AML/CFT Investigations Manager

Job Description

The Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Investigations Manager provides direct supervision to the transaction monitoring, CDD/EDD, and watchlist screening staff, reviews alerts and cases requiring routine input or assistance, and monitors workflow and production. They conduct 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 transaction monitoring alert reviews and provides sound judgement and strong adherence to procedures associated with CDD/EDD reviews. This individual delivers subject matter expertise to others within and outside the Financial Crimes department based on efficient processes, communication, and guidance and supervision for their respective teams regarding adherence to AML compliance functions and processes. Provides onsite and remote supervision and guidance to their team members.

Essential Functions
* Provide direction and supervision to transaction monitoring, watchlist screening, and customer risk staff including direction as to office professionalism and accountability in accordance with Northwest policies, approving PTO, 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, transaction monitoring software, computer applications, and software specific to the Financial Crimes department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency
* Conduct suspicious activity investigations to identify patterns and trends consistent with money laundering and terrorist financing
* Conduct second level CDD/EDD reviews/investigations for escalated alerts, reviews, and completing documentation with the highest level of quality
* Perform procedures related to CDD/EDD reviews for the customer risk group while addressing any alerts from the customer risk team
* Complete documentation with the highest level of quality, accuracy and attention to detail in accordance with Northwest's procedures and regulatory guidelines
* Perform detailed analysis of transaction monitoring reviews and CDD/EDD reviews
* Make decisions based upon Northwest's policies and procedures as to whether a prospect or client should be categorized as "High Risk" from an AML perspective and whether they meet or exceed the risk thresholds of Northwest
* 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 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 AML/CFT regulatory expectations
* Attend and present relevant AML/CFT information through various Northwest committees
* Conduct research on applicable regulations to ensure sound decision-making
* Provide consultative AML/CFT guidance to various lines of business as necessary
* Effectively manage all required Service Level Agreements (SLA's) for Transaction Monitoring, Watchlist Screening and CDD/EDD
* Partner with other AML/CFT Investigations Managers to shift and augment staff to address potential workload spikes, referrals, and/or potential gap identification
* Manage the Watchlist Screening process for OFAC and Foreign Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)
* Monitor and supervise the CTR process and the CTR SLA

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

Safety and Health for Supervisors with Direct Reports
* Provide leadership and positive direction for maintaining the safety and loss prevention program
* Actively participate in and support employee participation in the safety and loss prevention program by ensuring that employees know how to properly report a safety issue, making sure that all accidents are promptly reported to Human Resources and documented, and ensuring that prompt action is taken whenever workplace hazards are identified
* Help implement emergency procedures

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 College or equivalent

Work Experience
5 - 6 years AML/CFT, BSA, OFAC law and regulations
3 - 5 years Customer Due Diligence Reviews
3 - 5 years Retail Banking or banking operations
3 - 5 years Supervisory experience or demonstrated leadership

General Supervisory/Manager Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
* Ability to identify existing and potential problems, obtain and evaluate relevant information, identify possible causes of the problems, and suggest an alternative course of action including innovative or creative approaches
* Ability to allocate and effectively use information, personnel, time, and other resources necessary for implementation of Northwest's strategic plans
* Ability to make decisions, render judgments, and take action on tasks within the scope of given authority in a timely fashion
* Ability to develop, evaluate, and implement alternative courses of action, based on correct assumptions concerning resources and guidelines, and support decisions or recommendations with data or reasoning
* Ability to present and express ideas and information effectively and concisely in an oral and/or written mode in a manner appropriate for the audience
* Ability to listen and comprehend what others are saying and facilitate the open exchange of ideas and information
* Ability to motivate and provide direction in the activities of others, appropriately assigning work and authority, in the accomplishment of goals; providing advice and assistance as required
* Ability to understand and appropriately apply procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies; maintain credibility with others on specialty matters

Licenses and Certifications
CAMS Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist Upon Hire

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