Fraud Investigator II - Officer

First Financial Bank; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

First Financial Bank in Abilene, Texas, is seeking an experienced fraud investigator to conduct internal and external investigations, prepare SARs and police reports, and support law enforcement as needed. The role emphasizes risk-based analysis, clear documentation, and effective communication with staff and management.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in a related field and substantial banking fraud investigation experience, with bilingual English/Spanish being strongly preferred to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate work experience in a related field.
• Experience in banking fraud investigations is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish are highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Performs fraud investigations and problem resolutions with minimal supervision.
• Conducts internal or external fraud investigations and files regulatory reports according to legal requirements.
• Identifies and manages risks from business activities and ensures effective control.
• Supports other investigations as subject matter expert to enhance fraud prevention.
• Develops fraud prevention processes with line-of-business managers.
• Increases fraud awareness among staff and communities.”
• Provides training and guidance to team members and liaises with law enforcement as needed.

Skills

Bilingual in English & Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, criminal justice, or related discipline

Tools

BSA/AML software

Job description

Address We’re always looking for bright individuals to join our growing organization. As a part of the First Financial Family, we will invest in your development and provide a dynamic work environment where you’re challenged, valued and empowered every day. We strive to be the best destination for the industry’s top talent, creating a diverse, collaborative workplace that celebrates innovation and change. We are one team, working together to get things done.

Job Description

Office Location: Abilene, Texas, United States

SCOPE/CONTACTS

Performs fraud investigations and problem resolutions with minimal supervision. Conducts internal or external fraud investigations and files regulatory reports according to legal requirements. Identifies and manages existing and emerging risks that stem from business activities and ensure risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled. Supports the efforts of other internal and external fraud investigations as the subject matter expert. Works with line of business managers and staff to develop fraud prevention processes. Increase fraud awareness among staff and communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs fraud investigations derived from fraud alerts and other various sources, such as branch personnel or law enforcement. Perform fraud and suspicious activity monitoring, complete case investigations, and prepare accurately, timely, and informative Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) and police reports. Conducts moderately complex fraud investigations and link analysis that may include multiple subjects, incidents, and jurisdictions. Prepare and deliver professional communication and outreach to foster awareness regarding financial crime and suspicious activity. Investigate and research cases and potentially suspicious situations efficiently arriving at sound risk-based conclusions. Clearly document and support judgments, decisions, and rationale, which will necessitate strong writing skills and the ability to maintain files and records in accordance with business until standards. Support team members’ investigative efforts. Provide training and guidance to team members, company employees, and the community. Develop and maintain relationships with law enforcement agencies and other institutions to ensure First Financial is informed of relevant potential risks. Provide support to law enforcement on cases involving frauds committed against First Financial by its customers and employees, as needed. Provide support to law enforcement on cases involving frauds against First Financial’s customers and employees, as needed. Supports management projects and performs other duties as assigned. Maintains good punctuality and attendance to work. Actively participate in the Customer Service First program and support the values of the organization and follow established policies and procedures. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, criminal justice, or related discipline or commensurate work experience. Minimum of 10 years of performing criminal investigations and preparing cases for use in criminal prosecutions. Bilingual in English & Spanish is strongly preferred. Experience in the banking industry investigating all aspects of financial crimes and anti-money laundering cases with moderate to high degree of complexity is preferred. Experience with BSA/AML and fraud software applications for detection and reporting is preferred. Knowledge of banking products, services, systems and workflows, transaction processing applicable regulations, especially the Bank Secrecy Act an amended by the USA PATRIOT Act; and financial crime typologies including terrorist financing is preferred. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) certifications or other industry certification in a relevant skill is preferred. Possess excellent command of the English language, both written and verbal, and the ability to effectively communicate with all levels within the organization. Possess excellent investigative and interviewing techniques. Ability to effectively and clearly interact and communicate with staff, management, customers, and external parties. Ability to assess situations and bring to a successful resolution. Ability to maintain utmost confidentially of account owners and employees under investigation. Ability to effectively use the Bank’s core banking system. Possess good technology skills. The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to decide the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

What Makes Us Unique?

Since 1890, First Financial has been serving the financial needs of customers in every neighborhood, just like yours. Not just through good times, but during difficult years too. We survived the Great Depression, the collapse of the Texas economy in the 1980s, and the Great Recession. Throughout it all, we remain a place of stability and trust for our customers. While other banks have come and gone, First Financial continues to grow through acquisitions, new branches, and the expansion of our services. It goes without saying, First Financial is not your everyday bank. Our "One Bank, Multiple Regions" concept combines the best of "Big Bank" customer benefits with the local decision making and involvement of a community bank. The Company includes multiple banking regions with 79 convenient locations throughout Texas, and we offer convenient banking options with a local, personal touch. And because we’re one bank, you can visit any of our locations and receive the same friendly service. Much of our success comes from the lifelong relationships we’ve built with people just like you. Providing excellent customer service and education is the focus of everything we do. Our customer education includes training to understand how to improve credit, apply for a home loan, and utilize our products and services. Every day we’re in of Could improvement. And don’t be surprised if you step through the door and see a familiar face. Many of our employees are leaders in the community. After all, being involved with the community is an important part of who we are. Discover for yourself how at First Financial, it’s You First.