Sr. AML Investigator

Mechanics Bank is currently searching for a SR. AML Investigator. Here at Mechanics Bank, we value connection, partnership, long term relationships and working together in person. This role will be working hybrid at our Roseville or Irvine locations.

The Sr. AML Investigator is responsible for conducting independent investigations into suspected or actual violations of financial regulations, including but not limited to Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), Sanctions, and Anti-Fraud. This role requires a strong understanding of financial transactions, investigative techniques, and applicable laws and regulations. The Investigator will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, to identify, assess, and mitigate financial crime risks. The role involves conducting detailed investigations, reviewing transaction patterns, writing investigative reports and preparing suspicious activity reports (SARs). The role requires attention to detail, excellent analytical skills and observes the highest degree of confidentiality in the handling of information.

What you will be doing:

• Collect and analyze customer and financial transactions for potential money laundering, terrorist financing and fraudulent activity to identify patterns of suspicious activity.

• Apply critical thinking skills and experience in writing comprehensive investigation analysis to conclude whether or not to file a SAR. Maintain disciplines in consistently following current processes, procedures and policies ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements regarding timely, accurate and thorough investigations are completed.

• Use of Bank systems, vendor applications and search engines to validate identities, research individual backgrounds and obtain information on transactional counterparties.

• Develop and maintain professional level communication with internal and external parties that recognizes acceptable business protocols especially when a determination is made to exit and close a relationship.

• Interact with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in receiving and providing critical investigative and case elements that can be used in prosecuting elements of a crime.

• Monitor and analyze emerging financial crime threats and trends.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.

Who you are:

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and/or 4+ years related financial industry experience.

• Investigative and research skills using various systems.

• Excellent written and verbal skills

• Strongly Preferred: Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

• Completes more complex investigations that are generally non-system generated (e.g., National Security Letters law enforcement or judiciary requests, internal referrals, 314(a/b) requests, EDD referrals, OFAC Sanctions).

• Where warranted and supported with appropriate documentation, make recommendations to exit a customer relationship and closure of account(s).

• Ability to use multiple systems simultaneously to gather investigative data.

• Accurately completes all assigned investigations prior to the regulatory deadline.

• Portrays strong analytical skills to identify patterns, trends, and potential red flags in transactions.

• Assesses the effectiveness of systems, processes and tools used to monitor risks and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Assists in investigating inquiries from peer BSA teams and branch personnel.

• Reviews customer accounts and analyzes transactions. This may include analyzing customer types, transaction patterns and account activity, and reviewing customer documentation, such as business licenses, articles of incorporation, or tax returns.

• Ability to write comprehensive investigative analysis reviews that meets the requirements of the FFIEC’s guidelines.

• Assists with regulatory reporting (i.e., SAR filing and submission, 314(b) incoming and outgoing requests, etc.).

• Thorough understanding and remains informed of changes to BSA and OFAC regulations, including suspicious activity red flags. This includes attending training webinars, seminars, conferences and reading industry publications.

• Support Lead AML Investigator with leadership responsibilities, as needed

• Maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.

• Adhere to all company policies a