SUMMARY

The Financial Crimes Analyst assists in the execution of the Bank’s Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering/Office of Foreign Assets Control (BSA/AML/OFAC) and Fraud Compliance Program. This role participates in end-to-end suspicious activity and fraud investigation and reporting processes which entail timely monitoring, identification, investigation, and when appropriate, reporting of suspicious financial and/or fraudulent activity, to include money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud and/or any other financial risk or crime. As part of this process, the BSA Department develops and implements automated transaction monitoring rules, reports and other processes designed to identify activity potentially indicative of criminal behavior; investigates potentially suspicious financial activity; and when appropriate files Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) with Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), part of the U.S. Department of Treasury and/or refers matters to BSA Department management for review and reporting, as necessary. The BSA Department performs a critical role in ensuring that Southwest Heritage Bank complies with the Bank Secrecy and USA PATRIOT Acts as well as regulations set forth by OFAC and provides law enforcement with key information for the investigation and prosecution of money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and other criminal activity. A Financial Crimes Analyst in the BSA Department performs critical functions in the enterprise-wide suspicious activity monitoring, identification, investigation, and reporting process and is a critical touch point within the entire BSA/AML and Fraud mitigation functions of the BSA Department.

Assures compliance with all Bank policies and procedures, as well as all applicable state and federal banking regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Analyze and decision multiple Financial Crimes and/or Fraud-related cases or alert types.
• Utilize banking systems to investigate and research all relevant information to ensure that fraud mitigation and BSA/AML/OFAC requirements are met.
• Use critical thinking skills to make well supported decisions relative to the alert type
• Utilize internal and external applications to assist in the investigation and research of all applicable alerts
• Efficiently and effectively resolve cases or alerts with awareness of all timelines as directed by relative to Financial Crimes function
• Provide BSA/fraud/compliance guidance to all Bank personnel.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism, integrity and credibility.
• Follows any and all procedures established by the Bank.
• Ensures the confidential nature of the department by maintaining the security of files, reports and information whether in written form, electronic form or verbal.

Information Gathering and Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of reportable currency transactions via CTR filings, including, but not limited to, reviewing daily cash transaction reporting, notifying Branch personnel of errors found after reviewing CTRs submitted, and reviewing all CTRs for accuracy and completion before submitting them for filing with FinCEN.
• Conduct timely, comprehensive investigations of customers by utilizing CIP information, occupation, line of business, income methods, transaction activity and other information.
• Communicate with Relationship Managers, branch associates and others as needed to gather additional client information. Act as a point of contact for BSA and/or fraud-related questions and support. Assist other business units with on-going second level support.
• Timely search transactions and the customer database in accordance with section 314 of the USA PATRIOT Act.
• Contribute to the Bank’s compliance with OFAC laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, conducting daily OFAC screenings, reviewing potential hits, and reporting confirmed hits.
• Provide daily oversight and configuration of BSA/AML/OFAC and fraud monitoring systems.
• Maintain strong knowledge of all applicable current and proposed laws and regulations to ensure any information provided is in compliance. (Regulation E, Regulation Z, UCC, Federal Credit Reform Act (FCRA), Regulation J, Regulation CC, NACHA, Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering/Patriot Act (BSA/AML), Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and Identity Theft red flags.)
• Participate in BSA/AML/OFAC and fraud training that may include webinars, periodicals and self-study to stay abreast of emerging fraud, money laundering, and other criminal activity trends and BSA/AML/OFAC laws and regulations.
• Maintain awareness of national and world events and industry trends through press releases, real-time monitoring, and collaborative relationships with law enforcement, internal or external watch lists or other relevant sources to mitigate the company's reputation or regulatory risk.
• May represent the Bank in various community, civic, and community reinvestment functions to further enhance the Bank’s image and develop additional business.

• Adheres to all Bank policies including, but not limited to Bank Secrecy Act, Privacy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, Privacy Act, and Information Security Policy.
• Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports the Bank’s goals and values; benefits the bank through outside activities.
• Performs the position safely, without endangering the health or safety to themselves or others and will be expected to report potentially unsafe conditions. The employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations and orders issued pursuant to the OSHA Act of 1970, which are applicable to one’s own actions and conduct.
• Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; works ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values; accepts responsibility for own actions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes working environment free of harassment of any type; builds a diverse workforce and supports affirmative action.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Professional certification preferred (CAMS, CAFP, CFCS, CFE, or similar)
• High school diploma or equivalent education and related training
• 2-3 years of banking, financial industry or related experience; preferably in a branch, audit, compliance, legal, risk or lending related capacity

• Ability to learn and perform complex processes in order to meet the spirit and letter of the procedures, policies and regulations that govern the department
• Strong interpersonal, communication and client service skills

• Strong investigative, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Strong work prioritization and time management skills
• Ability to deal with difficult problems involving multiple facets and variables in non-standardized situations