AML/CFT Investigator

Job Description

The Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Investigator conducts preliminary transaction monitoring reviews or Customer/Enhanced Due Diligence (CDD/EDD) reviews for the purpose of identifying activity that is potentially suspicious and to ensure the Bank effectively understands customer risk and expected transactions according to Know Your Customer guidelines. The reviews are based on alerts generated through Northwest's automated transaction monitoring system in adherence to AML compliance functions and processes, determining when a review or investigation warrants escalation for SAR consideration, and documenting review details. This position acts with strong adherence to procedures associated with transaction monitoring, CDD, and the BSA. This individual provides subject matter expertise to others within and outside the Financial Crimes department, and moderate guidance and input for the transaction monitoring and CDD teams regarding adherence to AML compliance functions and processes.

The AML/CFT Investigator will be responsible for performing triage investigations of transaction monitoring system generated alerts and referrals, including identifying root causes of the alert, sources and uses of funds, and potentially suspicious activity. They are also responsible for conducting investigations to identify potentially suspicious financial and/or fraudulent activity, to include money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and/or any other financial risks or crimes. In instances indicative of money laundering and/or other financial crimes, the specialist can prepare suspicious activity reports for filing.

Essential Functions

• Conduct suspicious activity reviews/investigations to identify patterns and trends consistent with money laundering and terrorist financing
• Conduct comprehensive CDD/EDD reviews/investigations on high-risk customers including PEP, MSB, POATM, and NBFIs in accordance with CDD procedures
• 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 transaction monitoring reviews and case investigations
• Provide consultative AML/CFT guidance to various lines of businesses
• Demonstrate knowledge of money laundering and terrorist financing typologies to recognize unusual/suspicious activity
• Determine whether alerts should be escalated based 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 of any instances of non-compliance with the AML, BSA, and OFAC regulations
• Attend and present relevant AML/CFT information through various Northwest committees
• Conduct research on applicable regulations to ensure sound decision-making
• Research and improve report data
  
  

Additional Essential Functions

• Ensure compliance with Northwest’s policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations
• Navigate Microsoft Office Software, computer applications, and software specific to the department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency
• Work as part of a team
• Work with on-site equipment
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Handle other projects on request
• Ensure total documentation and data integrity
• Assist with training new employees, as needed
• Prepare information during regulatory examinations, audit, compliance or other BSA reviews
  
  

Safety and Health for those without supervisory duties

• Abide by the rules of the safety and loss prevention program
• Perform work tasks in a safe manner
• Report any and all injuries to supervisor
• Know what to do in case of an emergency
  
  

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

Work Experience

2 - 3 years ML/CFT, BSA, OFAC law and regulations

2 - 3 years Retail Banking or banking operations

2 - 3 Years Other Financial Crimes Related Experience

General Employee Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to establish effective working relationships among team members and participate in solving problems and making decisions
• Ability to present and express ideas and information clearly and concisely in a manner appropriate to the audience, whether oral or written
• Ability to actively listen to what others are saying to achieve understanding, sharing information with others and facilitating the open exchange of ideas and information
• Ability to establish courses of action for self to accomplish specific goals, develop and use tracking systems for monitoring own work progress, and effectively use resources such as time and information
• Ability to make right decisions based on perceptive and analytical processes, practicing good judgment in gray areas
  
  

Licenses and Certifications

CAMS Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist

Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.