BSA/AML Investigator - Remote

BSA/AML Investigator - RemoteDescriptionAt Bank of the West, our people are having a positive impact on the world. We’re investing where we feel we can make the most impact, like advancing diversity and women entrepreneurship programs, financing for more small businesses, and promoting programs for sustainable energy. From our locations across the U.S., Bank of the West is taking action to help protect the planet, improve people’s lives, and strengthen communities. We are part of BNP Paribas, a global leader supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yes, we’re a bank, but as the bank for a changing world, we are continually seeking to improve the ways we help our customers, while contributing to more sustainable and equitable growth.Job Description SummaryResponsibility for protecting the Bank and its customers against anti-money laundering risk. Delivers subject matter expertise in investigating complex suspicious activity cases, and / or delivers subject matter expertise for the Customer Due Diligence ("CDD") and Enhanced Due Diligence ("EDD") reviews for the purposes of identifying clients that pose greater than normal anti-money laundering risk to the Bank, as well as conducting periodic and ad-hoc EDD reviews for the Bank. Responsible for preparing and filing Suspicious Activity Reports ("SAR") on behalf of the Bank by providing sound judgment and strong adherence to the procedures associated with producing and filing SARs. Conducts timely investigations and reviews investigative work of others to verify that all regulatory requirements and/or Bank policies and procedures are being met, together with completion of CDD/EDD, and conducting Quality Assurance ("QA") activities. The Investigator III is also responsible for helping the Investigations Team Manager to coach and mentor staff utilizing strong subject matter expertise and problem solving/analytic skillsEssential Job FunctionsInvestigates, analyzes and documents alerts and/or complex cases pertaining to cash structuring, transactions involving bank designated high risk countries (HRC), wire transfers, commercial loan payments, and reports from branches or business areas regarding guidelines and timeframes; and/or performs and documents customer due diligence (CDD) and enhanced due diligence (EDD) reviews. Focuses on customer behavior as it relates to anti money laundering (AML)-related suspicious activities and complex cases such as multiple relationship accounts, tiered and multi-faceted transactions, international wires involving bank designated high risk jurisdictions, and complex cash structuring schemes. This role also assists the manager in coaching and mentoring the staff as well as providing subject matter expertise and guidance to team regarding BSA/AML and CDD/EDD.

Reviews and prepares Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) for submission to FinCEN and other appropriate law enforcement or regulatory agencies which may include 314b analysis and review as well as fulfillment of law enforcement requests.

Compiles data, and maintains records and files necessary to assure efficient and consistent reporting of investigations and CDD/EDD programs.

Responsible for final determination of retaining and/or closing customer relationships, and manages the closure process and closure verification follow up. Interprets and/or adapts department policies and procedures to the extent permissible.

Assists manager oversee investigation case inventory to ensure timelines are being met; distribute and/or redistribute cases amongst investigators as needed: ensure that classifications are determined and applied and/or that reporting and/or documentation requirements set by BSA regulations and/or unit policy, are upheld, and / or that the high risk customer list is being managed; and / or that CDD and EDD reviews are being tracked and distributed; identify areas or skills in need of additional training. Assists manager in preparing annual and / or quarterly department objectives.

Participates in hiring & interview process for Investigator I/II position; makes recommendation in hiring decision.

Provides mentoring and guidance to Investigator I and II employees, where appropriate. May lead or participate in special project teams within BSA/AML.

Other Job DutiesAbility to interpret technical procedures, government regulations, and complex and sophisticated business documents such as financial statements, invoices, trade finance documentation, and letters of credit.

Ability to prepare and/or oversee the preparation of MIS reporting for management.

Ability to identify (and make judgment of) areas of significant risk and/or systemic issues and make process improvement recommendations to senior management.

Ability to develop and maintain policies and procedures for department productions processes and/or department functions. Proposes and / or provides input and recommendations for proposed department policy changes.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QualificationsRequired ExperienceRequires advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.

May have practical knowledge of project management.

Requires 5 years minimum prior relevant experience.

EducationHigh School Diploma or GED Required

SkillsStrong knowledge of AML processes, communication of, and adherence to, the procedures of AML compliance functions knowledge is critical to both conducting SAR determinations and / or conducting CDD reviews.

Thorough knowledge of investigative techniques including transaction analysis, evidence gathering and demonstrated research and/or pattern recognition skills.

Detailed analytical and research skills including use of online research tools and report writing.

Ability to work independently and display initiative.

Detailed planning and organizing skills.

Ability to follow specific goals and meet required deadlines.

Meaningful AML investigations experience; quality and depth of experience is more important than number of years of experience.

“To protect the health and safety of our employees and customers, Bank of the West requires all U.S. employees to provide proof of their vaccination status. Employees who are not fully vaccinated must undergo regular testing beginning May, 2022.”Equal Employment Opportunity PolicyBank of the West is an Equal Opportunity employer and proud to provide equal employment opportunity to all job seekers without regard to any status protected by applicable law. Bank of the West is also an Affirmative Action employer - Minority / Female / Disabled / Veteran.Bank of the West will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance subject to the requirements of all state and federal laws and regulations.Job: Bank Secrecy Act / Anti Money LaunderingLocation: United States-Nebraska-OmahaOther Locations: United States-Arizona-Tempe, United States-California-San FranciscoRequisition ID: 063603