Forensic Accountant – Cryptocurrency Investigations, Senior Associate

About this role

Job Description

We are looking for a Subject Matter Expert in cryptocurrency who seeks an exciting, long-term career opportunity at one of the most highly-respected forensic accounting, investigations, and compliance consultancies in the world. This individual has a genuine interest in all things cryptocurrency, including blockchain forensic analysis, investigations, Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions compliance. Successful individuals in this field have a comprehensive understanding of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and cryptocurrency asset transaction tracing and analytics. They also have an understanding of fraud and money laundering typologies and experience conducting forensic investigations. This position requires a skillset in the identification of cryptocurrency financial crime risks and threats, and the ability to work in FRA’s Cryptocurrency practice. This position will help to support the continued growth and future path of FRA’s cryptocurrency offerings.

Day to Day Responsibilities

The wide range of day-to-day responsibilities include

• Conducting cryptocurrency and blockchain investigations, including leveraging blockchain analytics to conduct investigations into flow of funds, fraud schemes, asset misappropriation, market manipulation, and sanctions evasion.
• Reconciling off-chain data such as e-mail conversations, exchange records, etc. with on-chain transaction data to build a comprehensive “follow-the-money” narrative.
• Helping advise various cryptocurrency and FinTech businesses regarding AML (e.g., Know Your Customer (KYC), Transaction Monitoring, Suspicious Activity Reporting), Sanctions, and anti-bribery and corruption program requirements.
• Preparing documents, workpapers, and supporting materials that articulate the investigative steps performed.
• Communicating results with clients and colleagues in written and oral form, including drafting expert reports, memos, visualizations, and presentations that translate technical findings and concepts into clear insights.
• Balancing multiple projects and responsibilities, tracking progress against work plans, highlighting potential issues to management.
• Collaborating with FRA teams on cryptocurrency topics for client alerts and thought leadership.
• Proactively building and maintaining relationships with industry and service provider contacts to use as sources of future networking; building client relationships in order to drive firm growth; and collaborating in the preparation of pitches and proposals to support business development and marketing activities.
• Displaying a keen interest in technology across the financial crime space and support senior team members in driving developments and innovation to enhance the Cryptocurrency Investigations and Compliance practice.
• Familiarity with emerging crypto/Web3 trends, particularly those of non-banks and fintechs.
• Collaborating with engagement teams in assessing AML, sanctions, and fraud risks associated with crypto/Web3 business models, to align with best practice and regulatory requirements.
• Staying up to date with the latest technology and regulatory requirements through independent research of BSA/AML related regulations, FinCEN/Federal Reserve Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), and FFIEC BSA/AML Exam Manual.
• Assisting in developing cryptocurrency investigation and compliance training for the FRA team.

Required Skills & Experience

• 3+ years of relevant experience in the cryptocurrency industry, with 2+ years of hands-on experience conducting cryptocurrency and traditional money laundering investigations, including flow of funds analysis.
• Practical experience of using both commercial blockchain analytics tools (e.g. Chainalysis Reactor, TRM Labs, Elliptic) as well as open-source blockchain explorers (e.g. Blockchain.com, Etherscan.io, Solscan.io). Chainalysis Reactor, TRM Labs, or equivalent Certification preferred.
• Knowledge of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, including an understanding of blockchain and smart contract technologies, the underlying blockchain architecture, and uses of cryptocurrency and DeFi.
• Experience in financial crime compliance and risk management within the fintech, financial services or Web3/crypto space. Notably, a strong understanding of Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Transaction Monitoring (TM), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Sanctions compliance relevant to the Web3/Crypto space.
• Knowledge of the compliance and regulatory frameworks applicable to financial institutions, with an emphasis on FinCEN regulations and FFIEC guidelines, and a desire to keep abreast of the latest global regulatory changes and evolving cryptocurrency crime trends.
• At minimum, a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree-level academic qualification.
• Advanced organizational skills, with a proven track record of prioritizing incoming tasks effectively to manage concurrent and conflicting deadlines
• Proficiency in the full suite of Microsoft Office programs, with an emphasis on robust analysis of large datasets in Excel
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, strong work ethic, and an inquiring mind.
• Willingness to support thought leadership in Cryptocurrency Investigations and Compliance practice.
• Ability and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally, if required.

The expected base annual salary range for this position in London is £65k - £75k. Final compensation will be based on the candidate's relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.

About Us

FRA is a market leader in regulatory compliance, financial investigations, and data analytics. At FRA, we are regularly hired to provide expertise on some of the world’s largest multi-jurisdictional investigations and compliance matters and are consistently recognized as a global market leader.

www.forensicrisk.com

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FRA is an equal opportunity employer.  We are committed to hiring the most qualified candidates based on skills, experience, and potential. Employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable local, national, and international law.

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