Sanctions Investigations AML/CFT Compliance Officer (Remote)

First Citizens Investor Services; Arlington (VA); Remote; USD 97,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

First Citizens Bank is seeking a Sanctions Investigations AML/CFT Compliance Officer to be deployed remotely across the United States. You will help build sanctions investigations within the FIU, perform L3 reviews on red-flag transactions, identify sanctions violations, and support mitigation actions while aligning with OFAC guidance.

You will guide the FIU and business units on sanctions matters, monitor regulatory changes, and lead collaboration with related teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 4 years' AML/CFT experience or high school with 8 years' related experience.
• Strong knowledge of BSA/AML regulations, OFAC, KYC and related requirements.
• Experience with AML/CFT software, data analytics tools, and case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes the sanctions investigations program, L3 reviews, and related reporting.
• Identifies sanctions violations and supports mitigation actions with FIU and business units.
• Keeps up with regulatory changes and assesses impacts on processes and controls.
• Provides expert guidance on sanctions matters and trains the team.
• Collaborates across teams and communicates complex issues to senior leadership.

Skills

AML/CFT regulatory knowledge

Investigative techniques

Data analysis and interpretation

Quality assurance methodologies

Risk assessment and mitigation

Financial crime risk awareness

Reporting and documentation

Compliance program management

Training and development

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent with AML/CFT experience

CAMS/CGSS/CCAS certifications preferred

Job description

Overview

This is a remote role that may be hired in several markets across the United States.

The Sanctions Investigations AML/CFT Compliance Officer is responsible for assisting in building the sanctions investigations capability within the bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). This role involves conducting complex sanctions investigations, performing L3 review on transactions carrying red flags for sanctions and related risks, identifying potential sanctions violations and supporting related mitigation actions, supporting reporting and communications with OFAC, reviewing sanctions and related regulatory changes to identify impacts on the business and recommend necessary changes to process, providing expert guidance to the FIU and business units on sanctions compliance, and leading collaboration with related teams within the FIU. The officer will play a key role in identifying, assessing, and mitigating sanctions and related risks while maintaining a strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Sanctions Program Execution and Oversight - Develops and executes the Compliance Risk Management Program related to sanctions investigations, L3 transaction review, identification of potential violations, reporting, and related regulatory compliance and necessary guidance to the FIU and business. Implements complex regulatory requirements impacting multiple systems, processes, and clients. Monitors the effectiveness of sanctions controls and recommends enhancements. Effectively collaborates across verticals with multiple teams, and effectively communicates with senior leadership on complex regulatory issues.
• Investigations and Enhanced Due Diligence - Manages an evolving portfolio of complex sanctions investigations, L3 transaction reviews, and related suspicious activity investigations. Reviews client relationships involving multiple accounts, geographic locations, and products. Supports Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) reviews for higher risk clients.
• Quality Assurance and Testing - Manages and conducts testing of sanctions policies, procedures, and functions. Develops procedures to maintain quality and consistency of testing approach. Identifies potential issues, exceptions, or patterns within the compliance program.
• Data Analysis and Reporting - Sources, validates, and interprets data for discrepancies and risks. Effectively communicates analysis output and prepares reports for management. Develops methods of measuring the quality and performance of compliance functions.
• Regulatory Research and Training - Maintains expertise on sanctions laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Serves as a resource to management and business unit leaders on sanctions matters. Develops training materials for the team and assists in training and mentoring.

Position Specific Skills:

• AML/CFT regulatory knowledge
• Investigative techniques
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Quality assurance methodologies
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Financial crime risk awareness
• Reporting and documentation
• Compliance program management
• Training and development

Qualifications:

Minimum Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree and 4 years' experience OR High School Diploma or GED/Equivalent and 8 years' experience in Experience in AML/CFT compliance, investigations, or related field; Strong understanding of BSA/AML regulations, OFAC, KYC, and other relevant regulatory requirements; Experience with AML/CFT software, data analytics tools, and case management systems

Preferred License or Certification:

CAMS certification, CGSS certification, CCAS certification, or similar

Preferred Area of Experience:

Prior experience at OFAC, FinCEN, related US government agencies, and similar intelligence and investigative functions highly desired; expert level understanding of OFAC and related unilateral and multilateral sanctions programs; ability to review new and existing regulations, executive orders, and policy discussions in order to assess the bank’s regulatory obligations and identify potential sanctions violations; familiarity with cryptocurrency industry and related risks and regulatory obligations; familiarity with additional regulations related to US national security objectives, such as export compliance and inbound/outbound investment restrictions; experience with identifying and advising on potential sanctions violations and related mitigation actions; expert level network analysis related to sanctions evasion methodologies, strong open source investigative skills; facility in key foreign languages for sanctions investigations, including Russian, Arabic, Persian, Chinese, Spanish, etc

Additional Information

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.

This job posting is expected to remain active for 5 days from the initial posting date listed above. If it is necessary to extend this deadline, the posting will remain active as appropriate. Job postings may come down early due to business need or a high volume of applicants.

The base pay for this position is generally between $97,000 - $150,000. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.