Compliance officers play a vital role in organizations and human resources departments. Businesses and corporations rely on compliance officers to mitigate legal and financial risks, communicate their understanding of current government regulations and ensure that all employees conduct business by the highest ethical standards.
The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Specialization in Human Resources program from Youngstown State University (YSU) equips you with the legal, regulatory and leadership skills essential for success in this role. Explore what compliance officers do in their daily jobs, the qualifications and skills employers look for, and how to prepare for a career in this in-demand field.
What Does a Compliance Officer Do?
A compliance officer has four primary responsibilities in their job. Depending on their industry, they may spend most of their days working on one or all of these tasks with a compliance team or HR department.
Risk Assessment and Management
Compliance officers examine potential vulnerabilities in their companies’ policies and processes. They assess the following for potential risk: relationships with clients and other businesses, financial stability, human resources communications, and employee safety and privacy.
Developing and Implementing Ethical Policy
Together with their company’s HR department, compliance officers create policies that protect and maintain business ethics within the organization. This includes providing proper employee training, staying current with human resources trends and maintaining contact with company counsel to ensure compliance with relevant business laws and regulations.
Monitoring Compliance
Compliance officers ensure company-wide compliance by conducting regular reviews and audits of interdepartmental procedures. These checks may emphasize enhancing employee engagement to keep communication channels open, monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and staying in contact with upper management to keep everyone on the same page.
Investigation and Resolution
If a compliance officer becomes aware of a risk or vulnerability to an organization, it’s their responsibility to investigate and resolve it. They lead internal investigations and gather evidence by speaking to as many involved parties as possible, including the relevant authorities. Compliance officers also create policies to address issues and integrate resolutions into future HR and business policies.
How Much Does a Compliance Officer Make?
The average annual salary for a compliance officer was $78,420 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, a compliance officer’s salary depends on their industry, company and experience.
For example, those working in federal, state and local government positions earned an average of $94,320 in 2024, per BLS. Compliance officers in the top 10% of earners receive a median annual wage of $123,710.
Essential Skills for Compliance Officers
Companies expect compliance officers to have strong business leadership skills, as they’ll be expected to lead different projects and initiatives. But compliance officers will also need to have industry-specific technical skills, including:
- Financial analysis and audits
- Risk management
- Knowledge of regulatory laws and business ethnics
- Data analysis
- Business acumen
Successful compliance officers should also come to the job with soft skills like:
- Communication
- Creativity
- Public speaking
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork
- Flexibility
If they’ve worked in human resources in the past, compliance officers would already have most or all of these skills. Additionally, compliance officers with a legal or accounting background make them strong candidates for positions in various industries.
The Path to a Compliance Officer Career
The path to becoming a compliance officer typically begins with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Many compliance officers hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in management, while others earn degrees in finance, economics, accounting, pre-law or communications.
After earning a degree, aspiring compliance officers gain relevant experience in the field. These opportunities may include internships or entry-level positions in risk management or auditing. Typical starting roles include compliance analyst, junior compliance officer or compliance assistant.
For more leadership and career advancement opportunities, many compliance officers choose to pursue an MBA in Human Resources or another related master’s degree. They can complete these programs before entering the career field or while working toward a promotion in their current position. Senior-level roles often require applicants to hold an MBA, and membership in professional organizations such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) can also be beneficial for job prospects.
Inside the Online MBA in Human Resources Experience at YSU
When you begin your journey toward a career as a compliance officer at YSU, you’ll enter a flexible learning environment with a pace tailored to fit your schedule. You’ll develop qualifications that stand out in a competitive market and help you bring value to your future career.
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the degree program emphasizes collaboration, communication and critical conflict management skills. By specializing with an MBA from Youngstown State University, you’ll be prepared for a compliance officer position, as well as related roles such as program manager, recruiter, talent acquisition specialist and more.
With an MBA in human resources from YSU, you’ll start your career on the right foot — or give yourself new opportunities in your current job. Explore YSU’s online MBA in human resources program today, and discover how your life can change with one straightforward step.
Learn more about YSU’s online MBA with a Specialization in Human Resources program.
