AML Investigator I

Valley Bank; Morristown (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley Bank in Morristown, NJ is seeking an AML Investigator to review alerts, analyze customer activity against KYC data, and determine SAR needs. The role requires drafting SAR narratives, filing with FinCEN, and handling complex cases including international wires and high-risk scenarios.

The ideal candidate has strong research skills, familiarity with BSA/Patriot Act, OFAC, and rigorous attention to detail, with excellent written and verbal communication.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of money laundering laws including BSA and Patriot Act.
• Familiarity with OFAC requirements and SAR filing processes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of analytical thinking and investigative mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple complex cases with discretion.
• Proficiency in researching customer activity across sources.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze alerts generated by AML software to determine if escalation is needed.
• Research and analyze customer activity against KYC docs and sources; advise on SAR needs.
• Investigate suspicious activity and draft narratives to substantiate decisions.
• Draft and file SARs with FinCEN.
• Manage complex cases including international wires and high-risk scenarios.
• Analyze outside records to aid investigations (credit bureau, police, court).
• Recommend account closures based on investigations.
• Correspond with staff and customers on structuring matters.
• Prepare bank-wide AML guidance.
• Collaborate with business and AML to resolve monitoring issues.
• Ensure monitoring platform addresses prevailing risk with AML team.
• Support management in daily AML/KYC compliance tasks.
• Analyze, plan and complete special AML projects.

Skills

AML compliance

Legal knowledge

Communication

Organizational skills

Research skills

MS Office

Attention to detail

Team player

Prioritize tasks

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

CAMS certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Outlook

Online research tools

Job description

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Review and analyze alerts generated by the Bank's electronic monitoring software to make a determination as to whether activity warrants further review. Review and analyze internal AML reports, draw conclusions and make recommendations regarding the need for further investigation.


• Research and analyze customer activity compared to KYC documentation and internal/external information sources and make recommendations regarding the need for further review and/or SAR filing.


• Research and analyze customer activity compared to KYC documentation and internal/external information sources and make recommendations regarding the need for further review and/or SAR filing.


• Conduct suspicious activity investigations and determine whether a Suspicious Activity Report is needed. Draft narrative for each case substantiating the decision/recommendation.


• Draft and file Suspicious Activity Reports with FinCEN.


• Manage complex cases involving matters such as multiple relationship accounts, international wires involving Bank-designated high risk jurisdictions, and complex cash structuring schemes.


• Identify and analyze records of outside agencies to facilitate investigations including credit bureau records, police and court records.


• Make recommendations for closing customer accounts/relationships based on investigation.


• Correspond with employees and customers in connection with matters such as structuring.


• Prepare bank wide guidance on AML matters.


• Work with the business and AML Investigations to understand and resolve potential AML monitoring issues.


• Work with the AML management team to ensure the monitoring platform consistently addresses prevailing risk.


• Support management in the day-to-day compliance efforts with AML/KYC requirements.


• Analyze, plan and complete special projects assigned by the AML management.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of laws applicable to money laundering, to include the BSA, The USA Patriot Act, U.S. Treasury AML guidelines, OFAC requirements and Suspicious Activity Reporting requirements.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills.


• Superior organizational and analytical skills. Strong time management skills.


• Strong research skills.


• Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook. Experience with online research systems including web-based tools.


• Ability to maintain attention to detail and accuracy under pressure situations.


• Team oriented and able to work independently.


• Ability to prioritize and organize assignments.

Required Experience

• High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of two years in banking operations or investigative law enforcement experience related to anti-money laundering.


• Bachelors Degree preferred.


• CAMS certification preferred.