First American

Senior Bank Secrecy Act Specialist - Remote

First American$75K — $95K *
Finance & Insurance
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High school diploma required; Bachelor's Degree preferred.
  • Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or similar certification preferred.
  • Three years in an AML, Fraud, OFAC, or compliance role in a regulated financial institution required.
  • Two years of supervisory experience required.
  • Advanced knowledge of OFAC sanctions compliance preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily activities of BSA/AML staff and ensure productivity.
  • Lead recruitment, training, and development of new and existing employees.
  • Conduct and review money laundering investigations for compliance.
  • Develop and implement the Bank's risk-based BSA compliance program.
  • Create and analyze metrics to assess departmental efficiency and risk exposure.
  • Support regulatory compliance through SAR reporting and audit preparation.
  • Manage BSA transaction monitoring system operations and enhancements.

Benefits

  • Professional development opportunities including training sessions.
  • Collaborative work environment emphasizing teamwork and support.
  • Potential for career advancement within the organization.
  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
  • Work-life balance with standard Monday to Friday schedule.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Senior Bank Secrecy Act Specialist (BSA) provides leadership oversight of BSA/Anti-Money Laundering (AML) staff, driving performance through effective supervision, training, performance management, and workforce development. This role supervises and reviews money laundering investigations, supports the Bank's risk based BSA program, develops procedures and metrics, and supports regulatory compliance through Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) reporting, quality assurance, audit support, and cross functional collaboration. The position also supports BSA systems management and enhancements, delivers compliance training, and may serve as a delegated representative of the BSA Officer as assigned.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

People Management:
  • Oversee and direct the day-to-day activities of departmental staff, including assigning, coordinating, and prioritizing work while evaluating employee productivity and performance. Prepare and deliver formal performance evaluations in alignment with organizational standards.
  • Lead employee interviewing, onboarding, training, scheduling, and ongoing development; provide coverage support as needed. Monitor work quality and policy adherence, deliver timely performance feedback, and administer corrective action in accordance with established guidelines.
  • Strengthen compliance through the development and delivery of training programs and materials that effectively educate new and existing employees, mitigate risk, and enhance departmental efficiency.


Process Management:
  • Conduct money laundering investigations and perform supervisory reviews of investigative activity, including coordinating with internal stakeholders and engaging customers as necessary to support thorough and compliant case resolution.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of the Bank's risk-based BSA compliance program by continuously evaluating assigned processes for gaps and operational efficiencies and escalating well-supported recommendations to the BSA Officer.
  • Develop, implement, analyze, and update procedures for the department in accordance with regulations.
  • May have responsibility for Section 314(a), Section 314(b), and select Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)-related compliance activities.
  • May prepare, complete, and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and other required regulatory reports in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory standards.
  • Develop and deliver key metrics to assess process effectiveness and risk exposure, including support for risk assessments; prepare and present reporting to the BSA Officer and other stakeholders as appropriate.
  • Apply industry knowledge and regulatory expertise through participation on assigned committees to support governance and compliance objectives.
  • Conduct quality assurance reviews of BSA-related processes and outputs as assigned or required.
  • Participate in and deliver BSA-related training for other business units and support areas to promote compliance awareness and consistency.
  • Compile and prepare documentation for audits and regulatory examinations and actively support audit and exam activities under the direction of the BSA Officer.


