Regulatory Compliance Officer in Alaska Career Overview

As a Regulatory Compliance Officer, you play a vital role in ensuring that organizations adhere to legal standards and internal policies. Your responsibilities focus on overseeing compliance with both local and federal regulations relevant to the specific industry you are working within. This position is essential for mitigating risks and avoiding legal pitfalls, which can have significant financial and reputational consequences for businesses.

Key aspects of the role include:

  • Monitoring Regulations: You regularly keep up-to-date with changing regulations and standards to ensure that your organization remains compliant.

  • Policy Development: You assist in developing internal policies and procedures that reflect regulatory requirements, helping to standardize practices within the organization.

  • Risk Assessment: You evaluate existing processes and identify potential areas of compliance risk, providing recommendations to management for improvements.

  • Training and Education: You often conduct training sessions for employees to ensure they understand compliance protocols and the importance of adhering to regulations.

  • Audit and Reporting: You are involved in regular audits to assess compliance processes and prepare reports that highlight areas of compliance strength and those requiring attention.

Your work is critical in fostering an organizational culture that prioritizes compliance, integrity, and ethical conduct. By ensuring that the business adheres to regulations, you help protect the organization against potential legal issues, thereby contributing to its long-term success and sustainability.

Regulatory Compliance Officer Salary in Alaska

Annual Median: $119,530
Hourly Median: $57.47

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Regulatory Compliance Officer in Alaska

To pursue a career as a Regulatory Compliance Officer, you will need a solid educational foundation. Here are the recommended degree programs:

  • Compliance Law: A degree in Compliance Law focuses on legal principles and frameworks governing businesses and organizations. This program will equip you with knowledge of regulations, compliance standards, and risk management.

  • Health Law: Studying Health Law provides insights into the laws and regulations that govern healthcare organizations. This degree is particularly beneficial if you are interested in compliance roles within the health sector.

  • Regulatory Science and Affairs: This program covers the scientific and regulatory foundations necessary for ensuring public safety and compliance with health regulations. It prepares you for the technical aspects of regulatory compliance within various industries.

  • Safety and Health Technology: A degree in this field emphasizes the importance of safety regulations and health standards. It will help you understand occupational safety compliance and the technologies used to maintain safety in the workplace.

  • Health Services Administration: This program offers a comprehensive understanding of health systems management and policy. Knowledge gained here is essential for navigating the regulatory environment in healthcare settings.

Typically, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions, while advanced roles may require a master’s degree or relevant certifications in compliance and regulatory affairs. Depending on your career goals and the specific industry you wish to enter, pursuing one of these degree programs will provide you with the necessary qualifications to thrive as a Regulatory Compliance Officer.

Best Schools to become a Regulatory Compliance Officer in Alaska 2024

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$9,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:18%
Total Enrollment:88,891

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

In-State Tuition:$12,900
Out-of-State Tuition:$30,600
Admission Rate:66%
Graduation Rate:84%
Total Enrollment:50,637

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL

In-State Tuition:$48,100
Out-of-State Tuition:$48,100
Admission Rate:79%
Graduation Rate:71%
Total Enrollment:16,899

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

In-State Tuition:$7,404
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,404
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:156,935

Boston University

Boston, MA

In-State Tuition:$61,050
Out-of-State Tuition:$61,050
Admission Rate:14%
Graduation Rate:89%
Total Enrollment:36,714
Regulatory Compliance Officer Job Description:
  • Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Regulatory Compliance Officer Required Skills and Competencies in Alaska

  • Analytical Thinking: You need to demonstrate strong analytical skills to evaluate complex regulatory frameworks and assess compliance risks effectively.

  • Attention to Detail: Precision is key, as you must identify discrepancies and ensure adherence to regulations, often involving meticulous review of documents and procedures.

  • Communication Skills: Both verbal and written communication skills are essential. You will be required to produce reports, present findings, and communicate compliance requirements to various stakeholders clearly and effectively.

  • Problem-Solving Abilities: The ability to develop practical solutions to compliance challenges is necessary. You'll often encounter situations that require quick and effective decision-making.

