Job Summary

The Precious Metals Inventory & Assay Controller is responsible for safeguarding the accuracy, integrity, and traceability of all precious metals handled by the organization. This role ensures that gold and other precious metals received, tested, stored, transported, and transferred meet established quality standards, regulatory expectations, and internal control requirements.

The position serves as a critical operational control point within the company’s risk management framework, protecting against financial loss, fraud, reputational harm, and regulatory violations. The role also supports AML/KYC oversight by identifying irregular, high-risk, or suspicious activity related to precious metals transactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Precious Metals Testing & Verification

• Perform and/or oversee acid testing, XRF testing, and other approved verification methods to confirm purity, authenticity, and composition of precious metals.

• Ensure all testing activities comply with approved SOPs, safety protocols, and equipment calibration standards.

• Validate test results and ensure accurate classification prior to acceptance, processing, or transfer.

• Immediately escalate inconsistencies, irregularities, or suspected counterfeit materials.

• Inventory Control & Chain of Custody

• Maintain complete chain-of-custody documentation from initial intake through storage, transport, and final disposition.

• Ensure all precious metals movements are properly authorized, recorded, and fully traceable.

• Conduct periodic physical inventory counts and reconcile results against system records.

• Investigate, document, and report discrepancies between physical inventory and recorded balances.

• Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Enforce segregation of duties across testing, recording, approval, and physical handling activities.

• Identify control gaps and recommend corrective and preventive actions.

• Support risk assessments related to precious metals handling and storage.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of inventory management and quality control procedures.

• Audit, Compliance & AML Support

• Prepare documentation and supporting evidence for internal audits, external audits, and regulatory examinations.

• Support the Audit & Regulatory Liaison during inspections or audits involving precious metals.

• Ensure corrective actions related to inventory, testing, or custody are implemented and properly documented.

• Support AML/KYC monitoring by flagging unusual volumes, transaction patterns, or customer behaviors.

• Collaboration & Reporting

• Work closely with Operations, Fleet, Tours, Finance, and Compliance teams to ensure aligned controls and procedures.

• Provide regular reporting to the Head of Compliance & Risk on inventory status, discrepancies, and key risk indicators.

• Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Head of Compliance & Risk

• Direct interaction with: Operations, Audit, Finance, Fleet, Tour Teams

Qualifications & Competencies

• Experience in precious metals testing, assay, or high-value inventory control

• Strong analytical, investigative, and documentation skills

• High integrity, attention to detail, and adherence to strict controls

• Ability to work under confidentiality and regulatory scrutiny

• Bachelor’s degree in: Chemistry, Materials, Science Metallurgy, or Chemical Engineering

• Minimum Experience of 2–5 years of experience in one or more of the following: Precious metals testing or assay, Materials verification, Quality control, and Inventory control in regulated or high-value environments