Aml Specialist

Tompkins Bank & Trust; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Tompkins Bank & Trust is seeking an AML Specialist to support our AML/CFT, CIP, and sanctions programs. The role reviews alerts, conducts high-risk due diligence, and assists with regulatory filings while collaborating with business partners and compliance leadership.

The position emphasizes analyzing complex transaction data, maintaining confidentiality, and contributing to ongoing AML program effectiveness through teamwork and continuous learning.

Qualifications

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

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 activity for CIP, CDD, and Beneficial Ownership compliance.
• Review and disposition sanctions and 314(a) matches.
• Support law enforcement requests and subpoenas as needed.
• Collaborate with lines of business to obtain customer information and clarify transactional activity.
• Maintain effective working relationships to support AML monitoring and compliance.
• Support Corporate AML leadership with programmatic activities.
• Seek ongoing learning opportunities and share AML knowledge with team members.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Discretion with confidential info

Microsoft Office

AML monitoring systems

Data analysis

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

AML monitoring software

Job description

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.

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.

• 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