BSA Investigator I - CDD/EDD Specialist

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We're always looking for bright individuals to join our growing organization. As a part of the First Financial Family, we will invest in your development and provide a dynamic work environment where you're challenged, valued and empowered every day. We strive to be the best destination for the industry's top talent, creating a diverse, collaborative workplace that celebrates innovation and change. We are one team, working together to get things done.

Job Description:

Office Location:

Abilene, Texas, United States

SCOPE/CONTACTS: The BSA Investigator I is responsible for conducting investigations with a focus on risk-based Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) reviews to ensure compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), USA PATRIOT Act, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, and OFAC requirements. The role includes analyzing new and existing customer relationships, identifying and documenting risk, reviewing unusual or suspicious activity, conducting investigations, and escalating matters as appropriate

The position works closely with the BSA Manager, BSA team members, and business-line partners to ensure customer risk is accurately assessed, documented, and monitored throughout the customer lifecycle.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)

The incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Conduct CDD and EDD reviews for new and existing customers, including, but not limited to, higher-risk customer types such as legal entities, cash-intensive businesses, MSBs, and customers with complex ownership structures.
• Review and analyze customer-provided documentation, including business descriptions, beneficial ownership information, source of funds or wealth, and expected account activity.
• Verify customer identity and business legitimacy using internal systems and external research tools and public records.
• Assign and document customer risk ratings in accordance with established BSA/AML policies and procedures.
• Monitor, track, and complete periodic reviews of high-risk customers to ensure timely and accurate documentation.

Investigations and Risk Analysis

• Review and investigate unusual or potentially suspicious customer transactions and activity.
• Analyze transactional behavior to determine consistency with the customer's stated purpose and expected activity.
• Identify red flags, inconsistencies, or indicators of potential money laundering, fraud, or other illicit activity.
• Document findings, analysis, and conclusions in the case management system clearly and thoroughly
• Escalate matters to the BSA Manager or BSA Officer when enhanced review, ongoing monitoring, or SAR filing consideration is required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent relevant experience.

• Certifications: CAMS Certification preferred; willingness to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.

• Experience:
  • Minimum of five years of experience in BSA/AML, compliance, fraud investigations, or related financial crimes roles.
  • Banking or financial services experience preferred.

• Knowledge and Skills:
  • Working knowledge of BSA/AML regulations, including CDD/EDD requirements.
  • Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Good written communication skills, including experience drafting investigative narratives.
  • Ability to handle delicate and/or sensitive situations and be able to use and apply basic principles, theories, and concepts. Knowledge of Verafin Anti-Money Laundering software preferred.
  • Possess good command of the English language, both written and verbal, and the ability to effectively communicate with all levels within the organization.
  • Possess good investigative and interviewing techniques.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
  • High attention to detail, accuracy, and documentation quality.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with AML monitoring systems (e.g., Verafin) preferred.
• Other
  • Support audit and regulatory examination preparation
  • Complete compliance training related to the position in a timely manner.
  • Understand and comply with applicable laws and regulations that apply to the position.
  • Safeguard First Financial and customer information.
  • Comply with the bank's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Information Security policies.
  • Actively participate in and promote the service culture, support the values of the organization, and follow established Bank policies and procedures.

The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to decide the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)