AML/CFT Investigator

Northwest Bank•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Investigator conducts preliminary transaction monitoring reviews or Customer/Enhanced Due Diligence (CDD/EDD) reviews for the purpose of identifying activity that is potentially suspicious and to ensure the Bank effectively understands customer risk and expected transactions according to Know Your Customer guidelines. The reviews are based on alerts generated through Northwest's automated transaction monitoring system in adherence to AML compliance functions and processes, determining when a review or investigation warrants escalation for SAR consideration, and documenting review details. This position acts with strong adherence to procedures associated with transaction monitoring, CDD, and the BSA. This individual provides subject matter expertise to others within and outside the Financial Crimes department, and moderate guidance and input for the transaction monitoring and CDD teams regarding adherence to AML compliance functions and processes. The AML/CFT Investigator will be responsible for performing triage investigations of transaction monitoring system generated alerts and referrals, including identifying root causes of the alert, sources and uses of funds, and potentially suspicious activity. They are also responsible for conducting investigations to identify potentially suspicious financial and/or fraudulent activity, to include money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and/or any other financial risks or crimes. In instances indicative of money laundering and/or other financial crimes, the specialist can prepare suspicious activity reports for filing.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent
2 - 3 years ML/CFT, BSA, OFAC law and regulations
2 - 3 years Retail Banking or banking operations
2 - 3 years Other financial crimes related experience
Ability to establish effective working relationships among team members and participate in solving problems and making decisions
Ability to present and express ideas and information clearly and concisely in a manner appropriate to the audience, whether oral or written
Ability to actively listen to what others are saying to achieve understanding, sharing information with others and facilitating the open exchange of ideas and information
Ability to establish courses of action for self to accomplish specific goals, develop and use tracking systems for monitoring own work progress, and effectively use resources such as time and information
Ability to make right decisions based on perceptive and analytical processes, practicing good judgment in gray areas

Nice To Haves

CAMS Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist

Responsibilities

Conduct suspicious activity reviews/investigations to identify patterns and trends consistent with money laundering and terrorist financing
Conduct comprehensive CDD/EDD reviews/investigations on high-risk customers including PEP, MSB, POATM, and NBFIs in accordance with CDD procedures
Complete documentation with the highest level of quality, accuracy and attention to detail in accordance with Northwest’s procedures and regulatory guidelines
Perform detail analysis of transaction monitoring reviews and case investigations
Provide consultative AML/CFT guidance to various lines of businesses
Demonstrate knowledge of money laundering and terrorist financing typologies to recognize unusual/suspicious activity
Determine whether alerts should be escalated based on Northwest policies and procedures and a review of the facts
Collect, analyze, and safeguard sensitive information concerning the customers of Northwest
Effectively maintain customer and case files, records, and related documentation
Promptly notify supervisors of any instances of non-compliance with the AML, BSA, and OFAC regulations
Attend and present relevant AML/CFT information through various Northwest committees
Conduct research on applicable regulations to ensure sound decision-making
Research and improve report data
Ensure compliance with Northwest’s policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations
Navigate Microsoft Office Software, computer applications, and software specific to the department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency
Work as part of a team
Work with on-site equipment
Handle other projects on request
Ensure total documentation and data integrity
Assist with training new employees, as needed
Prepare information during regulatory examinations, audit, compliance or other BSA reviews
Abide by the rules of the safety and loss prevention program
Perform work tasks in a safe manner
Report any and all injuries to supervisor
Know what to do in case of an emergency