AML Alert Investigator

Columbia Banking System; Tigard (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) with employer match

Tuition assistance

Life and disability insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Columbia Bank is seeking an AML Alert Investigator I to analyze account transactions for unusual or suspicious activity in Tigard, OR. You will review alerts, determine whether to escalate to a case, and document findings in the AML system while adhering to BSA/AML and OFAC requirements.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, a bachelor’s degree preferred, and 1–3 years in BSA/AML or related fields. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential, with CAMS preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to gather, organize and interpret data.
• Knowledge of BSA/AML, USA PATRIOT Act, and OFAC requirements.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in assessing risk and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel for documentation and analysis.
• CAMS certification preferred; travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze AML alerts to determine if activity is unusual or out of character.
• Review and disposition alerts as non-suspicious or escalate to case for investigation.
• Document analysis and actions in the AML monitoring system; support compliance with BSA requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of policy and regulatory changes; participate in ongoing training.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to management; mentor others as needed.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Data interpretation

Risk assessment

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

H.S. Diploma/GED required

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

About the Role:The AML Alert Investigator I analyzes account transactions for unusual, out of pattern or suspicious activity. The AML Alert Investigator I will be assigned alerts generated from the AML system’s rules that will vary in complexity and risk for financial crime. Responsibilities include understanding of all transaction monitoring rules underlying AML typologies and then reviewing and analyzing transaction alerts to assess whether the alerted activity is consistent with customer expectations and/or nature of the business and then appropriately disposition as non-suspicious or escalate the alert to case for further investigation. Recommends course of action to management based on an analysis of the findings and documents the analysis in the Bank’s AML transaction monitoring system. Supports the company’s compliance efforts with the Banking Secrecy Act (BSA).Perform review of assigned AML Transaction Monitoring System Alerts to determine if activity is sufficiently unusual or out of character to warrant the escalating of the alert as a case for further investigation.Determine if activity warrants the escalating of the alert as a case for further investigation.Maintain and demonstrate compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and apply to designated job responsibilities; follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual required or job-specific training.Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, 314(a), 314(b), and OFAC sanctions compliance requirements.Participates in ongoing training to maintain knowledge of BSA/AML and OFAC regulatory requirements and new and emerging money laundering and financial crime typologies.Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”May perform other duties as assigned.About You:H.S. Diploma/GED required.Bachelor's degree in business, economics, accounting, law, law enforcement or related fields preferred.1-3 years of relevant BSA/AML/OFAC, Compliance, Audit or Bank Operations experience required.Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to gather, organize and interpret data and/or information, and formulate preliminary conclusions.Proficient in the use of personal computers and related software packages such as MS Word, Excel.Knowledge of overall BSA/AML, USA PATRIOT Act, and OFAC requirements and regulations.Ability to exercise good judgment in assessing risk.Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to security procedures.Ability to pivot and reprioritize workload as needed.Demonstrate strong communications skills, written and verbal and interpersonal skills to interact with a wide range of individuals and situations with tact, diplomacy and discretion.Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) preferred.Occasional travel may be required.Location(s) :Tigard, ORSeattle, WARiverside, CAIrvine, CAThe pay range for this role is $30.00 - $40.00.The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.Evergreen:This posting is part of an evergreen requisition to create a pipeline of talent. If you are interested in potential opportunities in this area, we encourage you to apply. While we may not have an immediate opening at this time, we are always looking for top talent and will reach out as positions become available in the posted locations.Our Benefits:We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.Our Commitment to Diversity:Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: [e-mail] .To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.