BSA/AML Investigation Specialist IV

First Financial Bank•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

First Financial Bank is responsible for maintaining an effective Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program that risk-rates clients, monitors and detects suspicious activity, and reports it to appropriate regulatory agencies. As a member of the BSA/AML Compliance Investigations department and the bank’s second line of defense, this role supports administration and enforcement of Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions and helps prevent the use of the bank’s products and services for illegal purposes. The specialist conducts comprehensive investigations to identify high-risk clients and unusual activity, prepares Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), and supports other regulatory reporting to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This is a senior-level, high-skill role that may serve as a subject matter expert and resource for colleagues. It evaluates complex cases with potentially substantial risk impact, contributes to process and workflow improvements, and may take informal or formal leadership responsibilities, including coaching and training new recruits. The specialist exercises independent judgment, advises in areas of expertise, and assists the AML Supervisor as needed.

Requirements

4–7+ years of BSA/AML, compliance, and/or bank operations experience.
Advanced knowledge of relevant regulations, laws, and banking operations.
Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Advanced knowledge of appropriate banking software, such as Jack Henry or Verafin.
Ability to multitask.
Ability to make independent decisions and exercise good judgment when assessing compliance risks.
Ability to handle complex tasks and projects and provide direction in areas of expertise.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
Professional certifications, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

ACAMS, CRCM, or CAFP certification.
Advanced degree.
Equivalent experience may be given credit for preferred qualifications.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive case investigations by analyzing transaction information and reviewing customer data.
Use open-source research and media checks as investigative tools.
Recommend whether a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) should be filed.
Work cooperatively with other lines of business to obtain and analyze information related to investigations.
Work closely with law enforcement agencies when needed.
Prepare quality investigative documentation, including detailed case notes and attachments of internal and external research.
Recommend customer relationship closures or case escalations as necessary.
Meet production and quality goals.
Contribute to the development of techniques and improvement of processes and workflows.
Coach and train new recruits and act as a resource for less-experienced colleagues.
Manage workflow and delegate as appropriate.
Exercise independent judgment in assessing compliance risks and escalate significant or relevant risks to the reporting manager in a timely manner.
Assist the AML Supervisor as needed.
Meet applicable state and federal legal, regulatory, and bank policy compliance requirements.