Sr. AML Investigations Analyst - Surveillance

Mechanics Bank is currently searching for a full time Sr. AML Investigations Analyst - Surveillance to join our team. Here at Mechanics Bank, we value connection, partnership, long term relationships and working together in person. This role will be working on-site.

Under minimal supervision, the Sr. AML Analyst is responsible for conducting more complex customer relationship reviews in detecting possible illicit activity conducted thru the Bank. The position is responsible for account monitoring, analyzing and escalating to the Investigations team any transactions believed to be associated with unusual and suspicious account activity such as potential fraud, structuring, money laundering, or/and terrorist financing in accordance with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. This position requires attention to detail, as well as excellent analytical and written skills to identify suspicious activity. Stays abreast of compliance regulations as they apply to this position.

 

What you will do:

• Detects and investigates complex transaction monitoring alerts to identify trends and potential suspicious activity produced by the AML software system, various transaction monitoring reports and/or referrals from other areas of the Bank and makes determination on appropriate course of action.

• Completes written narrative upon researching and analyzing transaction monitoring alerts and make recommendations for further investigation, if warranted.

• Exercises solid judgment on examining information, and document suspicious activity, behaviors and/or patterns.

• Establishes and maintains effective liaison and communication with business units, operational units and any other employee of the bank to enhance resolution efforts.

• Assists team members when complex problems/issues arise. Resolves problems with minimal guidance.

• Assists in transaction testing, data validation, and ongoing customization of the AML software.

• Maintains a thorough understanding of the BSA, AML, and OFAC compliance requirements.

Who you are:

• 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree preferred; additional experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

• Required 2 years' experience in financial crimes, money laundering, and/or fraud investigations.

• Preferred 2 years' experience using a BSA/AML/Fraud detection system.

• Independently performs reviews of various transaction monitoring reports and analyzes complex activity to determine if transactions are suspicious in nature.

• Detects and investigates complex transaction monitoring alerts to identify trends and potential suspicious activity produced by the AML software system or referred by other areas of the Bank and determine appropriate course of action.

• Gathers documents and analyzes the risks associated with complex ownership structure, evaluating variables such as transactional activity, source of funds, anticipated activity volumes, and purpose of business relationship to ensure compliance with BSA/AML/OFAC.

• Exercises solid judgment on examining information, and document suspicious activity, behaviors and/or patterns.

• Completes written narrative upon researching and analyzing transaction monitoring alerts and make recommendations for further investigation, if warranted.

• Makes recommendations for enhancing the AML Software and transaction monitoring reports to improve the Bank’s ability to detect and deter suspicious activity.

• Assists in transaction testing, data validation, and ongoing customization of the AML software.

• Assists team members when complex problems/issues arise. Resolves problems with minimal guidance.

• Mentors less experienced staff in developing additional assets within the team.

• Assists management with quality control reviews of junior staff.

• Accountable for strict adherence to all regulatory deadlines, production expectations and requirements, and consistent and accurate application of policies and procedures.

• Follows policies and procedures; completes tasks correctly and on time; supports the company’s goals and values.

• Completes on-going Bank required training to maintain knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations, including BSA, AML and OFAC, along with the Bank’s policies and procedures.

• Attends seminars, webinars, and other outside compliance training, as directed by management.

• Maintains a thorough understanding of the BSA, AML, and OFAC compliance requirements.

• Establishes and maintains effective liaison and communication with business units, operational units and any othe