Kish is seeking an experienced BSA Officer to lead and strengthen our Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) compliance programs. This critical leadership role is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering the Bank's BSA/AML/CFT compliance framework while ensuring adherence to all applicable regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate is a strategic compliance professional with deep expertise in BSA, AML, CFT, OFAC, Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), suspicious activity monitoring, SAR reporting, and regulatory examinations. This position plays a key role in protecting the Bank, supporting business partners, and fostering a strong culture of compliance throughout the organization.
Key Responsibilities
BSA, AML, CFT & OFAC Program Management
- Manage and maintain an effective BSA/AML/CFT compliance program aligned with the Bank's risk profile and risk appetite.
- Develop, implement, and administer BSA, AML, CFT, OFAC, CIP, CDD, and EDD policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
- Ensure timely reporting, filing, and documentation of all required BSA and OFAC reports.
- Monitor regulatory developments and implement changes necessary to maintain compliance with BSA, AML, CFT, OFAC, USA PATRIOT Act, and related regulations.
- Evaluate and enhance transaction monitoring systems and reporting processes to improve detection of suspicious activity.
- Collaborate with Operational, Retail, Lending and Technology staff to improve processing efficiencies and ensure effective, efficient, and accurate transmission of information between origination, servicing, and monitoring systems.
Suspicious Activity Monitoring & Investigations
- Lead investigations involving suspicious, unusual, or potentially illegal activities.
- Prepare, review, approve, and submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and other required regulatory filings.
- Chair SAR Committee meetings and ensure decisions and documentation are maintained in accordance with regulatory expectations.
- Present investigative findings, due diligence documentation, and recommendations to management and the SAR Committee.
- Coordinate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and financial institutions as appropriate.
Risk Assessment & Regulatory Compliance
- Maintain the Bank's BSA/AML/CFT internal control structure to effectively identify, measure, monitor, and control risk.
- Coordinate and validate information for the annual BSA/AML/CFT and OFAC Risk Assessments.
- Ensure comprehensive Customer Due Diligence and Enhanced Due Diligence programs are maintained across the Bank.
- Assess the effectiveness of compliance monitoring tools, risk indicators, and due diligence processes.
Audit & Examination Management
- Lead coordination of internal audits, independent validations, and regulatory examinations related to BSA, AML, CFT, OFAC, and USA PATRIOT Act compliance.
- Manage the collection, review, validation, and submission of audit and examination materials.
- Respond to auditor and examiner requests while maintaining appropriate documentation and supporting records.
Leadership & Training
- Foster a culture of compliance through daily interactions and leadership.
- Develop and oversee the Bank's BSA training program to ensure all bank employees receive role-appropriate regulatory training.
- Support ongoing education initiatives to improve organization-wide awareness of suspicious activity reporting requirements.
- Supervise, coach, develop, and evaluate assigned team members.
- Conduct performance reviews, one-on-one meetings, and workforce planning activities.
- Manage team workflow, scheduling, and resource allocation.
Customer & Internal Partner Support
- Provide guidance and support to branches and departments regarding BSA-related matters.
- Deliver exceptional service to internal and external customers through timely issue resolution and collaboration.
- Support the Risk Officer with research, recommendations, reporting, and compliance-related initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Criminal Justice, or related field preferred.
- CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) certification preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in banking operations, compliance, anti-money laundering, and Bank Secrecy Act compliance.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations
- Currency Transaction Reporting (CTR)
- USA PATRIOT Act requirements
- OFAC regulations and sanctions compliance
- Customer Due Diligence (CDD)
- Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)
- Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR)
- Experience working with law enforcement agencies, auditors, and regulatory examiners.
- Ability to analyze complex situations, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound judgment.
- Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and leadership skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to regulatory compliance.
Preferred Skills
- Experience managing BSA/AML monitoring software and compliance systems.
- Experience leading regulatory examinations and independent audits.
- Strong analytical and investigative skills.
- Proven ability to build relationships across departments and influence a culture of compliance.
- Supervisory or team leadership experience.
Physical Requirements
- Primarily sedentary office work environment.
- Frequent sitting with occasional standing, walking, reaching, bending, and stooping.
- Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
