What does a Compliance Officer do?
Compliance Officers help organizations manage risks and avoid lawsuits by ensuring business operations are performed in compliance with state and federal laws. Compliance Officers are tasked with everything from developing company policies, creating metrics to help track compliance and performing compliance audits. They must also continue studying state and federal laws related to their industry and ensure that the company conducts business according to new regulations that arise.
Compliance Officers are typically required to hold a bachelor's degree in Law, Business Administration, or Finance. Employers may also require that they have a certificate in compliance or ethics. Above all, Compliance Officers are known for their attention to detail, their analytical thinking skills, and their ability to interpret complex policies and regulatory documents. These individuals must also possess excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Mastermind compliance policies and protocols on behalf of the organization
- Develop and implement a compliance program to ensure the organization operates in accordance with state and federal laws
- Determine compliance metrics and establish a system for tracking them
- Sign off on any marketing and advertising collateral to ensure it is compliance
- Remain up to date on federal and state laws related to the organization and update policies accordingly
- Perform compliance audits to determine whether establish protocols are being followed and where they can be improved
- Maintain up to date written documentation and policies related to the organization's business activities
- Create compliance resource library for staff members to reference when they have questions
- 5+ years prior experience in risk management or compliance roles
- Must have, or be willing to obtain, a compliance certification
- Superior attention to detail in order to identify and correct risky practices
- Must be a strong communicator and capable of expressing oneself clearly both speaking and in writing
- Possess a collaborative personality and be open to suggestions from team members
- Exemplify strong knowledge of industry protocols and best practices
- Excellent analytical skills and ability to accurately interpret complex documents and policies
- Strong time management and organizational skills and able to meet deadlines
- Should have a strong moral code and sense of ethics
Compliance Officer Salaries
Average Base Pay
Compliance Officer Career Path
Learn how to become a Compliance Officer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Compliance Officer Insights
Lightsource BP“I feel very empowered to grow in my field and am given ample opportunities to lead and manage others”
Sovos“In the years I've been here I've rarely seen anyone hired who isn't white and totally conventional.”
Securitas“The base pay can be well depending on what you do but expanding and achieving higher positions is rare.”
IQVIA“IQVIA is a great place to launch career in Clinical Research and so much to learn.”
GSK“Development is important and I am grateful my line manager supported 100% on my career.”
MSG Staffing“I work with a great team who care about the job we do and doing it well.”
Bank of Ireland“Excellent line manager who helps get the best out of the team and is very knowledgeable.”
First Central“definitely a great choice of employer to join and I'm extremely happy to be here.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a compliance officer
The typical day of a compliance officer involves monitoring daily company activities to ensure that they comply with state and federal regulations. This monitoring involves constant contact with the company's department heads. Compliance officers must also keep track of applicable laws and any changes to those laws.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the role of compliance officer ranks #7 in the 'Best Business Jobs' category. Employee satisfaction comes from the many opportunities to advance in the field and the balance between work life and home life. Many compliance officers say that the best part of their job is the opportunity to learn something new every day.
Yes, because the role of a compliance officer is essential to any company. The average pay for compliance officers is €49,095 a year. As you gain more experience in the field of compliance, you can expect your salary to increase.
Working as a compliance officer can also have its downsides. The position requires analyzing and implementing complex policies, which can lead to pushback from department heads. Making sure that all employees comply with industry regulations can be a challenge. However, many compliance officers find satisfaction in assisting their colleagues that makes the challenge well worth it.