AML / CFT Investigations Manager

Anti-Money Laundering / Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML / CFT) Investigations Manager

The AML / CFT Investigations Manager provides direct supervision to the transaction monitoring, CDD / EDD, and watchlist screening staff, reviews alerts and cases requiring routine input or assistance, and monitors workflow and production. They conduct investigations of escalated alerts for the purpose of identifying suspicious activity based on adherence to AML compliance functions and processes, determining when an investigation warrants a SAR, and completes regulatory filing requirements as necessary. This position acts with sound judgement and strong adherence to procedures associated with transaction monitoring alert reviews and provides sound judgement and strong adherence to procedures associated with CDD / EDD reviews. This individual delivers subject matter expertise to others within and outside the Financial Crimes department based on efficient processes, communication, and guidance and supervision for their respective teams regarding adherence to AML compliance functions and processes. Provides onsite and remote supervision and guidance to their team members.

Essential Functions

• Provide direction and supervision to transaction monitoring, watchlist screening, and customer risk staff including direction as to office professionalism and accountability in accordance with Northwest policies, approving PTO, conducting annual performance reviews, and escalating employee performance issues and operational risks.
• Monitor workflow and production including assigning alerts, reviewing alerts and cases requiring routine input or assistance, and coordinating / assigning special projects.
• Assist management with statistical reporting and information gathering.
• Navigate Microsoft Office software, transaction monitoring software, computer applications, and software specific to the Financial Crimes department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency.
• Conduct suspicious activity investigations to identify patterns and trends consistent with money laundering and terrorist financing.
• Conduct second level CDD / EDD reviews / investigations for escalated alerts, reviews, and completing documentation with the highest level of quality.
• Perform procedures related to CDD / EDD reviews for the customer risk group while addressing any alerts from the customer risk team.
• Complete documentation with the highest level of quality, accuracy and attention to detail in accordance with Northwest's procedures and regulatory guidelines.
• Perform detailed analysis of transaction monitoring reviews and CDD / EDD reviews.
• Make decisions based upon Northwest's policies and procedures as to whether a prospect or client should be categorized as "High Risk" from an AML perspective and whether they meet or exceed the risk thresholds of Northwest.
• Prepare the SAR form in accordance with Northwest's procedures and regulatory guidelines.
• Demonstrate knowledge of money laundering and terrorist financing typologies to recognize unusual / suspicious activity.
• Determine whether an SAR should be filed on Northwest policies and procedures and a review of the facts.
• Collect, analyze, and safeguard sensitive information concerning the customers of Northwest.
• Effectively maintain customer and case files, records, and related documentation.
• Promptly notify supervisors of any instances of non-compliance with the AML, BSA and OFAC regulations.
• Adhere to the performance metrics provided by Northwest management and continue education to stay current with AML / CFT regulatory expectations.
• Attend and present relevant AML / CFT information through various Northwest committees.
• Conduct research on applicable regulations to ensure sound decision-making.
• Provide consultative AML / CFT guidance to various lines of business as necessary.
• Effectively manage all required Service Level Agreements (SLA's) for Transaction Mo