Systems Management:
  • May manage and support daily operations of the BSA transaction monitoring system and related manual reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and system integrity.
  • May serve as system administrator for BSA-related systems and regulatory platforms, including user access management and system configuration oversight.
  • Lead or support system enhancements, validations, and process testing to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and operational effectiveness.
  • May serve as a delegated representative of the BSA Officer, acting on their behalf as assigned.
  • Conduct and complete additional assignments/projects as designated by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's Degree preferred.
  • Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or similar industry certification preferred.
  • Minimum three years in a first-or second-line Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Fraud, OFAC or risk or compliance role in a regulated financial institution required or equivalent background in law/regulatory or law enforcement agencies.
  • Minimum two years of demonstrated people management or supervisory experience required.
  • Advanced knowledge of OFAC sanctions compliance highly preferred.
  • Knowledge of emerging risks, new or amended laws, regulations, and agency guidance related to BSA is preferred.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Must be professional, comfortable speaking with external and internal contacts with a demonstrated ability to tailor the message appropriately to the audience and situation effectively.
  • Demonstrated ability to convey thoughts and ideas effectively and succinctly via written formats, including emails, letters, and electronic platforms. Maintain professional standards relating to spelling and grammar.
  • Maintain credibility through professional demeanor, appearance, and presence by modeling standards appropriate to our environment and industry.
  • Maintain good working relationships with internal partners by exhibiting exemplary interpersonal skills, adopting a constructive, solutions-focused approach.
  • Use sound professional judgment to balance the interests of the organization and customer, understanding and using available resources to mitigate risks.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 products and applications, including Power BI and Power Automate, and the ability to effectively prepare or review documents, procedures, and reports.
  • Experience with artificial intelligence and agentic AI is desired.
  • Experience in SQL to create queries, manipulate data, and database management is preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and applications, as well as the ability to understand, adapt and adjust responsibilities/workflows as a result of system upgrades.
  • Experience testing and tuning Above the Line/Below the Line (ATL, BTL) automated transaction monitoring systems is preferred.
  • Occasional travel to other First American Bank locations, Bank functions and training facilities may be required.
  • Typical schedule is Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT. Additional hours may be required depending upon business need.
  • Punctuality is required to maintain First American Bank's customer service standards.

About First American

First American provides financial services through its Title Insurance and Services segment and its Specialty Insurance segment. The First American Family of Companies' core business lines include title insurance and closing/settlement services; title plant management services; title and other real property records and images; valuation products and services; home warranty products; property and casualty insurance; and banking, trust, and investment advisory services.

First American Careers

Join the vibrant team at First American, a leading company renowned for its commitment to innovation, leadership, and professional excellence. As one of the most respected names in the industry, First American offers unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career to new heights.

Work You’ll Do

At First American, your work transcends ordinary job responsibilities. You will be part of a dynamic team that drives industry standards through innovation and leadership. Engage in projects that transform our services and, by extension, the industry itself, making an impact that matters.

Explore a World of Opportunities

Whether you're looking for an entry-level position or a more senior role, First American presents a spectrum of career paths across various departments. Our job opportunities are designed to foster professional growth and personal achievement.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with First American’s internship programs. These opportunities are perfect for gaining real-world experience, enhancing your skills, and networking with industry leaders. Our internships provide a robust foundation for future employment and are a stepping stone to full-time positions within the company.

Culture and Benefits

First American is committed to creating a workplace where every team member feels valued. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment. Our benefits package is comprehensive, supporting both your professional and personal life, including health, wellness, and continuous learning opportunities.

Professional Development and Training

We believe in nurturing our team’s skills through targeted training programs, including leadership development and diversity training. These initiatives ensure that you are equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and personal growth.

Join Our Team

Embark on your First American journey today by exploring the various positions available. We are actively hiring and looking for talented individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel. Check out our open positions, tailor your resume, and prepare for an interview where you can showcase your unique abilities.

Stay Connected

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Networking and Growth

At First American, career growth is complemented by opportunities to connect and collaborate with professionals across the company. Engage in networking events that can open doors to numerous career paths and professional relationships.

Why First American?

Choosing First American means opting for a career where your skills are appreciated and your contributions are valued. Here, every employee is empowered to reach their full potential, supported by our culture of growth, leadership, and innovation. Join First American today and be part of a team that is reshaping the future through exceptional service, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Explore the positions we have available and take the first step towards a rewarding career at First American.
Learn more about First American
Size
22,233 employees
Market Cap
$5.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$696.4 million
Founded
1889
5 Year Trend
+10.6%
Revenue
$7 billion
NASDAQ

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