BSA/AML Investigation Specialist IV

First Financial Bank • Cincinnati, OH

4d • $74,000 - $100,000

About The Position

First Financial Bank is responsible for maintaining an effective Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program for risk-rating clients, monitoring and detecting suspicious activity, and reporting it to appropriate regulatory agencies. As a member of the BSA/AML Compliance Investigations department and the bank’s second line of defense, the specialist helps administer and enforce Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) economic and trade sanctions and prevent the bank’s products and services from being used for illegal purposes.

The role conducts comprehensive investigations to identify high-risk clients and unusual activity, and prepares Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and other regulatory reporting for submission to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This senior-level position evaluates complex cases, contributes to process improvements, may serve as a subject-matter expert, and provides coaching and training to colleagues. It requires independent judgment, collaboration across business lines, and timely escalation of compliance risks.

Requirements

• 4–7+ years of BSA/AML, compliance, and/or bank operational experience.
• Advanced knowledge of relevant regulations, laws, and banking operations.
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Advanced knowledge of appropriate banking software, such as Jack Henry or Verafin.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions when assessing compliance risks.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Professional certifications, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• ACAMS, CRCM, or CAFP certification or advanced degree preferred; equivalent experience will be credited.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive investigations by analyzing transaction information and customer data and using open-source and media research.
• Recommend whether a SAR should be filed and prepare SARs and other required regulatory reporting.
• Work with other lines of business to obtain and analyze information relevant to investigations.
• Work closely with law enforcement agencies when needed.
• Prepare thorough investigative documentation, including detailed case notes and attachments of internal and external research.
• Recommend customer relationship closures or case escalations as appropriate.
• Meet production and quality goals.
• Contribute to developing techniques and improving processes and workflows.
• Evaluate complex cases with substantial potential risk impact to the bank.
• Coach and train new recruits and serve as a resource for less-experienced colleagues.
• Assist the AML Supervisor as needed.
• Exercise independent judgment in assessing compliance risks and escalate them to the reporting manager in a timely manner.
• Support complex or specialized projects and manage workflow or delegate work as appropriate.

Benefits

• Associates have access to benefits and programs intended to support holistic wellbeing; details are provided in the company’s Benefits Guide.
• All roles are incentive eligible except Co-Op, Intern, or Student positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed