Compliance Officer

Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach; Lakewood (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach is seeking a Compliance Officer to develop and implement compliance programs ensuring adherence to laws and regulations. This role involves managing compliance topics, conducting training, and preparing reports for senior management.

The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in compliance within a banking environment and possesses strong analytical and communication skills. This position qualifies for the officer title Vice President and offers a chance to lead compliance efforts in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of compliance experience required.
• Strong working knowledge of banking and financial aspects.
• Industry accreditation such as CRCM preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute the Bank’s compliance management program.
• Conduct risk and control self-assessment for compliance.
• Prepare reports for the Chief Compliance Officer.

Skills

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Communication skills

MS Office skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience

Job description

The Compliance Officer is responsible for developing and implementing a compliance program for business unit(s) that s/he supports to ensure adherence with state and federal laws and regulations, including Bank policies and procedures to support safe and sound business practices.

• Plans, manages, and executes the Bank’s compliance management program that aligns to the Bank’s second line risk management standards such as but not limited to:
  • Monitoring and managing compliance topics and issues for the business units
  • Developing, implementing, and executing a comprehensive compliance monitoring and testing program, including written reports and communication results to senior management
  • Conducting marketing and disclosure reviews with the business units
  • Ongoing governance and oversight of covered business areas, and works closely with the business units to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements
  • Assessing, developing and providing compliance training on relevant topics
  • Identifying training requirements needed for business units
  • Participating in new or changes to products and services and/or laws and regulations
  • Policy and procedure management
  • Researching any regulatory/non-regulatory complaints to identify systemic trends and root cause
• Supports the evolution and enhancement of the compliance program for the business areas for which s/he is responsible, and lends support in other areas as instructed by the Chief Compliance Officer.
• Conducts reviews and effective challenge for the first line business units for risk and control self‑assessment (RCSA), policies, procedures and other aspects of the compliance program.
• Analyzes and compiles data into meaningful reports for the Chief Compliance Officer while adhering to critical deadlines.
• Stays abreast of changes in banking laws and regulations, industry and regulatory trends, and best practices.
• Reviews customer complaints to assess root cause and systemic compliance issues and work with business units to determine action plans.
• Maintains knowledge of compliance laws and regulations to assess emerging and current risks.

Prepares monthly and/or quarterly reporting for the Bank’s Chief Compliance Officer and senior management.

• Assists the Compliance Department in the coordination and support of compliance audits and regulatory examinations.
• While the job description of this role is the primary function, there may be other compliance areas that may require additional oversight as deemed necessary by the Chief Compliance Officer, and the individual must have experience or capability to learn and obtain the expertise to support the activities required.

Complies with all State and Federal Banking regulatory requirements, including but not limited to: BSA, Anti‑Money Laundering OFAC, CIP, Financial Elder Abuse Reporting, Sexual Harassment, Information Security and privacy requirements. This position will elevate suspicious activity to supervisory staff and/or BSA department. Completes compliance and other technical training workshops as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong critical thinking, judgment, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Flexible and adaptable to changes in the regulatory environment and requirements of the Bank.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with strong ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong working knowledge of laws, compliance requirements and other applicable regulations to support the programs
• Strong understanding of banking products, services, and structure and strong relationship building skills to liaise with other business units to ensure processes are in line with required compliance requirements and policies
• Strong team player with an ethical and selfless approach to do what is right for the Bank and team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong active listening abilities and willingness to learn and/or provide advice to foster a strong and cohesive working environment with peers and business units that the team supports
• Respectful with opposing opinions and fosters collaborative interaction in a team environment, and willingness to contribute to team efforts
• Excellent time management, verbal and written communication skills
• Strong computer skills with MS Office (Excel, Word, Power Point)

For qualified positions, the Bank may designate an Officer Title to an employee who seeks and/or meets defined competencies for an eligible position. This position qualifies for the officer title Vice President.

Equipment Operated

• Desk Top Computers

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Requires sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Requires lifting of 25 lbs.
• Office setting w/controlled temperature

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience required
• Working experience in a regional banking organization is required.
• 10+ years of compliance experience
• Industry accreditation is preferred, e.g., CRCM
• Strong working knowledge of banking and financial aspects of lending, operational and deposit compliance requirements
• Extensive knowledge of state and federal banking laws and regulations
• The ability to work independently, lead and manage a project team, and deal effectively with peers and superiors is essential, as are strong written and oral communications skills.

Operations

• Maintains in depth working knowledge of federal and state banking laws and regulations, including but not limited to Regulations CC, D, DD, E, Escheatment/Unclaimed Property, ACH, ATM, Remote Deposit Capture, E‑Sign, FDIC Signage, Regulation II (interchange requirements), trust accounts and brokered deposits.
• Supports and manages the compliance program for the operational, treasury management and payment areas to ensure adherence with state and federal laws and regulations, policies and procedures
• Support business units by reviewing Bank advertising collateral, disclosures and agreements and operational activities related but not limited to fraud, ATM, and ACH activities and Regulation E unauthorized use claims.
• Experience and strong ability to research new regulations related to new and/or changes to products, services and delivery channels assist senior management in interpreting guidelines in sometimes abstract business models with undefined and/or unclear compliance requirements
• Effective writing and communication skills to keep Chief Compliance Officer and senior management of key and emerging compliance risk
• Supports the Bank’s Complaint Management Program and works with key stakeholders to identify timely remediation and to conduct root cause analysis, if needed.
• Responsible for identifying new/revised statutes and regulations affecting the areas of coverage and responsibilities but will have compliance knowledge to support other areas as needed.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees will be required to perform additional related work duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and/or management.

Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.