Senior BSA Analyst

The Senior BSA Analyst supports the Bank’s enterprise-wide BSA Program to ensue all BSA regulatory requirements are met to protect the Bank from losses. Responsible for investigating and monitoring customer transactions using automated monitoring systems and reporting transactional testing across all business lines. The Senior BSA Analyst analyzes accounts for unusual or suspicious activity, including but not limited to the following sources: AML monitoring system, reports, branch referrals, new accounts, subpoenas, 314(a) alerts, 314(b) requests and OFAC. Recommends course of action to management based on an analysis of the findings and documents the analysis in the Bank’s case management system. Assist in training and mentoring in the monitoring of new products, mitigating money laundering risks to the Bank and its customers. Assist with work management and training duties. Performance other relevant reporting responsibilities as designated by the BSA Officer and the Chief Risk Officer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Perform Customer Due Diligence (CDD) including analysis review of anticipated vs actual activity and the ability to understand and evaluate industry specific transaction expectations. 
• Complete EDD (Enhanced Due Diligence) reviews of the bank’s high-risk customers.
• Perform research, analysis, and investigation of the entire customer relationship. 
• Daily monitoring and analysis of various reports and transaction data to identify trends, unusual or suspicious activity, and/or significant changes in account activity. 
• Perform research and negative news searches, online searches, and subscription-based resources when reviewing a customer’s account activity. 
• Review and maintain various BSA reports for accuracy, monitor and refer suspicious activities to the proper BSA unit for further investigation. 
• Maintain well organized electronic records, including spreadsheets, and written reports of completed reviews 
• Review Alerts, Case Reviews with ability to make SAR or No SAR conclusions. Includes the ability to evaluate supporting documentation and translate into a narrative investigation. 
• Document all findings in a centralized case management system, to include writing a detailed narrative supporting findings. This includes the filing of a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) when necessary.
• Exercise solid judgment while examining, identifying, and documenting suspicious activity behaviors and patterns, to include whether the filing of a Suspicious Activity Report is appropriate. When appropriate escalate and/or refer problem accounts or customer based on an applicable procedure. 
• Investigates cases involving, but not limited to, cash structuring, transactions involving Bank designated High Risk Countries (HRC), wire transfers, commercial loan payments, and reports from branches regarding customer’s activity.
• Reviews and investigates any potential matches to the FinCen 314a list.
• Researches or recommends 314 (b) information requests as assigned.
• Communicates with branch and department managers, for clarification when researching and investigating cases as necessary. Documents results of investigations on case management system to ensure it meets reporting requirements of both internal and external entities. Substantiates non-SAR decisions with documentation.
• Keep direct supervisor abreast of any significant events that affect the day-to-day activity.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of the Bank’s systems used to conduct research of customer transaction activity. Makes recommendations for closing accounts and performs associated follow up to ensure closure of the accounts.
• Maintains good understanding of the BSA regulations and FinCEN guidelines related to BSA Suspicious Activity Reporting and current money laundering schemes and investigative techniques required to detect such schemes.
• Keep up to date with the latest trends in the industry.
• Assist with management and implementation of policies, processes, and procedures.
• Provide training to other analysts in various capacities and assist in bank-wide training, as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must possess working knowledge of the Bank Secrecy Act and its implementing regulations.
• Must have experience with the bank’s monitoring and reporting systems or similar monitoring and reporting systems for BSA/AML compliance and risk surveillance.
• Able to recognize transaction activity for trends and patterns of unusual or suspicious activity in compliance with the BSA/AMLA, USA Patriot Act, OFAC and other financial crimes required.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and produce comprehensive written narrative required.
• Must have demonstrated experience and be comfortable making critical decisions in a time sensitive and regulatory mandated environment.
• Experience working with money laundering/terrorist financing/SAR or equivalent investigations preferred.
• Must have demonstrated experience in applying strong problem solving, judgment and analysis to detect and deter money-laundering activities.
• Ability to work independently, but cohesively within a team of specialized associated, with high integrity and ethics.
• Highly self-motivated with excellent communication skills and ability to manage and analyze data.
• Excellent written and oral formats, including presentations to regulators, auditors, analysts, senior managers.
• Exceptional analytical skills, judgment, attention to detail, and ability to priority tasks and work under pressure.
• Experience with case management platforms a must. Exposure to platform implementation/enhancement environment a plus.
• Strong training abilities, excellent leadership and people skills.
• Dedication to teamwork and long-term commitment to success. 
• Computer skills to include use of Microsoft Office products and other programs as required.

Education/Licenses/Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration
• Minimum of three years’ experience in a banking BSA/AML role or banking operations. 
• Strong knowledge and experience in banking operations. 
• Verafin knowledge is a plus
• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) preferred

Work Environment 

• Standard office environment with a moderate noise level.

Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics and physical requirements described here are representative of those which an employee in this position encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Remain in a stationary position for sustained periods of time.
• Occasionally move about inside the office to access filing cabinets and/or other office machinery.
• Occasionally required to raise objects up to 25 pounds from a lower to a higher position, move objects horizontally from position to position with, and/or bend body downward and forward, and/or extend hands and/or arms in any direction to access files and/or other office machinery. 
• Consistent use of a computer and/or other office machinery is required, such as a keyboard, calculator, copy machine, scan machine, and/or computer printer. 
• Making substantial and repetitive movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Close visual acuity is required to perform activities including, but not limited to, preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and/or extensive reading.
• Regularly required to communicate verbally with employees, clients, and vendors.