Analyst II, BSA/ AML Operations

Pathward; United States; On-site; USD 43,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Pathward is seeking an Analyst for BSA/AML Operations to conduct investigations on merchant-level transactions and ensure compliance with financial regulations. The ideal candidate will analyze data to identify suspicious activities and prepare necessary filings.

The role offers a competitive salary range of $43,000 – $70,000, plus incentives. A comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in BSA/AML investigations or fraud operations.
• CAMS or equivalent AML certification strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical skills to identify patterns in transaction data.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations of merchant-level transactional activity.
• Analyze merchant-level transaction data to identify anomalies.
• Prepare and file SARs and CTRs in accordance with regulations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Knowledge of BSA/AML regulations

Data interpretation

Excellent written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Criminal Justice, Accounting, Business, or related field

Tools

Actimize

FCRM

Job description

We are a hybrid, remote‑office company dedicated to growing our talent anywhere!

We have onsite locations in: Sioux Falls, SD; Scottsdale, AZ; Louisville, KY; Troy, MI; Franklin, TN; Easton, PA.

About the Role

The Analyst, BSA/AML Operations is responsible for conducting investigations of merchant‑level transactional activity to identify potential suspicious behavior and financial crime risk within Pathward's acquiring portfolio. This role focuses on executing alert reviews, case investigations, and regulatory filings related to sponsored merchants, payment facilitators, and ISO partners. The Analyst applies risk‑based judgment to detect merchant‑specific typologies including transaction laundering, merchant misclassification, prohibited merchant activity, chargeback misrepresentation, and factoring and prepares SARs and CTRs in accordance with Pathward procedures and FinCEN requirements.

What You Will Do

• Investigate alerts and cases generated from transaction monitoring systems related to merchant acquiring activity, applying risk‑based judgment to identify potentially suspicious behavior
• Analyze merchant‑level transaction data, including payment flows, authorization patterns, MCC codes, chargeback ratios, refund activity, and settlement behavior to identify anomalies and red flags
• Identify and investigate merchant acquiring‑specific typologies including:
• Transaction laundering / factoring – merchant processing payments for undisclosed or unrelated businesses
• Merchant misclassification – incorrect MCC assigned at onboarding or modified to circumvent controls
• Prohibited / high‑risk merchant activity – merchants operating in prohibited categories concealed at underwriting
• Chargeback misrepresentation – merchant disputes legitimate chargebacks fraudulently; cardholder abuse
• Load balancing, BIN attacks, velocity attacks – indicative of merchant terminal compromise or coordinated fraud
• MID‑cycling / BIN‑hopping – merchants closing and reopening accounts to evade network violations
• Prepare and file SARs with clear, well‑structured narratives, ensuring merchant‑specific facts, transaction amounts, and typology indicators are articulated
• File CTRs accurately and timely in accordance with regulatory standards
• Review and investigate partner referrals and escalations involving sponsored merchants, sub‑merchants, and payment facilitators
• Document investigative findings clearly and accurately within Actimize case management systems
• Meet defined SLAs, productivity expectations, and quality standards for the merchant acquiring workstream
• Escalate high‑risk or complex matters to the Manager, including MATCH list entries, card network monitoring program flags, suspected terrorist financing through merchant fronts, and undisclosed sub‑program activity
• Maintain current knowledge of BSA/AML and OFAC regulations, FinCEN guidance, card network rules, and evolving merchant acquiring fraud and money laundering typologies
• Collaborate with BSA/AML peers, Fraud Operations, and partner oversight teams to ensure comprehensive risk coverage

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree required (Finance, Criminal Justice, Accounting, Business, or related field)
• CAMS or equivalent AML certification strongly preferred
• Advanced certifications (e.g., CFE) a plus
• 1–3 years of experience in BSA/AML investigations, transaction monitoring, fraud operations, or financial crimes compliance; merchant acquiring or payments experience strongly preferred
• Knowledge of merchant acquiring risks including transaction laundering, MCC misclassification, chargeback fraud, and prohibited merchant categories
• Familiarity with Actimize, FCRM, or similar transaction monitoring and case management platforms
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret transaction data, identify patterns, and articulate findings
• Working knowledge of BSA/AML regulations, SAR/CTR filing requirements, and FinCEN guidance
• Excellent written communication skills, particularly SAR narrative drafting

Benefits

Salary range: $43,000 – $70,000. This role is also eligible for an annual performance‑based incentive opportunity. Pathward offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including health insurance, 401(k) retirement benefits, life insurance, disability benefits, paid time off, and more.

Candidate Scam Warning

We encourage you to be cautious of hiring scams that impersonate Pathward. Copy and paste the following URL into your browser to learn more: https://www.pathward.com/about-us/people-culture/careers/

EEO Statement

Pathward is an equal employment opportunity employer and considers candidates for roles without regard to their race, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, or any other category protected by law. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, pregnancy, national origin, age (age 40 and over), disability, genetic information, marital status, hair texture or hairstyle, ancestry, service in the uniformed services, protected veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence or any other class protected by federal, state and local laws.