Compliance Officer

Location: Houston, TX
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt

About the Organization

Our client is a well-established commercial bank with a strong reputation for providing reliable financial services to both businesses and individuals. The institution emphasizes community investment, customer trust, and sustainable growth. With a focus on responsible lending, regulatory compliance, and community reinvestment, this bank continues to expand its reach while ensuring the highest standards of integrity and operational excellence.

This role sits within the Risk, Compliance, and CRA (Community Reinvestment Act) division, which plays a critical function in safeguarding the bank's reputation, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with federal and state banking regulations.

The Compliance & CRA Officer will oversee the bank's regulatory compliance framework and ensure adherence to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). This position is ideal for a compliance professional with experience in financial services who thrives in a regulated environment and enjoys working cross-functionally with senior leadership, regulators, and internal teams.

The individual will serve as a trusted advisor, trainer, and compliance leader-developing policies, monitoring activities, conducting audits, and driving initiatives that align with both regulatory expectations and the bank's long-term goals.

• Compliance Leadership: Develop, implement, and continuously update compliance policies and procedures to ensure adherence to banking laws and ethical standards.

• Regulatory Oversight: Monitor federal and state regulatory changes, incorporating them into compliance practices and risk assessments.

• CRA Program Management: Lead the bank's CRA initiatives including preparation of public disclosures, CRA reporting, and staff training on CRA obligations.

• Training & Guidance: Educate staff and leadership on laws, regulations, and internal policies through structured training programs, workshops, and compliance resources.

• Audits & Risk Assessments: Conduct regular internal audits, compliance reviews, and investigations; prepare detailed reports and recommend corrective actions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal departments to address compliance issues, streamline investigations, and maintain governance standards.

• Regulatory Interface: Act as the liaison with external regulators and auditors, preparing responses, certifications, and compliance documentation.

• Continuous Improvement: Monitor the effectiveness of the compliance program, implementing enhancements to strengthen risk controls and regulatory performance.

• Training Documentation: Maintain thorough training records, attendance logs, and compliance evidence for internal reporting and regulatory audits.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or related field (JD or CRCM credential preferred).

• 5 10 years of compliance experience in banking or financial services.

• Strong knowledge of U.S. banking regulations, including CRA requirements.

• Expertise in risk assessment, governance, and internal control frameworks.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively at all organizational levels.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence, guide, and support compliance adherence.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and banking-related compliance tools/software.

• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and attention to detail.

• Professional office setting with standard technology and resources.

• Occasional travel for regulatory meetings, training sessions, and industry conferences.