Compliance Specialist (NA Hours)

MRI Software’s Compliance team protects organizations and their stakeholders through rigorous, compliant background screening processes. We are seeking a legal professional to provide support and guidance for MRI’s U.S. resident and tenant background screening business. You will serve as a trusted partner to internal teams, external clients, and individuals being screened, managing disputes under the U.S. Fair Credit Reporting Act and criminal reporting statutes, handling background report inquiries, maintaining standard operating procedures, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This role offers meaningful impact: you’ll independently manage a high-volume caseload, collaborate with court systems and internal stakeholders, and help uphold the accuracy and reliability of criminal record information that organizations rely on for critical decisions. Please note, this position is required to work in accordance with U.S. hours (EST) 9:00am-5:30pm (EST) as well as observing U.S. Public Holidays. We understand the need to provide a flexible working environment partnered with team collaboration and socialisation. Therefore, we operate a hybrid working model with 3 days of working from home per week. This role is based in the Johannesburg office. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Research, analyze and create/update easy-to-follow Standard Operating Procedures for application of United States criminal history and credit reporting regulations (including, without limitation, FCRA, nationwide criminal court records, sex offender registry records, fingerprint records, housing court cases, terrorist watch list records, and federal most wanted records) Interpret complex and escalated background check results to return the compliant result using internal and third party platforms, law enforcement agencies and court records Handle email and telephonic legal queries from clients and consumers; return client calls Investigate and resolve discrepancies, inconsistencies, or red flags that arise during the verification process Audit, log and present reports with respect to completed screens to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures Own the end-to-end disputes process: review dispute documentation received telephonically or via email, provide legal guidance, liaise with consumers and clients to collect credible evidence, close disputes fairly based on evidence and regulatory requirements, and coordinate with credit bureaus to update or remove listings as appropriate Provide training to members of the screening requirements on all legal documentation and where amendments are to be made, amend such clauses in accordance with current legislation Work together with other departments as well as external auditors and contractors to ensure that MRI Credit Bureau maintains its regulatory compliance in terms of the National Credit Act Maintain accurate and confidential records within systems of record, handling sensitive information with discretion and integrity Maintain and meet operational metrics and service level agreements Perform additional duties as assigned MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: LLB and Articles of Clerkship or National Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies) and a Bachelor in Paralegal Studies 1-3 years of relevant experience in background screening, customer service, data entry, or administrative support Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy Demonstrated ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly, succinctly, and persuasively for varied audiences Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, online databases, public record search engines, criminal justice databases, and investigative research tools Ability to work independently, multi-task, and manage a high-volume caseload with resilience and persistence Professional skepticism, critical thinking, and analytical skills to assess information credibility and generate workable solutions to problems and disputes Strong interpersonal skills: ability to work effectively in a team, build relationships, manage conflict, and gain agreement from stakeholders Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to set clear objectives, manage time effectively, and deliver results that meet client expectations We’re obsessed with making this the best job you’ve ever had! We want our teams to love working here, so we’ve created some incredible perks for you to enjoy: We want our staff to love working here, and so we’ve created a few unique perks such as office breakfasts, quarterly lunches and virtual social events. Additionally, we value your input in your employee experience and have employee-led groups such as our DEI committee, employee resource groups such as Women and Allies, and our Pride Event Group Have confidence in your health with our offered Medical Aid Scheme. Invest in our competitive Personal Pension plan and help set you up for your future. Big on family? So are we! Here at MRI Software we recognise that your family is important, and being able to spend quality time with your family as it grows is a wonderful experience. Therefore, the MRI Software Parental Leave benefit is designed to give you the opportunity to spend time with your new arrival(s). Enjoy a fantastic work-life balance with 25 days of annual leave plus Public Holidays, in addition to a bank of 16 hours of "Flex Time Off" to be used whenever and however you choose! Further your professional development with our Tuition Reimbursement Schemes Enjoy the flexibility of working from anywhere in the world for two weeks out of the year! About Us From the day we opened our doors, MRI Software has built flexible, game-changing real estate software that powers thriving communities and helps make the world a better place to live, work and play. Fulfilling that mission is only possible because of one thing: exceptional people. People like you! Our people-first approach to PropTech is defining a new industry standard for client experiences that, quite frankly, can’t be duplicated. Experiences that deliver real value every day. And we know those experiences begin with our people. We believe MRI is more than just a workplace; it’s a connected community of people who truly feel they belong. Whether we’re investing in employee resource groups or providing tailored resources for each person to reach their full potential, we’re passionate about creating a work environment that makes you excited to show up every single day. At MRI, one of our core values is to strive to amaze. From the intelligent solutions we create to the culture we cultivate, that’s our goal every day. Because that’s what industry leaders do. Whether you’re joining as a new Pride member or rejoining us after a short time away, your talent is vital to us, our partners and our clients. Amazing growth requires amazing employees. Are you up to the challenge? We know confidence gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting remarkable candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply. We’d love to hear from you! MRI is proud to be an inclusive employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity across all backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, military, veteran status and more. We believe that Belonging is a direct result of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Those values are woven into the fabric of who we are and are foundational to our continued success. Come and see for yourself!