Job Description

At Bank of the West, our people are having a positive impact on the world. We're investing where we feel we can make the most impact, like advancing diversity and women entrepreneurship programs, financing for more small businesses, and promoting programs for sustainable energy. From our locations across the U.S., Bank of the West is taking action to help protect the planet, improve people's lives, and strengthen communities. We are part of BNP Paribas, a global leader supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yes, we're a bank, but as the bank for a changing world, we are continually seeking to improve the ways we help our customers, while contributing to more sustainable and equitable growth.

Position Summary

Responsible for Level 2 case investigation which includes analyzing complex suspicious activity to ensure that potentially suspicious transactions are appropriately identified within specified timeframes. Ensures that filing decisions for Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) are adequately supported, and all reporting requirements are met in compliance with government and bank regulations. Provide assistance to their assigned Team Manager in leading the team and providing any necessary training to the staff.

Position Accountabilities

1. Researches, analyzes and investigates customer account behavior for potential Anti-Money Laundering (AML)-related suspicious activity that is referred by Level 1 Alert Analysts. Determines if a SAR should be filed with FinCEN. Investigates and files SARs within regulatory timeframes and in accordance with BSA/AML Compliance Operations policies and procedures.

2. Manages technically complex cases involving matters such as multiple relationship accounts, tiered and multi-faceted transactions, international wires involving bank designated high risk jurisdictions, legal orders, fraud and complex money laundering schemes.

3. Partners with Corporate Security Investigations Unit in addition to branch and department managers, as necessary, in researching and investigating cases. May direct those business partners in matters of compliance.

4. Administers essential workflow functions such as: documenting complex cases; ensuring that SAR narratives include all pertinent data elements; NON-SAR decisions are thoroughly substantiated, complying with federal interagency guidance and internal Bank policies and standards; and draft SARs and NON SARs that are reviewed by Team Lead/Assistant Manager and subsequently submitted to the next level of Operations Adherence Group for approval.

5. Compiles data, and maintains necessary records and files to assure efficient and consistent reporting of investigations.

6. Develops and maintains partnerships with federal and state law enforcement agencies to facilitate investigations.

7. Maintains a good understanding of the BSA regulations; FinCEN guidelines relative to BSA Suspicious Activity Reporting; current money laundering schemes; and investigative techniques required to detect such schemes.

8. Maintains thorough knowledge of the Bank's systems used to conduct research of customer transaction activity.

9. Documents results of investigations and meets reporting requirements of both internal and external entities set forth by BSA regulations and unit policy.

10. Drives improvement of productivity and quality metrics within functional area.

11. Makes recommendations for closing accounts and performs associated follow up to ensure the closure of the accounts.

12. Assists with the training of new Investigators and/or department training as required. Provides support to less-experienced investigators in analyzing customer activity for potential money laundering.

13. Assist with staff engagement to include participation in huddles and team meetings. Ensure active participation in providing feedback on identified systems issues or suggestions to enhance processes

14. Assists with review of completed cases on behalf of Team Managers as requested.

15. Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Required Education or Equivalent Experience

*Bachelor's degree or equivalent technical work experience

*Related professional certifications such as CAMS or CFE preferred

Required Experience

*5 - 7 years experience involving financial research in bank operations, security, compliance or legal areas as a BSA Investigator.

*5 - 7 years of investigative or related experience with specific emphasis on AML, BSA and fraud prevention at a financial institution, regulatory agency or law enforcement agency.

Field of Experience

*Good knowledge of bank operations, policies and procedures, systems and operating rules.

*Good knowledge of Branch or back-office operations; Customer Service Manager or AML experience at another financial institution.

*Thorough knowledge of BSA regulations pertaining to suspicious AML-related customer activity.

*Thorough knowledge of Bank's host systems and eVision, as well as the BSA-related suspicious activity detection systems used by the Bank.

*Demonstrated knowledge and ability to identify various white collar crime, general fraud, and money laundering schemes.

*Demonstrated familiarity and competency in using in-house software and AML compliance monitoring systems such as Fortent (Searchspace) and wire transfer systems.

*Demonstrated experience either in preparation of or actual use of SARs for law enforcement.

Administrative/Technical Skills

*Written and verbal communications skills

*Strong interpersonal skills

*Analytical and multi-tasking skills

*PC Skills - Windows NT, Word, Excel

Level Supervised

*May act as Assistant Manager on occasion and provide guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Bank of the West is an Equal Opportunity employer and proud to provide equal employment opportunity to all job seekers without regard to any status protected by applicable law. Bank of the West is also an Affirmative Action employer - Minority / Female / Disabled / Veteran.

Bank of the West will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance subject to the requirements of all state and federal laws and regulations.