OFAC Sanctions Screening Analyst II

pathward; United States; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pathward is hiring an OFAC Sanctions Screening Analyst II in a hybrid role with onsite locations across the United States. You will handle escalated sanctions screening alerts, including SDN and sectoral programs, and perform in-depth investigations using internal systems and external records.

You will guide junior staff, ensure regulatory compliance, and coordinate with BSA and management on actions taken.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, International Relations, Political Science, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in OFAC sanctions compliance or screening operations.
• Banking or financial services experience required.

Responsibilities

• Escalation Review and Complex Case Resolution: serve as primary escalation point for complex OFAC screening alerts.
• OFAC List Management and Sanctions Program Monitoring: monitor list updates and rescreen activity.
• Collaboration, and Communication: provide guidance to junior analysts and coordinate with teams.

Skills

Analytical reasoning

Investigation

Regulatory knowledge

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance

Equivalently related fields

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

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.

At Pathward, we take tremendous pride in our purpose to create financial inclusion for all™. We are a financial empowerment company that works with innovators to increase financial availability, choice, and opportunity for all. We strive to remove barriers that traditional institutions put in the way of financial access, and promote economic mobility by providing responsible, secure, high quality financial products.

We are a team of problem solvers and innovators who celebrate our differences and know that our unique perspectives make us stronger and well-positioned for success. We celebrate, and embrace, our team members through our *HUMBLE*HUNGRY*SMART approach, and we believe that we are strongest when we embrace the voices of our employees, customers, partners, and the communities we serve.

About the Role

The OFAC Sanctions Screening Analyst II serves as the primary point of escalation for complex OFAC screening alerts and high-risk cases within the Bank's interdiction systems. This position reviews and resolves escalated sanctions screening matters requiring advanced analysis, including alerts against the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, Consolidated Sanctions List, and Sectoral Sanctions programs. The Analyst II provides guidance to junior team members, makes final determinations on complex alert dispositions, coordinates with senior management on true positive matches, and ensures consistent application of OFAC regulatory requirements and Bank policies across the sanctions screening function.

What You Will Do

Escalation Review and Complex Case Resolution

• Serve as primary escalation point for complex OFAC screening alerts involving customers, transactions, and counterparties against sanctions lists including SDN, Consolidated Sanctions, Sectoral Sanctions (SSI), Non-SDN Menu-Based Sanctions, and other OFAC programs
• Conduct advanced investigation of escalated potential matches requiring deeper analysis of customer information, transaction patterns, beneficial ownership structures, and complex identifying details
• Perform enhanced due diligence research using internal systems, public records, commercial databases, and specialized investigative resources to resolve ambiguous matches
• Review and approve complex false positive dispositions escalated by Analysts, ensuring appropriate justification and supporting documentation meets quality standards
• Make final determinations on confirmed matches and true positive hits, coordinating with BSA Officer and senior management on required actions including account restrictions, transaction blocking, and regulatory reporting
• Monitor escalation queue to ensure timely resolution and provide coverage during high-volume periods to meet regulatory deadlines
• Other duties as assigned

OFAC List Management and Sanctions Program Monitoring

• Monitor OFAC list updates and sanctions program changes, ensuring timely rescreening of customer base and transaction activity against new designations
• Coordinate blocked property reporting and rejected transaction documentation for submission to OFAC as required
• Contribute to program enhancements and long-term sanctions strategy
• Other duties as assigned

Collaboration, and Communication

• Serve as subject matter expert for OFAC sanctions screening matters, providing guidance to junior Analysts on complex scenarios and edge cases
• Coordinate with operations, relationship management, and customer-facing staff on escalated matters, account actions, and transaction status
• Lead or participate in team meetings and trainings
• Other duties as assigned

What You Will Need

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, International Relations, Political Science, Criminal Justice, or related field required
• 3+ years of experience in OFAC sanctions compliance or screening operations, with demonstrated experience handling escalated or complex cases
• Banking or financial services experience required
• CAMS or CGSS certification preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of OFAC sanctions regulations, country-based and list-based programs, general licenses, beneficial ownership structures, and interdiction principles
• Excellent analytical and investigative skills with demonstrated ability to resolve complex, ambiguous cases
• Excellent attention to accuracy and quality
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and internet research
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and provide guidance to less experienced team members
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain complex findings to various audiences including senior management
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Capacity to work efficiently under time constraints while maintaining qua