AML Specialist

Tompkins Bank & Trust; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) Match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off

11 Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Free Parking throughout Tompkins Bank

Job summary

Tompkins Bank & Trust is seeking an AML Specialist to support AML/CFT, CIP, and sanctions programs. You will conduct transaction monitoring, due diligence on high‑risk customers, and investigations, while preparing regulatory filings and collaborating with business partners to strengthen the AML program.

The role emphasizes effective monitoring, timely reporting, and continuous program improvement as part of a compliant, risk‑aware culture.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required; bachelor’s preferred in a related field.
• CAMS and/or CFCS certification preferred.
• 2–4 years of experience in BSA/AML compliance or related financial crime role.
• Strong analytical and written communication skills; ability to handle confidential information.
• 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 Suspicious Activity Reports and Currency Transaction Reports within regulatory timelines.
• Conduct high-risk customer due diligence and periodic reviews.
• Review customer account activity for CIP, CDD, and Beneficial Ownership compliance.
• Review and disposition potential sanctions and Section 314(a) matches.
• Collaborate with lines of business to obtain customer information and clarify transactional activity.
• Support AML leadership with programmatic activities and ongoing learning.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Discretion

MS Office

AML monitoring systems

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

CAMS certification

CFCS certification

Tools

MS 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.

Responsibilities

Position Goals

• Regulatory Compliance Assurance: Support the effective execution of the Company’s AML/CFT, CIP, and sanctions programs to ensure ongoing compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.

• Suspicious Activity Detection and Reporting: Identify, investigate, and report potentially suspicious activity in a timely and accurate manner to protect the organization from financial crime risk.

• High-risk Customer Oversight: Perform enhanced due diligence and ongoing monitoring of high-risk customers to mitigate exposure to money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with lines of business and internal stakeholders to obtain and analyze customer information and promote strong AML awareness and accountability.

• Continuous Program Improvement: Maintain and enhance AML knowledge, tools, and processes to support the effectiveness and sustainability of the Company’s AML program.

Key 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

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 Bank & Trust
• 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.

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Pay Range

USD $26.50 - USD $34.00 /Hr.