Description

AML Specialist II

Summary: The AML Specialist II is responsible for conducting investigations of system generated alerts and unusual activity investigations originating from a variety of points, leading to potential Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) filing. Requires a high level of attention to detail and accountability as this role will also be responsible for supporting the Bank's adherence to compliance through due diligence and timely completion of reviews, cases, and investigations as well as being tasked with the review and due diligence associated with the Bank's Money Service Business (MSB) Program, and any Tier II and III MRBs. They will also be tasked with researching transactional anomalies and analyzing information produced to detect any patterns of unusual internal or external conduct, identify risk policy breakdown, and recognize fraudulent activities. Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for client behavior with various products to identify patterns indicative of possible money laundering.

Job Responsibilities:

Financial Crimes Mitigation

• Responsible for performing detailed examinations to detect transactional and relationship patterns and behaviors, trends, and schemes across multiple business lines and products that the Bank offers.
• Acts as an escalation point for more complex cases and investigations and presents recommendations and possible solutions for resolving more complex situations while exercising independent judgement and developing full knowledge in the function of identifying and resolving potentially suspicious or hazardous situations.
• These methods include, but are not limited to, AML software generated alerts and cases, Currency Transaction Reporting (CTR), follow up suspicious activity investigations, and reviewing of additional reports that are custom built for detecting potential money laundering.
• Communicates results of analysis and/or research to appropriate departmental leadership including conclusions and recommendations for next steps.
• Handle law enforcement requests for information and maintain data retention of said requests and communication. Perform follow up communication when necessary.

MSB Compliance Overview

• Tasked with overseeing that the Bank's Money Service Business (MSB) program remains in compliance and all relative reviews, ranging from initial reviews conducted at on boarding to quarterly reviews of activity, and annual Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) reviews are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Acts as a liaison with front line staff to coordinate obtaining required annual documentation from higher risked clients, performs the due diligence review of collected documentation and ensures that site visits are completed annually and correctly.
• Maintains current and accurate MSB High Risk listing and provides listing of clients to Treasury Operations Department to ensure that proper charges are being applied to clients.
• Reviews and presents annual report of fees generated associated with this category of customer to the BSA Manager and other individuals across business lines within the Bank.

Cryptocurrency & Gambling Compliance Overview

• Performs analysis on the category of customers that have been detected to have association with cryptocurrency and gambling to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Responsible for identifying said category of customers and for obtaining in depth understanding of the workings of the client to ensure proper classification along with completing annual enhanced due diligence (EDD) associated with customer.

Customer Risk Assessment

• Completes risk assessment and analysis of customer applying for Remote Deposit Capture status (RDC) and other Treasury Management services, adhering to Bank procedures related to this product and others.
• Acts as a liaison with the various departments that are involved in this process and makes suggestions to streamline the process so that growth and expansion is possible associated with this product and business line.
• Maintains monthly review and analysis of this category of customer to ensure compliance with the Bank requirements for the use of RDC on a monthly and annual basis.
• Utilizes custom-built reports to aid in research.

Enhanced Due Diligence Responsibility

• Performs Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) reviews on the Bank's High Risk customer listing, as assigned by the BSA Assistant Manager or BSA Manager.
• Ensures each customer being reviewed is in compliance as it relates to Customer Information Profiles (CIP), KYC, and site visits along with the identifying reasons for the higher risk categorization of the client.
• Develops and maintains risk methodology for the High-risk categories of customers as the Bank grows.

BSA/AML Compliance

• Keeps abreast of any new or amended BSA, AML compliance matters and disseminates information to appropriate Bank personnel as related to job function.
• Serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the respective role.

Other Responsibilities

• Other duties assigned, as needed.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in financial crimes compliance, specifically in anti-money laundering (AML).
• Strong knowledge of federal and state banking regulations, operational policies, and the bank's products and services.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with proven decision-making and independent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to draft reports, procedures, and correspondence, and effectively communicate with employees at all levels.
• Experience supporting internal audits and regulatory examinations, including preparing documentation and responding to examiner inquiries.

Preferred

Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) designation.

Columbia Bank offers the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Rx which are contributory.
• Bonus programs.
• Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP).
• Life Insurance, Long Term Disability and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (LTD&AD&D).
• Paid Time Off (PTO) which includes Personal and Vacation Time.
• Paid Sick Time.
• Bank Holidays.
• Employees may participate in the 401k program.

Schedule:

This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule; 3 days in the office and 2 days work from home based on business need.

Columbia Bank and its affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

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