The compliance and ethics field encompasses how people act in large organizations, and how to keep those organizations out of trouble. At the root, we must recognize that organizations act in ways different from individuals, and that individuals in organizations do things that they would not do if acting alone. Those of us working in the field of ethics and compliance seek to prevent organizational misconduct and to protect those who can be harmed by it.
 
Elements of the field have existed for decades in companies' handling of a variety of legal, ethical and reputational risks, in such areas as advertising, antitrust, off-the-book accounts, discrimination, financial statements, harassment, labor, privacy, purchasing, and more.

But the field really began to take shape with the advent of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines for organizations. The guidelines helped to shape the development of compliance programs and to prevent a stove-pipe approach, as well as encouraged judges to give breaks to companies and other organizations that set up "effective" compliance programs.

The field of compliance and ethics has formed in response, and it demands motivated and experienced professionals.

Why should you go into this field?

There are both practical and personal reasons you will find the field appealing. On the practical side, good compliance opportunities exist everywhere. Every large organization needs compliance people, including blue-chip companies. Compliance is a wide-open field, drawing professionals from countless backgrounds.

Of course, there are positions best suited to people with certain experience. Of particular interest to a trained accountant may be positions such as Compliance Accountant, Finance Compliance Education Coordinator, and Senior Financial Compliance Analyst -- not to mention countless Sarbanes-Oxley-based positions.

As for advancement and mobility, compliance may not be the best path to the top (CEO), but the top compliance position is typically an executive-level position (Chief Compliance/Ethics Officer). Many in this field have moved outside and become entrepreneurs, starting their own compliance provider service. Others may have found themselves in high demand as chief financial officers and general counsels, particularly at companies with compliance problems and scandals.

Compensation is another factor to consider. A recent study by the Ethics and Compliance Officer Association (ECOA), performed in conjunction with Salary.com, found the median annual salary for many positions, including:

• Top Global Ethics and Compliance Officer: $206,800
• Top Domestic Ethics and Compliance Officer: $180,600
• Corporate Manager, Ethics and Compliance: $120,000

Salary will vary according to industry and experience.

Perhaps more importantly, personal reasons are often cited as the primary motivators behind a move into a compliance career. Compliance people are commonly heard to say, "In the compliance and ethics field, we have the knowledge that we have spent our day trying to do the right thing." Still working to help the company succeed, compliance people know that their efforts help prevent harm, protecting all stakeholders, such as executives, employees, and shareholders.

Another appealing aspect of the field is the people working in it. Compliance and ethics is an open field, where the model relies on the sharing of best practices and consulting with one another about our experiences. It is a great source of strength -- compliance people always have someone to turn to when facing a problem.

How do you enter or prepare for the field?

If your company has a compliance program, then your first step is to examine its makeup. Look for compliance program elements like a code of conduct and helpline. A common misconception is that helplines are only for reporting crimes; In most cases you can call the helpline with serious questions about the program. Talk to people working in the program. Take advantage of any training offered by the compliance office, and perhaps even volunteer to help in the compliance office (or with compliance efforts in your unit).

If there is not a compliance program in your company, or you are looking for more information, networking with compliance professionals outside of work is an invaluable resource. Call the compliance staff at other companies in your industry. Compliance people tend to be open and communicative, due in part to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines requirement for programs to meet industry practice; In order to determine what industry practice is, we need to know what others are doing. Also speak to any compliance vendors your company hires.

There are a variety of membership organizations that serve compliance professionals by sponsoring forums, and by offering education/training and publications. Attending a Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) or Ethics and Compliance Officer Association (ECOA) event is an excellent way to meet other compliance people and discuss the field. Many industries or regions boast compliance and ethics organizations, and there are also many other non-profits that provide great resources. The Society of Financial Service Professionals is just one example of an organization offering ethics resources (including a hotline).

In addition to networking, read about compliance topics. You can augment your perceived value by being a source of useful information and ideas, much of which you can get by paying attention to the relevant literature. There are several publications with how-to information and war stories (scandals) that will serve as a good starting point, such as Compliance and Ethics Magazine (www.corporatecompliance.org), Ethikos (www.singerpubs.com/ethikos), and the book The Smartest Guys in the Room.

Another obvious step is to receive training or education. If your company has no training, look to the membership organizations and service providers that do provide it. A highly regarded course, "Managing Ethics in Organizations," is offered at Bentley College. The Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics now offers an academy, and has a certification program for those interested in becoming "Certified Ethics and Compliance Professionals" (CCEP). In getting training, you may be tempted to focus on one area of risk. This can make you more appealing to certain employers or in certain industries, but it may also pigeonhole you if you are not careful.

Other skills to possess or develop are important management skills such as public speaking, selling, and the ability to lead meetings and get results. Most of these skills can be developed through practice or even a class at a local community college.

Finally, your character and your social skills will be major parts of getting and succeeding in a compliance position. Integrity and good reputation are paramount in this field, but you must also recognize the value of benchmarking and obtaining buy-in for ideas and documents before you push them in your company.

Conclusion

If the idea of moving into another field or specialization has been weighing on your mind, or if you are looking for a way to turn your skills and experience into a more satisfying career, spend some time researching compliance and ethics. Make some calls and ask lots of questions. Do your homework. This is a challenging field that has been attracting many of your peers. With great opportunities and an open, supportive community, you may find that a career in compliance and ethics is just the job you look forward to every Monday morning.

JOSHUA H. LEET is co-author of Building a Career in Compliance and Ethics: Find Your Place in the Business World's Hottest New Field (SCCE Feb. 2007), which includes more information on the topics discussed above. Visit the author's blog at http://workingforintegrity.blogspot.com or email him at jleet@cslg.com.