BSA Analyst

Northwestern Bank, a locally owned community bank and proud member of the greater Chippewa Valley community since 1904 is currently seeking to hire a full-time Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Analyst.

This on-site position will be responsible for updating and reviewing BSA related policies, risk assessment and procedures, coordinating BSA related training programs for all key stakeholders, working with and completing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), reviewing automated BSA and Fraud alerts and handling appropriately, auditing and tracking Customer Identification Program (CIP) and Beneficial Ownership data, monitoring customer due diligence information, completing and submitting Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), etc. A complete job description can be found below.

The ideal candidate will have an associate’s degree in a business field, or equivalent banking experience, with 1- 2 of those years working closely with BSA-related job duties.  In addition, this position must be able to work independently and take initiative with little oversight, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, have a good understanding of financial institution regulations and acceptable audit procedures, be able to multi task and follow through as needed, ability to problem solve and ensure deadlines are met, ability to compose routine and complex business reports and correspondence, and will exemplify our core values of deliver an exceptional experience, shine through service, lead with integrity, create positive impact and foster genuine relationships. 

In addition to a competitive wage, Northwestern Bank offers the following:

Health, Dental, Vision, Life and LTD insurance

Vacation, Sick and Holiday pay

Paid Parental Leave

Generous 401K plan

Extensive EAP program

Incentive Bonus

Great work culture

And more

EOE, including disability/veterans

Northwestern Bank

Mission Statement

Building Stronger Communities Where People Matter

Core Values

Deliver an exceptional experience

Shine through service

Lead with integrity

Create positive impact

Foster genuine relationships

About Northwestern Bank

Northwestern Bank is a locally owned community bank proudly serving our communities for over 100 years. We are building stronger communities where people matter, and we do that by putting our core values in action.

Northwestern Bank is a reflection of each of the communities we serve and like our communities we are strong, committed, and genuine. We treat customers like family, giving sound advice, and honest financial direction.

About Our Employees

Northwestern Bank employees are remarkable in their commitment to our communities, customers, and to each other. They bring our values to life as they perform their day-to-day responsibilities, make decisions, and in how they treat others. Our employees regularly rise above expectations as they seek to help others, always being truthful, respectful, and trustworthy. They serve our communities through active volunteerism.

Bank Secrecy Act Analyst

Position Summary:   

Fully onsite position that works closely with the Compliance Officer to administer and oversee all aspects of the Bank Secrecy Act Compliance program. Is an expert in matters directly related to the Bank Secrecy Act, USA Patriot Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC, and Customer Identification Program and will need to be familiar with industry standards and regulatory guidance methods.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Review and update BSA related policies, risk assessments, and procedures

Coordinate BSA related training programs for employees and Board Members

Daily/Weekly/Monthly review of automated BSA and Fraud alerts for potential Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and to reduce Bank and Customer loss

Handling of SAR process, including gathering documentation, preparing and filing reports with FinCen, tracking filing status

Review and gather documentation for no-SAR decisions

Auditing and tracking of Customer Identification Program and Beneficial Ownership data collection

Monitoring of customer due diligence information, including managing high risk customer lists, periodic account reviews, and private ATM account balancing

Daily completion and submission of Currency Transaction Reports to FinCen

Completing and tracking of monetary instrument logs, gift card logs, wire transfer logs

Review and process FinCen 314a and 314b requests

Daily review of manual BSA and fraud related reports

Maintain BSA/Fraud automated software, including data balancing

Assist Compliance Officer with preparation and presentation of quarterly BSA reports for Risk Committee and annual BSA report for board of directors

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist Compliance Officer, staff, and customers with fraud related incidents

Assist with the Identify Theft Prevention Program

Assist with handling of Bank’s Security Program

Handle and track legal requests and subpoenas

Work Relationships and Scope:

Reports to Compliance Officer. Works closely with most employees of the Bank. Has occasional contact with computer vendors/repair, regulatory agencies, customers, and other outside parties relating to compliance activities of the Bank. Has regular access to highly confidential customer, employee, and Bank financial information. As Bank Secrecy Act Analyst of the Bank, it has certain cash, approval, and security oversight responsibility.

Measures of Performance:

Quality, accuracy, reliability, thoroughness, and timeliness of compliance and auditing services provided to the Bank; adherence to banking regulations and accepted audit procedures; ability to earn the trust and respect of employees and coworkers; effectively communicates and develops good working relationships with coworkers; treats employees in a respectful manner when dealing with them; professional workplace appearance and conduct; keeps Bank, customer, and employee information confidential; participates in training and appropriate professional development; reliability in reporting to work regularly and on time; understands and adheres to Bank policies and procedures; informs customers and potential customers of additional Bank services through cross-selling.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Associate or bachelor’s degree in a business field or equivalent banking experience.  Ideal candidate would also have 1 – 2 years of BSA experience.  Must have at least two years of previous experience with personal computer operations and popular applications (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, etc). Must possess: good understanding of financial institution regulations, financial ratios and acceptable audit procedures; ability to input and retrieve computerized information on mainframe and PC; good understanding of computerized loan accounting systems; knowledge of accounting; excellent problem solving ability to find errors and determine most desirable solutions; intermediate mathematical skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide, fractions, percent’s, decimals, algebra, statistical analysis); ability to follow written and verbal instructions; good verbal communication skills for interacting professionally with coworkers. Must have ability to: compose routine and complex business reports and correspondence; read and interpret technical documents; maintain the integrity of highly confidential customer, Bank, and employee information; deal effectively with time pressures, stress, and changing priorities. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable to drive.

Equipment Operated:

Utilizes a PC with Windows applications for word processing, spreadsheet, and other specific applications, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, and Verafin software. Ten key calculator, fax machine, office copier, computer printers, mainframe computer terminal, and telephone.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed largely sitting at a desk in a pleasant office environment with minimal chance for personal injury. Very regular contact with customers and most other employees. Deadline pressure is an integral part of the job. Frequent mental and visual concentration for computer usage, and reading/assimilating complex and technical compliance information. Work hours are generally during normal business hours and average at least 40 hours a week. Will alternate walking, sitting, and standing throughout work shift. Must be able to lift and move up to 15 pounds of office supplies and equipment. Some bending, turning, and twisting to file and retrieve documents. Requires some unscheduled evening and weekend work. Occasional out-of-town, overnight business travel maybe required, by air and auto.