AML Specialist

Tompkins Bank & Trust; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Tompkins Bank & Trust seeks an AML Specialist to advance the company’s AML/CFT, CIP, and sanctions programs. You will perform transaction monitoring reviews, high‑risk customer due diligence, and investigations, preparing regulatory filings and supporting program effectiveness with cross‑functional collaboration.

Responsibilities include reviewing alerts, filing SARs/CTRs, conducting CIP and due diligence, sanctions screening, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required; finance/accounting/business preferred.
• CAMS and/or CFCS certification preferred.
• Two to four years of experience in BSA/AML compliance or a related financial crime role.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate complex transactional data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to document findings clearly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with AML monitoring systems.

Responsibilities

• Review transaction monitoring alerts and reports.
• Identify potential suspicious activity and elevate alerts as appropriate.
• Prepare and file SARs and CTRs within regulatory timelines.
• Conduct high‑risk customer due diligence and periodic reviews.
• Review CIP, CDD, and Beneficial Ownership compliance.
• Review and disposition sanctions and 314(a) matches; support law enforcement requests.
• Collaborate with business lines to obtain customer information and clarify activity.
• Support AML leadership with program activities and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written/verbal communication

Discretion

Data-driven analysis

Problem solving

Education

Associate's degree (finance/accounting/business)

CAMS/CFCS certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

AML monitoring systems

Job description

Overview

The AML Specialist supports the Company’s Anti‑Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), Customer Identification, and Sanctions Monitoring programs to ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements. This role conducts transaction monitoring reviews, high‑risk customer due diligence, and suspicious activity investigations, prepares regulatory filings, and supports the ongoing effectiveness of the AML program through collaboration with business partners and compliance leadership.

Overview

The AML Specialist supports the Company’s Anti‑Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), Customer Identification, and Sanctions Monitoring programs to ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements. This role conducts transaction monitoring reviews, high‑risk customer due diligence, and suspicious activity investigations, prepares regulatory filings, and supports the ongoing effectiveness of the AML program through collaboration with business partners and compliance leadership.

Responsibilities

Transaction Monitoring and Investigations

• Review transaction monitoring alerts and reports
• Identify potential suspicious activity and elevate alerts as appropriate
• Prepare and file Suspicious Activity Reports and Currency Transaction Reports within regulatory timelines

High‑Risk Customer and Due Diligence Management

• Conduct high‑risk customer due diligence and periodic reviews
• Review customer account activity for CIP, CDD, and Beneficial Ownership compliance

Sanctions and Regulatory Screening

• Review and disposition potential sanctions and Section 314(a) matches
• Support law enforcement requests and subpoenas as needed

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Collaborate with lines of business to obtain customer information and clarify transactional activity
• Maintain effective working relationships to support AML monitoring and compliance

Program Support and Professional Development

• Support Corporate AML leadership with programmatic activities
• Seek ongoing learning opportunities and share AML knowledge with team members

Communication: Understands others’ perspectives, fosters open discussions, ensures clarity, and provides feedback with empathy.

Problem Solving & Decision Making: Demonstrates strong problem-solving and decision-making skills by proactively identifying root causes, evaluating risks, and using data-driven analysis to navigate ambiguity.

Risk Management: Demonstrates strong risk management by identifying potential issues, developing contingency plans, and ensuring adherence to policies and procedures.

Dynamic Learning Mindset: Champions continuous learning by identifying development opportunities, sharing knowledge, and taking ownership of personal growth and skill development.

Relationship Building: Builds strong, respectful relationships by collaborating across departments, fostering trust, and supporting shared organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field preferred
• CAMS and/or CFCS certification preferred
• Two to four years of experience in BSA/AML compliance or a related financial crime role
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex transactional data and draw sound conclusions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to document findings clearly and professionally
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with AML monitoring systems and related technology

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• 11 Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Parking throughout Tompkins Community Bank
• Employee Referrals

EEO Statement

Tompkins is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") with respect to all team members and applicants for employment and a work environment free from discrimination (including unlawful harassment) based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender non-conformity, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, marital status, domestic violence victim status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status or status in any group protected by federal, state, or local law.

#communitybank

Pay Range

USD $25.00 - USD $33.00 /Hr.