Spotlight: Risk & Compliance Voices - Nicole Goddard, Financial Crime Manager, Walkers

What does a career in Risk & Compliance actually look like in practice? It’s a function that’s grown significantly in importance in law and accountancy firms.

In this Spotlight: Risk & Compliance Voices series, we speak with professionals across the market to share real insights into the role, career development and hiring expectations.

For anyone building a career in Risk & Compliance, hearing directly from those already in the role is invaluable. Each interview offers an honest and practical perspective of the profession for those looking to progress in the field. Latest interview below.

How did you get started in your career?

I started my career in financial crime as an EDD analyst and progressed across different disciplines, including fraud, AML, sanctions, and investigations. When I relocated to London from New Zealand, I moved back into more sanctions-focused roles, which is where I’ve continued to deepen my expertise.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone 5 years into their career?

Focus on applying your knowledge, not just building it. Developing judgement, especially in grey areas, is what really sets you apart as you become more experienced.

What’s helped you progress the most?

A combination of curiosity, exposure, and relationships. I have always been willing to learn, say yes to new opportunities, and take on challenges that push me outside of my comfort zone. That’s been key to both building experience and gaining trust.

What skill has become more important as you’ve become more senior?

Judgement and decision-making. As you become more senior, you’re often dealing with incomplete information and competing priorities, so being able to make balanced, defensible decisions is critical.

What separates strong senior professionals from average ones?

Strong professionals don’t just identify risk, they help solve them. They understand the commercial context, communicate clearly, and are able to influence decisions rather than just escalate issues.

What do the best people in your team do consistently well?

They challenge the status quo and are always looking for ways to improve processes rather than just following them. They also know when to dig deeper, especially in situations that may be technically permissible but don’t feel quite right. That ability to apply judgement and trust their instincts really sets them apart.