How to Be Internal Compliance Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 27, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Due to the increase of global competition and complex regulatory environments, organizations are relying more on Internal Compliance Managers to ensure their policies and procedures are being properly followed. Internal Compliance Managers help companies to stay in compliance with laws, regulations, and ethical standards, which can protect them from financial penalties, reputational damage, and other consequences. By reviewing existing policies and procedures, conducting audits, providing training and guidance, and monitoring compliance with laws and regulations, Internal Compliance Managers help organizations to identify and mitigate risk, protect their reputation, and create an ethical corporate culture.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming an internal compliance manager is to earn a bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance or a related field. This will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and analyze complex financial information.
Gain Experience. Many employers prefer to hire internal compliance managers who have at least five years of experience in the field. Consider taking on an internship or entry-level position at an accounting firm or a company that focuses on compliance. This will give you the opportunity to gain firsthand experience and develop relationships with important contacts in the industry.
Earn Professional Certifications. To further enhance your qualifications, consider earning professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). These certifications demonstrate your commitment to excellence and can help you stand out from other job applicants.
Get Licensed. Depending on the industry, you may need to obtain a license to practice as an internal compliance manager. Research the regulations in your state to determine if this is necessary.
Develop Your Network. Once you have the necessary qualifications and certifications, its important to develop your network of contacts. Join professional organizations, attend networking events and keep up-to-date with industry news. This will help you stay informed of any job opportunities and stay connected with important contacts in the field.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have all the necessary qualifications, start applying for jobs as an internal compliance manager. You may need to search for openings on job sites, send out resumes to potential employers or even contact recruiters directly. With your qualifications and experience, you should be able to find a great position in no time.

The key to keeping an organization's internal compliance manager updated and efficient is to ensure they stay informed on the most recent regulations and best practices. This can be done through proactive research, attending workshops, reading industry publications, and networking with other compliance professionals. Staying informed on the latest developments in the field helps the compliance manager to effectively identify areas of compliance risk, implement strategies to mitigate those risks, and develop meaningful policies and procedures.

staying up to date on the organizational environment and changes in the wider regulatory landscape can help the compliance manager stay ahead of potential issues and provide early warning of potential regulatory changes. By taking these proactive steps, the compliance manager can proactively manage risk and ensure that their organization remains compliant.

You may want to check Compliance Supervisor, Treasury & Regulatory Compliance Manager, and Data Protection & Compliance Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Develop, implement and maintain an effective internal compliance program.
Monitor and assess compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and standards.
Identify potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk.
Develop and implement corrective action plans for areas of non-compliance.
Establish and monitor performance metrics to ensure compliance objectives are achieved.
Develop and deliver training programs to raise awareness of legal and regulatory requirements.
Participate in internal and external audits and reviews to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Represent the company in interactions with regulatory bodies such as the SEC, FINRA, and other relevant agencies.
Monitor industry trends and developments to ensure the organizations compliance policies remain current.
Stay abreast of changes in laws and regulations that affect the organizations business activities.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of legal and regulatory compliance requirements
Ability to analyze and interpret complex regulations and guidelines
Excellent organizational, project management and problem solving skills
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to develop and implement effective compliance programs
Knowledge of industry best practices related to internal controls and compliance
Ability to build relationships and collaborate with stakeholders
Proficient in using a variety of software programs, including MS Office Suite
Familiarity with risk assessment techniques
Ability to identify and manage potential compliance risks

The role of a Compliance Manager is vital for any organization. To be successful in this role, excellent communication and problem-solving skills are essential. A Compliance Manager must possess the ability to identify potential compliance risks and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.

