risk-based judgement to complex matters and identify and mitigate risks.
• Experience in guiding and mentoring a team.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, exercise strong decision-making skills, and escalate matters appropriately in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to stay up to date with changes in legislation and industry best practices.

How to apply

We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, genders (including trans or gender diverse), LGBTQ+ people and those with carer responsibilities. We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

We prefer to connect with people directly, so please submit your CV by clicking on the 'Apply' button. We encourage all applications, including if you do not meet all the criteria listed for the role. Your application will also enable us to consider you for other opportunities that may be available at MinterEllison.

If you are currently a MinterEllison employee, please apply through the internal careers page.

If you would like further information, require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process or for a confidential discussion, please contact Jess.Brown@minterellison.com.