Compliance Officer

Job Description

Compliance Officer

Position Title

Compliance Officer

Department

Administration

Reports To

Operations Director / School President (or as designated)

Employment Status

Full-Time

Position Summary

The Compliance Officer is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and maintaining the institution's compliance framework to ensure adherence to applicable laws, government regulations, accreditation standards, and internal policies. The role safeguards the school's legal and regulatory compliance while promoting ethical business practices, risk management, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor compliance with national and local laws, government regulations, and applicable education-related requirements.
• Ensure timely submission of mandatory reports, permits, registrations, and documentary requirements to government agencies.
• Keep management informed of new or amended laws and regulations that may affect school operations.
• Coordinate compliance activities with relevant departments.

Policy Development and Implementation

• Develop, review, and recommend updates to institutional policies, procedures, and compliance guidelines.
• Ensure policies are aligned with legal requirements and organizational objectives.
• Assist departments in implementing compliance-related procedures.

Risk Management

• Identify compliance risks and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Conduct periodic compliance assessments and internal reviews.
• Monitor implementation of corrective action plans.

Internal Audit and Monitoring

• Conduct regular compliance audits of operational processes and documentation.
• Verify adherence to institutional policies and regulatory standards.
• Prepare audit findings and recommend process improvements.

Documentation and Records Management

• Maintain organized records of licenses, permits, certifications, contracts, and compliance documents.
• Ensure proper documentation is available during inspections, audits, and accreditation visits.
• Monitor validity and renewal schedules of regulatory permits and certifications.

Training and Awareness

• Conduct compliance orientations and awareness programs for employees.
• Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct.
• Provide guidance to department heads regarding compliance requirements.

Investigation and Reporting

• Investigate reported compliance concerns or policy violations.
• Prepare reports with findings and recommendations.
• Escalate significant compliance issues to management.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison with government agencies, accreditation bodies, and regulatory authorities regarding compliance matters.
• Support external audits, inspections, and accreditation activities.
• Coordinate with Legal, HR, Finance, Academic, and Operations teams on compliance-related initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Legal Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Accountancy, Political Science, or a related field.
• A law degree or compliance-related certification is an advantage.

Experience

• At least 3–5 years of experience in compliance, internal audit, legal compliance, governance, risk management, or regulatory affairs.
• Experience in an educational institution is preferred.
• Experience coordinating with government agencies and regulatory bodies is an advantage.

Knowledge

• Philippine labor laws and employment regulations.
• Data Privacy Act of 2012 and related regulations.
• Corporate governance and compliance practices.
• Government regulatory requirements applicable to educational institutions.
• Internal control and risk management principles.

Skills

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• High attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Report writing and presentation skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Organizational and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and document management systems.

Key Competencies

• Integrity and Ethical Judgment
• Regulatory Compliance
• Risk Assessment
• Attention to Detail
• Accountability
• Confidentiality
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Leadership and Collaboration
• Time Management
• Continuous Improvement

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

1. Compliance with regulatory requirements and statutory deadlines.
2. Timely submission of government and accreditation reports.
3. Completion of compliance audits and corrective action monitoring.
4. Accuracy and completeness of compliance documentation.
5. Policy review and implementation effectiveness.
6. Compliance training completion rates.
7. Reduction of compliance findings and recurring issues.
8. Responsiveness to regulatory updates and organizational compliance needs.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel to government offices and partner institutions.
• May require attendance during inspections, audits, accreditation visits, or compliance-related meetings outside regular working hours.