They must also have the ability to work effectively with stakeholders across the organization to ensure that policies and procedures are properly implemented. an effective Compliance Manager must have an in-depth understanding of regulatory standards and have the ability to review and interpret regulations, as well as an ability to train staff on compliance issues. All of these qualities are needed to ensure that the organization remains compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

Senior Compliance Officer, Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager, and Director of Compliance are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in internal compliance management?
How do you ensure that an organization is adhering to its internal compliance policies and procedures?
How would you handle a situation where an employee is not following internal compliance regulations?
What strategies have you used to ensure that internal compliance processes are followed?
Describe the most challenging internal compliance issue that youve handled and how you resolved it.
How do you stay current with relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines that affect internal compliance?
What methods do you use to measure the effectiveness of internal compliance initiatives?
What role do you think technology plays in ensuring internal compliance?
How do you build strong relationships with other departments to ensure internal compliance?
How do you ensure that all employees understand and comply with internal compliance policies?

Common Tools in Industry

Compliance Management Software. Software that helps organizations manage their compliance obligations and processes. Example: ComplianceBridge by EZ Office Inventory.
Risk Management Software. Software that helps organizations identify, assess, and prioritize risks. Example: LogicManager Risk & Compliance Suite.
Data Analysis Tools. Software that helps organizations analyze large sets of data to identify patterns and trends. Example: Tableau.
Internal Audit Software. Software that helps organizations track audit results and develop audit plans. Example: TeamMate Audit Management Software.
Conflict of Interest Management Software. Software that helps organizations identify, manage, and report on potential conflicts of interest. Example: Ethical Advocate Conflict Management System.
Policy Management Software. Software that helps organizations develop, manage, and enforce policies and procedures. Example: PolicyTech Policy & Procedure Management Software.
Regulatory Research & Analysis Software. Software that helps organizations research regulatory requirements and develop compliance strategies. Example: Enablon Regulatory Research & Analysis Software.

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)
American Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (ASCCE)
International Compliance Association (ICA)
Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics (SCCE)
Compliance and Ethics Leadership Council (CELC)
Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
The Global Compliance Association (GCA)
The Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI)
Corporate Compliance Insights (CCI)
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)

We also have Compliance Coordinator, Quality and Compliance Manager, and Pharmaceutical Regulatory Compliance Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Internal Control. A system of practices, policies, and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that an organization is operating in accordance with its goals and objectives.
Corporate Governance. The system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is managed and directed. It includes the ways in which stakeholders, such as shareholders, employees, customers, creditors, and other stakeholders, interact with each other.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling risks in order to minimize their potential impact on business operations.
Compliance Officer. An individual who is responsible for making sure that an organization complies with applicable laws and regulations.
Regulatory Compliance. The practice of following laws, regulations, and other guidelines that apply to an organizations activities.
Internal Audit. An independent review of an organizations financial records, operations, and internal controls to ensure that they are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Ethics. The principles or standards of behavior that guide ones choices and actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary responsibilities of an Internal Compliance Manager?

The primary responsibilities of an Internal Compliance Manager include developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards; monitoring employee activities to ensure compliance; conducting internal audits and investigations; and providing guidance and support to staff when compliance issues arise.

What qualifications are necessary to become an Internal Compliance Manager?

To become an Internal Compliance Manager, individuals must possess a bachelors degree in business, law, or a related field and several years of experience in a compliance-related role. Additionally, knowledge of applicable laws and regulations and strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

What is the average salary of an Internal Compliance Manager?

According to PayScale, the average salary for an Internal Compliance Manager is $80,957 per year.

What organizations typically employ Internal Compliance Managers?

Internal Compliance Managers are typically employed by organizations in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and energy. Companies of all sizes can benefit from having an Internal Compliance Manager in order to ensure they meet all applicable laws and regulations.

What are the key challenges faced by an Internal Compliance Manager?

Key challenges faced by an Internal Compliance Manager include staying up-to-date on changes in laws and regulations, developing comprehensive policies and procedures that address all applicable laws and regulations, and ensuring that employees understand and abide by the policies and procedures. Additionally, Internal Compliance Managers must be able to investigate any potential non-compliance and take appropriate corrective action when needed.