Systems Specialist - Fircosoft

Capitex; Manama; On-site; BHD 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Bahrain seeks an experienced professional to optimize the Fircosoft Sanction Screening system. Key responsibilities include improving detection accuracy, ensuring compliance with regulations, and enhancing operational efficiency. Candidates should have over 8 years of AML/CTF experience, strong knowledge of global sanction regulations, and a Master's degree in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of AML/CTF experience in managing technology systems.
• Experience advising or working in a Compliance function.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Optimize and enhance the performance of the Fircosoft system.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations of the screening system.
• Manage system updates, validations, and rule adjustments.

Skills

Knowledge of global sanction regulations

System performance analysis

Interpersonal communication

Education

Master’s degree in computer science/technology or finance systems

ACAMS certification or equivalent

Job description

Job Purpose

To optimize, maintain, and enhance the performance of the group-wide Fircosoft Sanction Screening system for Payment Screening and Customer Screening. The role involves fine-tuning configurations to improve detection accuracy, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, minimizing false positives, and maximizing operational efficiency.

Key accountabilities

Generic Accountabilities:

• Conduct regular system performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement in Fircosoft's Payment Screening and Customer Screening modules.
• Implement fine-tuning and rule adjustments to enhance screening accuracy.
• Ensure the screening system adheres to international sanctions, regulatory requirements, and group-wide compliance policies.
• Collaborate with group-wide compliance teams to align system functionality with regulatory updates.
• Analyze screening results and system performance metrics to identify trends and areas for adjustment.
• Generate reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) and system tuning activities.
• Work closely with IT, compliance, and operational teams to ensure smooth system operations and integration with existing workflows.
• Provide support during audits and regulatory inspections related to the sanction screening process.
• Establish and monitor quality control mechanisms to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of sanction screening processes.
• Conduct periodic reviews of screening workflows and recommend process improvements. Identify and mitigate risks associated with inadequate screening or system malfunctions.
• Maintain detailed logs of system changes to ensure traceability and accountability.

Specific Accountabilities:

• Develop and modify Fircosoft screening rules, watchlist configurations, and fuzzy logic parameters to balance compliance and efficiency for the group-wide.
• Validate new rules and configurations in test environments before deployment.
• Identify patterns leading to false positives and implement strategies to reduce them without compromising compliance standards.
• Regularly monitor false positive rates and adjust thresholds accordingly.
• Manage Fircosoft system updates, patches, and enhancements to maintain optimal functionality.
• Ensure seamless integration with external data sources, such as regulatory watchlists and customer data systems.
• Investigate and resolve issues related to sanction screening system performance or accuracy.
• Provide timely resolutions for system anomalies affecting screening processes.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for system configurations, tuning activities, and best practices.
• Train team members and stakeholders on system functionality and enhancements.
• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive tasks within the sanction screening process to improve efficiency.
• Configure system alerts for critical thresholds, such as rule mismatches, list updates, or system downtime.
• Proactively monitor real-time screening performance to address issues before they impact business operations.
• Customize rule sets for unique business requirements while maintaining global compliance standards.

Performance Monitoring

• Prepare regular updates and reports for stakeholders.

Vendor Management

• Liaise with third-party vendors or consultants for coordination of any system enhancement or upgrades.

Job Success Factors

• Deep understanding of Fircosoft's Payment Screening and Customer Screening functionalities, including rule creation and fine-tuning for group-wide.
• Strong knowledge of global sanction regulations, including OFAC, UN, and EU watchlists.
• Ability to analyze screening outcomes and metrics, identify trends, and implement effective tuning strategies.
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve system performance issues efficiently.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to liaise with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Education & Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in computer science/technology or finance systems.
• ACAMS certification or equivalent.
• In-depth knowledge of the industry’s technology standards and regulations.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, standards, rules and frameworks.

Experience

• 8+ years of AML/CTF experience in managing AML/CTF technology systems at a top tier international bank, which includes 6+ years of experience managing technology teams.
• Experience in advising or working in a Compliance function with a focus on delivering a robust technology program.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with impact, build healthy professional connections, influence outcomes, simplify complex topics into actionable recommendations for decision-making.
• Ability to perform innovative thinking to solve complex problems with no established precedence while balancing risk, speed, and accuracy.
• Managerial level experience in data analytics, risk analysis or similar statistics discipline.
• Proven experience in rule configuration, system optimization, and compliance alignment for sanction screening solutions.
• Experience in data analysis, reporting, and stakeholder management in a financial or regulatory compliance context.