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What does a compliance professional do?
Compliance professionals are responsible for identifying potential risks to their organisation and developing strategies to manage and mitigate these risks. In other words, they work preventively and operate with a risk-based mindset. Early involvement in business plans and projects is essential: it allows them to act as business partners rather than as a control function that steps in too late, when correction is no longer effective.
Their responsibilities are broad and varied: from advising on compliance matters and developing action plans to manage risks or ensure legal and regulatory compliance, to training employees on a range of compliance themes — such as GDPR, the Code of Conduct, and more.
A wide variety of compliance roles
You’ve probably seen a wide range of job titles in the compliance field. Behind these titles often lie very different tasks and responsibilities. Moreover, compliance roles are deeply embedded in an organisation’s DNA: the role of a compliance officer at company X may differ significantly from that at company Y. Still, there are some commonly recurring roles. Here’s an overview:
Ensures that the organisation complies with relevant laws and regulations. The exact focus depends on the sector and the type of organisation. In larger companies, the compliance officer often reports to the compliance manager or head of compliance.
Monitors compliance with privacy legislation such as the GDPR. The DPO acts as both the internal and external point of contact for all data protection matters.
Specialised in identifying and preventing financial crime, such as money laundering, fraud and the financing of terrorism. This role is particularly common in the financial sector.
Ensures compliance with environmental (E), social (S) and governance (G) regulations. Plays a key role in shaping and implementing sustainability policies.
Manages compliance with sector-specific regulations, for example, in the pharmaceutical, food or energy industries. Combines legal expertise with strong product and industry knowledge.
Why pursue a career in compliance?
There are many compelling reasons why working in compliance is rewarding. Here are some of the key advantages:
You work closely with the business
Contrary to stereotypes, compliance professionals are not auditors standing on the sidelines. They are trusted business partners who are involved early on in strategic projects and help the business manage legal and regulatory challenges. This requires a deep understanding of the company’s operations and industry context.
Moreover, compliance professionals often work transversally across departments, building bridges between legal, operational and strategic teams. This central role allows them to detect risks early and contribute to a resilient and sustainable corporate strategy.
You help shape policies that truly matter
Developing and implementing internal policies is a key part of the job. But it’s far from an isolated task. Compliance experts must stay connected to the reality on the ground to create policies tailored to the organisation’s needs, risks and culture. Involving key stakeholders is crucial to create buy-in and ensure policies are not only written but also truly implemented. The same goes for translating policies into training programmes: they need to be practical, relevant and credible to be effective.
You contribute to strategic decision-making
Compliance professionals frequently engage with senior leadership and C-level stakeholders. Aligning on risk management priorities ensures that compliance becomes a strategic pillar of the organisation.
Expertise and impact go hand in hand
Finally, a role in compliance offers the opportunity to become a true expert in a specific area of law or regulation. Compliance professionals stay up to date with evolving legislation, anticipate regulatory changes, and – where possible – help shape new rules while representing their organisation’s interests. In doing so, they make an impact both within and beyond their organisation.
YouConnect & compliance
At YouConnect, a team of specialised consultants focuses on the compliance market. They engage daily with compliance professionals and have built a strong network of experts.
Are you looking to strengthen your compliance team? Or are you ready to take the next step in this exciting and rapidly evolving field? Feel free to get in touch – we’ll be happy to think along with you.
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