BSA/AML Officer

Texas First Bank•Houston, TX

About The Position

Responsible for overseeing the Bank's BSA/AML and OFAC compliance program in alignment with the Bank's business strategy and risk appetite. Leads BSA/AML risk identification and mitigation efforts, supports new and evolving products, technologies, fintech partnerships, and payment methods, and partners with internal stakeholders to maintain effective, risk-based controls. Serves as the primary point of contact for the Board and regulatory agencies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred, relevant BSA/AML experience and professional certifications may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Minimum five to seven years of progressive experience in one or more of the following areas within a financial institution:
-BSA/AML or financial crimes compliance,
-Regulatory compliance or risk management,
-Banking operations with significant BSA/AML exposure
Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing BSA/AML, OFAC, and related compliance requirements.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
Experience interacting with bank regulators, auditors, or independent reviewers.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
High level of professionalism, sound judgement, and attention to detail.
Ability to work 40+ hour workweek as business needs require.
Ability to travel occasionally for training, conferences, or bank meetings.

Nice To Haves

BSA/AML or financial crimes-related certification (e.g., CAMS, CAFP, CRCM) preferred.
Prior experience serving as a designated BSA Officer is preferred by not required.
Prior experience providing oversight, guidance, or leadership to BSA/AML staff (formal or informal) preferred.

Responsibilities

BSA/AML & OFAC Program Administration
Oversee daily BSA/AML suspicious activity monitoring and reporting.
Review, investigate, and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) including required 90-day continuing activity reviews.
Monitor and maintain Currency Transaction Report (CTR) processes, including exemptions, filings, and documentation.
Serve as the primary point of contact for Section 314(b) information sharing.
Review and log bulk cash activity, analyze variances, and draw reasonable conclusions.
Perform annual reviews of foreign customer activity.
Ensure FinCEN registration requirements are maintained and conduct annual reviews of Money Services Businesses (MSBs), including appropriate account coding in BSA software.
Perform reviews of privately owned ATM networks.
Serve as the primary point of contact for OFAC questions from bank personnel.
Other duties may be assigned.
Risk Assessment, Policies & Controls
Conduct or oversee the annual BSA/AML OFAC and related Risk Assessment and ensure alignment with the Bank's business strategy and risk appetite.
Revise existing and draft new policies and procedures to reflect regulatory changes and operational practices.
Review proposed new banking products, services, fintech partnerships, payment methods, and technologies to ensure BSA/AML regulatory compliance.
Reporting, Regulatory Filings and Examinations
Oversee and coordinate BSA/AML regulatory examinations and independent audits, including tracking and remediation of findings.
Conduct monthly reviews of the Monetary Instrument Log (MIL).
Prepare BSA/AML, CIP, OFAC, and Identity Theft Prevention Program (ITPP) Board reports and annual summaries.
Serve as liaison with external regulatory agencies, auditors, examiners on BSA/AML matters.
Systems & Data Management
Perform system administration duties for BSA/AML-related systems.
Conduct system validations on data imported into BSA software and related compliance platforms.
Perform all aspects of BSA Software (currently Abrigo) administration and usage, including training, data imports and exports, monitoring, reconciliation, authorizations, waivers, confirmations, risk acceptance, audits, customer profiling, and review of system-generated alerts and cases.
Maintain documentation and files related to compliance reviews conducted under the Project Management Program.
Governance, Oversight & Leadership
Provide regular BSA/AML updates to senior management and the Board of Directors, including emerging risks and trends.
Manage the Identity Theft Prevention Program and related risk assessment.
Manage, coach, and mentor BSA/AML staff to ensure effective performance of assigned responsibilities.
Participate in internal committees and work groups as assigned.
Perform back-up duties for BSA/AML staff, including all responsibilities of BSA/AML Assistants as needed.
Maintain compliance with all applicable banking laws and regulations.
Commit to ongoing professional development and regulatory training.