  • Interpersonal Skills: Building relationships with internal teams, regulatory bodies, and external auditors is important. You should be able to work collaboratively and influence others to promote compliance culture.

  • Critical Thinking: You will need to assess situations logically and make sound judgments based on your analysis of regulations and compliance issues.

  • Knowledge of Regulatory Frameworks: A deep understanding of local, state, and federal regulations relevant to your industry is important for effective compliance management.

  • Project Management Skills: You may need to manage multiple compliance projects simultaneously, requiring adeptness in planning, executing, and monitoring compliance initiatives.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with compliance management software and data analysis tools can enhance your effectiveness in monitoring and reporting compliance issues.

  • Ethical Judgment: You should exhibit a strong sense of ethics and integrity, ensuring that all compliance practices align with legal standards and organizational values.

  • Adaptability: The regulatory landscape is constantly changing. You need to be flexible and able to adjust strategies and practices to comply with new regulations or organizational changes.

Job Duties for Regulatory Compliance Officers

  • Discuss emerging compliance issues to ensure that management and employees are informed about compliance reporting systems, policies, and practices.

  • Identify compliance issues that require follow-up or investigation.

  • Report violations of compliance or regulatory standards to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate or required.

Technologies and Skills Used by Regulatory Compliance Officers

Compliance software

  • Actimize Brokerage Compliance Solutions
  • Thomson Reuters Paisley Enterprise GRC

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Social

  • Changing what is done based on other people's actions
  • Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior

Job Market and Opportunities for Regulatory Compliance Officer in Alaska

The job market for Regulatory Compliance Officers in Alaska exhibits a steady demand driven by various sectors requiring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations. As organizations strive to align their operations with regulatory standards, your expertise as a Regulatory Compliance Officer will be increasingly valuable. Here are some key aspects of the current market landscape:

  • Growing Demand: The need for Regulatory Compliance Officers is rising across multiple industries in Alaska, including healthcare, finance, oil and gas, and environmental services. As regulatory frameworks evolve, businesses are prioritizing compliance to avoid legal ramifications and maintain operational integrity.

  • Industry Diversity: The broad range of industries in Alaska, especially those related to natural resources, agriculture, and tourism, presents diverse opportunities. Each sector often has its unique compliance needs, creating a demand for specialists who can navigate these complexities.

  • Government and Public Sector Opportunities: State and local government agencies, including environmental and health departments, actively recruit Regulatory Compliance Officers to ensure public policies align with compliance standards. Career opportunities exist in both regulatory enforcement and advisory roles.

  • Geographical Hotspots: Major urban areas, such as Anchorage and Fairbanks, feature a concentration of organizations that require regulatory oversight. Additionally, regions engaged in resource extraction, like the North Slope and the Kenai Peninsula, are also noteworthy for compliance positions due to their regulatory intricacies.

  • Growth Potential: As regulatory requirements become more stringent and complex, the potential for career advancement in this field increases. Regulatory Compliance Officers often find pathways to senior roles, including Compliance Manager or Chief Compliance Officer, as they gain experience and insight into industry-specific regulations.

  • Networking and Professional Development: Building connections with local professional organizations, such as the Alaska Compliance Association, can enhance your visibility in the job market. Participation in compliance seminars and training programs can also significantly increase your competitiveness in this field.

  • Remote and Hybrid Opportunities: The shift towards remote and hybrid work models has influenced the job market, allowing for a broader set of opportunities that may not be confined to specific geographical locations in Alaska. This flexibility can lead to roles that support compliance oversight from any location.

With these factors shaping the landscape, the role of a Regulatory Compliance Officer can offer a rewarding career with various paths for growth and specialization in Alaska's evolving job market.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Regulatory Compliance Officer in Alaska

  • U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

    • Website: dol.gov
    • Description: Find information about compliance regulations, wage and hour laws, and worker safety standards.
  • Federal Regulatory Compliance Agencies

    • Website: regulations.gov
    • Description: Access the federal regulatory process and view public comments on proposed rules that may impact compliance.
  • Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE)

    • Website: corporatecompliance.org
    • Description: A professional association offering resources, training, and certifications for compliance professionals.
  • Compliance Week

    • Website: complianceweek.com
    • Description: A leading information service focused on regulatory compliance and business risk management.
  • International Institute of Compliance (IIC)

    • Website: iic.org
    • Description: Offers educational resources, certification programs, and networking opportunities for compliance professionals.
  • Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

    • Website: dec.alaska.gov
    • Description: Provides regulatory information and guidelines relevant to environmental compliance in Alaska.
  • Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development

    • Website: dol.alaska.gov
    • Description: Offers resources about labor laws and regulations specific to Alaska, vital for compliance officers.
  • Regulatory Compliance Association (RCA)

    • Website: rca.org
    • Description: Provides certifications, conferences, and networking opportunities focused on regulatory compliance across various industries.
  • CCH (Commerce Clearing House)

    • Website: cchgroup.com
    • Description: Offers a wide array of resources including legal and regulatory information essential for compliance officers.
  • American Society for Quality (ASQ)

    • Website: asq.org
    • Description: A global community of quality professionals, offering tools, certifications, and training programs that can benefit compliance officers.
  • National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST)

    • Website: nist.gov
    • Description: A valuable resource for understanding regulations and standards related to IT compliance and cybersecurity.
  • Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School

    • Website: law.cornell.edu
    • Description: Provides access to federal and state legal information, helping compliance officers understand legislative changes and requirements.
  • LinkedIn Learning - Compliance Courses

    • Website: linkedin.com/learning
    • Description: Offers a variety of online courses related to compliance, ethics, risk management, and regulatory affairs.

Utilizing these resources can help deepen your understanding and enhance your skills as a Regulatory Compliance Officer in Alaska.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Regulatory Compliance Officer in Alaska

  • What does a Regulatory Compliance Officer do?
    A Regulatory Compliance Officer ensures that organizations adhere to laws, regulations, and internal policies. This involves monitoring compliance programs, conducting audits, providing training to staff, and implementing corrective actions when necessary.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Regulatory Compliance Officer?
    Typically, a bachelor’s degree in fields such as business, finance, law, or public administration is required. Many positions also prefer or require advanced degrees or relevant certifications, such as Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) or Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM).

  • What skills are essential for success in this role?
    Key skills include strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, effective communication skills, and a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks. Proficiency in risk management and knowledge of relevant industry regulations are also important.

  • Is prior experience necessary for this position?
    While some entry-level positions may not require extensive experience, most employers prefer candidates with relevant experience in compliance, auditing, or legal roles. Internships or training programs can help you gain the necessary experience.

  • What industries hire Regulatory Compliance Officers in Alaska?
    Various industries, including healthcare, finance, energy, and environmental services, employ Regulatory Compliance Officers. In Alaska, the energy sector, particularly oil and gas, is a significant employer in this field.

  • What is the salary range for Regulatory Compliance Officers in Alaska?
    Salaries can vary based on factors like experience, education, and the specific industry. As of recent data, the average salary for Regulatory Compliance Officers in Alaska ranges from $75,000 to $120,000 annually.

  • What are the career advancement opportunities in this field?
    Regulatory Compliance Officers can advance to senior compliance roles, compliance managers, or positions such as Chief Compliance Officer. Gaining additional certifications and expanding your expertise can further enhance career prospects.

  • How can I stay current with regulations and compliance trends?
    You can stay updated by participating in industry conferences, attending workshops, being a member of professional organizations, and subscribing to relevant publications. Continuous education and networking with other professionals in the field are also beneficial.

  • What challenges do Regulatory Compliance Officers face?
    Some common challenges include keeping up with constantly changing regulations, managing organizational resistance to compliance efforts, and ensuring comprehensive understanding of complex legal requirements across various departments.

  • Is remote work an option for Regulatory Compliance Officers?
    Yes, many organizations now offer remote or hybrid work opportunities. However, it often depends on the specific employer and industry regulations. Some roles may still require on-site presence, especially for onsite audits and evaluations.

  • Do Regulatory Compliance Officers need to interact with government agencies?
    Yes, interaction with government agencies is often a part of the job, particularly for compliance officers in regulated industries. You may need to submit reports, respond to inquiries, and participate in inspections.