Senior Investigations Officer
Trafigura · Geneva
Main Purpose
The Senior Investigations Officer will report to the Global Head of Investigations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in forensic accounting, investigations, and risk management. The successful individual will work closely with a wide range of departments to identify and investigate Code of Conduct non-compliance and serious misconduct related risks in order to ensure the integrity and security of the organization’s operations. The investigations officer will also work closely with the Operational Risk and Internal Controls team (“ORIC”) to remediate investigation findings and strengthen the control environment.
The remit of the role will include, but not be limited to:
Driving excellence - Supporting the Head of Investigations in driving forward an internal investigations team that seeks continued respect and trust from the business, and that is renowned for its professional, timely, proportionate and independent work.
Investigation leadership - The oversight and management of substantial / reputationally significant internal investigations across the global business.
Leadership - Acting as technical Subject Matter Expert and line manager to the existing Investigations Officers
Cross-function collaboration and coordination - Supporting the Head of Investigations / ORIC to create a more connected and collaborative wider team whose combined remit is the design and testing of Internal controls, providing support to the business to strengthen the process and control environment, and to investigate and remediate control, policy and code of conduct breaches.
Methodology development - Supporting in the creation and roll-out of robust and consistent investigation and review methodologies, tools and deliverables across the Group.
Upskilling in the field of investigations - Developing and providing technical training across the business.
Governance support - Providing ad hoc input on initiatives owned by the Risk and Compliance teams that intersect with Fraud / investigations.
Issue remediation and anti-fraud framework development - Working with Internal Controls to develop enhanced, dedicated, controls to prevent and detect internal and external fraud; and working with Internal Audit to help establish audit prioritisation based upon the outcome and learnings from investigations.
Key responsibilities
To support the Trafigura Global Head of Investigations in addressing the main objectives of the Investigation team (and potentially also across Operational Risk and Internal Control), now and into the future as the objectives and priorities evolve.
Under the direction of the Head of Investigations, lead / conduct complex investigations into suspected cases of internal and / or external fraud, financial misconduct, policy non-compliance and other serious cases of misconduct in the context of the Code of Conduct.
Interview witnesses and investigation subjects; gather statements, and document findings comprehensively.
Prepare/draft detailed investigative reports, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations for review by senior stakeholders within the business. Present investigation results to compliance, senior management and legal counsel as required.
Maintain thorough and accurate records of all investigations and related activities.
Support the Head of Investigations and ORIC in prioritizing team resource, in supervising ongoing activity and in preparing for reporting required at Board sub-committees and the quarterly Governance and Controls Steering Committee.
Contribute to the development and implementation of a risk-based country / market review strategy with supporting investigation plans.
Contribute to the design and implementation of anti-fraud strategies, policies, and procedures. Conduct fraud risk assessments and recommend control improvements.
Utilize data analytics and forensic tools to detect anomalies and potential fraud indicators.
Work closely with internal departments, including Legal, HR, IT, and Finance, to support investigations and implement corrective actions.
Stay updated with industry best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging threats in fraud and financial crime.
Required qualifications
Minimum 15 years of experience in performing corporate investigations, anti-fraud assessments or similar roles.
Expert knowledge of investigative methodologies, forensic accounting principles, fraud detection techniques.
Experience of leading overseas Ethics & Compliance or fraud-related fieldwork assignments (proactive or reactive), from planning to reporting, including management of team members, key stakeholders and the management of the target entity.
Ability to demonstrate a track record of report writing, presenting to senior management / C-suite level.
Experience of leading investigations across a range of fields – Financial, Operational, HR, HSE, Compliance & Ethics.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple investigations simultaneously. Demonstration of ability to project manage multiple projects in a high-pressure environment. Demonstrably ability to work collaboratively.
Proficiency in using forensic tools and software for data analysis.
High ethical standards and a commitment to integrity and confidentiality.
Understanding of the mining, shipping, and commodity trading industries.
Familiarity with financial regulations and compliance standards.
Advanced experience and knowledge of current digital forensics and investigation techniques.
Excellent English; native or equivalent to C2 level oral and written skills.
Preferred qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Criminal Justice, or a related field. Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., CFE, CPA, CIA) preferred.
Attributes for sucess
Personal gravitas to operate comfortably and confidently with Senior Management of the business. Ability to build a network of key contacts within the business, across different offices. Firm, decisive and results oriented.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment, with strong work ethic and ability to meet deadlines.
Ability and willingness to travel to meet project demands (anticipated travel expectation is less than 10%).
Conversant in multiple languages relevant to Trafigura business considered a plus (Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese).
Department overview
As part of a wider investment and strengthening in the areas of Governance, Risk and Controls, Internal Audit and Compliance, in January 2025 the Chief Risk Officer and Global Head of Compliance established a new internal Investigations Team.
The Investigations team, currently a team of four based across Geneva and Athens, works alongside existing functions that support the Governance framework, with a remit to: lead the more sensitive and significant internal investigations; to support Legal in their response to regulatory enquiries; to coordinate and supervise investigations performed by the HR, Compliance or HSE teams; and, to oversee the Trafigura Speak Up channel.
The team is a fact-finding function focused on alleged misconduct by internal or external parties that impact Trafigura’s operations, assets, people or systems. The reactive work undertaken by the team is case-driven, event-specific, independent and confidential, and will often be defensive in nature, to minimise legal or reputational risk.
In addition to its ‘reactive’ work, and in coordination with the Operational Risk team, the Investigations team is tasked with performing forensic reviews of higher-risk markets and activities.
The team reports to the General Counsel and has a dotted line into the CEO and Audit Committee Chair. The team works closely with Trafigura’s Compliance, Internal Audit, Operational Risk and Internal Controls, Security, HR and CHESS teams as part of the wider network of functions charged with protecting the financial and reputational integrity of the company.
Equal opportunity employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse workforce! We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or handicap, disability, or any other legally protected status.