OFAC Sanctions Screening Analyst II

Pathward•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The OFAC Sanctions Screening Analyst II serves as the primary point of escalation for complex OFAC screening alerts and high-risk cases within the Bank’s interdiction systems. This position reviews and resolves escalated sanctions screening matters requiring advanced analysis, including alerts against the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, Consolidated Sanctions List, and Sectoral Sanctions programs. The Analyst II provides guidance to junior team members, makes final determinations on complex alert dispositions, coordinates with senior management on true positive matches, and ensures consistent application of OFAC regulatory requirements and Bank policies across the sanctions screening function.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, International Relations, Political Science, Criminal Justice, or related field required
3+ years of experience in OFAC sanctions compliance or screening operations, with demonstrated experience handling escalated or complex cases
Banking or financial services experience required
Demonstrated knowledge of OFAC sanctions regulations, country-based and list-based programs, general licenses, beneficial ownership structures, and interdiction principles
Excellent analytical and investigative skills with demonstrated ability to resolve complex, ambiguous cases
Excellent attention to accuracy and quality
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and internet research
Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and provide guidance to less experienced team members
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain complex findings to various audiences including senior management
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
Capacity to work efficiently under time constraints while maintaining quality

Nice To Haves

CAMS or CGSS certification preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as primary escalation point for complex OFAC screening alerts involving customers, transactions, and counterparties against sanctions lists including SDN, Consolidated Sanctions, Sectoral Sanctions (SSI), Non-SDN Menu-Based Sanctions, and other OFAC programs
Conduct advanced investigation of escalated potential matches requiring deeper analysis of customer information, transaction patterns, beneficial ownership structures, and complex identifying details
Perform enhanced due diligence research using internal systems, public records, commercial databases, and specialized investigative resources to resolve ambiguous matches
Review and approve complex false positive dispositions escalated by Analysts, ensuring appropriate justification and supporting documentation meets quality standards
Make final determinations on confirmed matches and true positive hits, coordinating with BSA Officer and senior management on required actions including account restrictions, transaction blocking, and regulatory reporting
Monitor escalation queue to ensure timely resolution and provide coverage during high-volume periods to meet regulatory deadlines
Monitor OFAC list updates and sanctions program changes, ensuring timely rescreening of customer base and transaction activity against new designations
Coordinate blocked property reporting and rejected transaction documentation for submission to OFAC as required
Contribute to program enhancements and long-term sanctions strategy
Serve as subject matter expert for OFAC sanctions screening matters, providing guidance to junior Analysts on complex scenarios and edge cases
Coordinate with operations, relationship management, and customer-facing staff on escalated matters, account actions, and transaction status
Lead or participate in team meetings and trainings