Job Summary

The BSA SAM Investigator Team Lead provides direct supervision to the SAM staff, reviews alerts and cases requiring routine input or assistance, and monitors workflow and production. conducts investigations of escalated alerts for the purpose of identifying suspicious activity based on adherence to AML compliance functions and processes, determining when an investigation warrants a SAR, and completes regulatory filing requirements as necessary. This position acts with sound judgement and strong adherence to procedures associated with suspicious activity monitoring (SAM) alert reviews. This individual delivers subject matter expertise to others within and outside the Bank Secrecy department based on efficient processes, communication, and guidance and supervision for the SAM group regarding adherence to AML compliance functions and processes. Provides onsite supervision and guidance to Investigators I, II and III at their respective locations.

Essential Functions

• Provide direction and supervision to SAM staff including direction as to office professionalism and accountability in accordance with Northwest policies, approving PTO and timecards, conducting annual performance reviews, and escalating employee performance issues and operational risks
• Monitor workflow and production including assigning alerts, reviewing alerts and cases requiring routine input or assistance, and coordinating/assigning special projects
• Assist management with statistical reporting and information gathering
• Navigate Microsoft Office software, NICE Actimize software, computer applications, and software specific to the Bank Secrecy department to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency
• Conduct suspicious activity investigations to identify patterns and trends consistent with money laundering and terrorist financing
• 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 SAM reviews
• Prepare the SAR form in accordance with Northwest's procedures and regulatory guidelines
• Demonstrate knowledge of money laundering and terrorist financing typologies to recognize unusual/suspicious activity
• Determine whether an SAR should be filed 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, manager, AML/BSA, and OFAC Officer of any instances of non-compliance with the AML, BSA and OFAC regulations
• Adhere to the performance metrics provided by Northwest management and continue education to stay current with BSA regulatory expectations
• Attend and present relevant BSA information through various Northwest committees
• Conduct research on applicable regulations to ensure sound decision-making
• Provide consultative BSA guidance to various lines of business as necessary
• Ensure compliance with Northwest's policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations
• Navigate Microsoft Office Software, computer applications, and software specific to the department to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency
• Work as part of a team
• Work with on-site equipment

Education Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent preferred
• 3-5 years of industry experience required
• Supervisory experience or demonstrated leadership preferred
• 3-5 years of the following experience preferred:
  • AML
  • AML, BSA, OFAC law / regulations
  • Branch banking or banking operations
  • Counter terrorist financing