Compliance Officer

First Farmers Bank; Columbia (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

First Farmers Bank is hiring a Compliance Officer to support the bank's Compliance Management System and compliance program. This role involves overseeing regulatory compliance through testing, governance reporting, and audit coordination. Ideal candidates will have 10-15 years of compliance experience and a relevant Bachelor’s degree.

The Compliance Officer will work closely with various business units, ensuring adherence to compliance regulations and enhancing risk management practices. The position is based in Columbia, TN, and offers a professional office environment.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of related compliance experience.
• Ability to build external relationships and motivate others.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute risk-based compliance testing and monitoring.
• Assist in maintaining the Compliance Management System.
• Prepare reporting and assist with compliance risk assessments.
• Support internal and external audits.

Skills

Compliance testing and monitoring

Regulatory change management

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent certifications

Job description

Job Location

First Farmers and Merchants Bank,
816 South Garden Street, Columbia, TN 38401

Job Type

Full Time

EEO Statements

VEVRAA Federal Contractor
Request Priority Referral of Protected Veterans
EOE Protected Veterans/Disabled

Role

The Compliance Officer supports the bank's Compliance Management System and assists the Chief Compliance Officer in administering the compliance program. The role oversees regulatory compliance oversight through structured testing and monitoring, regulatory change management, governance reporting, and audit/examination coordination. The position works closely with business lines and support functions to identify compliance risk, strengthen controls, and promote remediation of issues. This position reports directly to the Chief Compliance Officer.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Compliance Testing and Monitoring (35%) – Execute and document risk‑based compliance testing and monitoring across consumer, deposit, lending, operations, and related regulatory areas; maintain schedules, workpapers, exception tracking, validation, and follow‑up to support issue resolution.
• Compliance Program Administration and Regulatory Change Management (25%) – Assist in maintaining and enhancing the Compliance Management System, including policies, procedures, controls, regulatory change tracking, and implementation support for new or revised requirements.
• Governance, Reporting, and Risk Assessment Support (15%) – Prepare committee and management reporting, assist with compliance risk assessments, coordinate policy reviews, track issues, and maintain governance documentation.
• Audit, Examination, and Remediation Coordination (15%) – Support internal audits, external audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory examinations by gathering documentation, coordinating responses, tracking findings, and supporting corrective action.
• Business Line Advisory and Training Support (5%) – Partner with business units to provide compliance guidance on products, processes, and controls, and assist with training content and communications.
• Documentation and Other Assigned Duties (5%) – Maintain organized records for audit and examination readiness and perform additional compliance, governance, monitoring, and risk support responsibilities as assigned.

Performance Measurements

1. Comply with the bank's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
2. Maintain confidentiality of customer and sensitive information.
3. Review audits to determine compliance with laws.
4. Develop staff skills and conduct performance reviews.
5. Maintain knowledge of regulations, including Bank Secrecy Act, OFAC, and others.
6. Complete required training and pursue further learning.
7. Develop positive working relationships with staff.

Knowledge and Skills

Experience: Ten to fifteen years of related compliance experience.

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent certifications (e.g., IT certifications) with preference for professional certifications such as CRCM, CCBCO.

Interpersonal Skills: Extensive personal contact, motivation, influence, and training of others; ability to build external relationships.

Other Skills: • Working knowledge of consumer compliance laws and regulations applicable to community banking. • Experience with compliance testing, monitoring, issue tracking, and audit support. • Strong understanding of compliance risk management, monitoring methods, and internal control concepts. • Ability to apply regulatory requirements practically. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for concise reporting and management presentation. • Strong organization, attention to detail, and management of multiple priorities. • Demonstrated judgment, professionalism, and discretion handling confidential information.

Physical Requirements: Frequent movement within the office, use of computer and office equipment.

Work Environment: Professional office environment with standard office equipment.