AML Investigator

About the role

As an AML Investigator, you will investigate cases of potential money laundering, terrorist financing crimes, and BSA/AML violations across the entire Citizens footprint. This involves utilizing an internal AML application, referrals from business lines, and open-source intelligence such as negative media, internet research, information from peer banks, and law enforcement data. You will conduct due diligence inquiries on individuals, firms, and organizations suspected of money laundering or identified as higher-risk populations.

You will prepare and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) as required by BSA regulations and collaborate with law enforcement agencies, including the IRS CI, Secret Service, Homeland Security, ICE, and the FBI. This role requires excellent communication skills to interact with Retail and other business unit managers across Citizens.

Responsibilities

• Conduct financial forensic investigations on AML cases involving complex transaction patterns from various sources, including internal applications, business line referrals, law enforcement, and department intelligence.
• Perform independent risk assessments of customers and their activities to ensure compliance with regulatory expectations.
• Determine the best investigative approach for each case, addressing key questions and adhering to Citizens’ Compliance AML policies.
• Exercise critical thinking and decision-making to evaluate whether further investigative activity is required.
• Make autonomous decisions regarding case status, including SAR filing, customer exit, or retention.
• Create and maintain comprehensive case files documenting the decision-making process and supporting documentation.
• Draft Suspicious Activity Reports tailored for law enforcement audiences.
• Resolve problems independently by identifying, evaluating, and addressing issues rather than escalating to management.
• Escalate customers or activities that pose significant regulatory, legal, or reputational risks to Citizens.
• Ensure SARs meet all regulatory requirements and are filed within mandated timeframes.
• Apply BSA/AML regulatory knowledge to analyze and review customer activity for suspicious behavior.
• Organize and prioritize tasks to manage a high volume of work efficiently and risk-based.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with law enforcement by providing requested information and documentation.
• Respond to inquiries from branch and business line personnel on BSA/AML matters.
• Communicate the rationale behind closing recommendations to bank personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required (relevant majors include Forensic Accounting, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, etc.).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong investigative and research skills.
• Ability to prioritize a complex workload.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, with adaptability to new software applications.
• Ability to provide high-quality service to all business units and adhere to corporate values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of AML regulations and industry best practices.
• Understanding of retail banking, lending, and bank operations processes.
• CAMS certification (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) is desirable.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $69,000 - $92,000 per year, with an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on factors including budget, work location, and relevant skills and experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement benefits.
• Maternity/paternity leave.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Education reimbursement.
• Wellness programs.
• Paid time off policy exceeding mandatory local and state requirements.

Schedule

40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.