Senior AML Specialist

Tompkins Community Bank

5d•$32 - $37

About The Position

The Senior AML Specialist supports the Corporate AML Officer and Assistant AML Officer in ensuring the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Program—including the Customer Identification Program (CIP) and Sanctions Monitoring—meets all federal and state regulatory requirements. This role is responsible for reviewing and analyzing customer activity to identify potential illicit behavior and ensuring that all regulatory filings are accurately completed, fully documented, and aligned with internal standards. The Senior AML Specialist helps foster a strong culture of compliance by providing expertise, promoting adherence to AML Program requirements, and supporting risk mitigation efforts across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, with strong preference for a degree in Business Administration, Finance, Law, or a related discipline.
Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Finance, or Law.
In‑depth knowledge of federal and state AML and sanctions laws, rules, regulations, and regulatory guidance.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and professionally.
Demonstrated analytical ability to review information, identify risks, and formulate well‑supported conclusions.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with business unit leaders and cross‑functional teams.

Nice To Haves

Professional AML certification (e.g., CAMS or equivalent) from a recognized industry organization preferred.
Strong understanding of banking operations and applicable regulatory frameworks preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify, assess, and monitor customers, accounts, and activities that present elevated AML/CFT risk.
Coordinate and perform CDD reviews for high-risk customers.
Ensure proper documentation, escalation, and risk mitigation practices are applied consistently.
Review transaction monitoring alerts and conduct thorough investigations to determine if activity is suspicious.
Draft, document, and support the filing of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).
Review transactions requiring CTRs and coordinate with branches to complete required documentation.
Support AML/CFT, CIP, CDD, sanctions screening, and information sharing obligations.
Validate and document sanctions and 314(a) matches and ensure all required investigations are completed.
Review new account activity for compliance with CIP/CDD requirements and coordinate corrective actions.
Build strong working relationships with business units to support AML monitoring and reporting processes.
Provide AML/CFT training as directed by the Corporate AML Officer.
Coordinate account closures and other compliance actions as instructed by AML leadership.
Identify opportunities to enhance AML monitoring and investigative workflows for improved efficiency and risk mitigation.
Recommend improvements to processes, tools, and documentation standards.
Pursue ongoing learning to maintain and expand AML compliance expertise.