Senior BSA/AML Investigator

Position Summary:
The Senior BSA/AML Investigator is a valued part of a cohesive team focused on detecting and preventing the bank from illicit activity, including money laundering and terrorist financing. The Senior BSA/AML Investigator position will identify unusual transaction behavior patterns on accounts. Other responsibilities include reporting, recordkeeping and various processes related to the Bank Secrecy Act. This position will prepare case summaries, disposition cases and complete SARs as required. This position must have the ability to mentor junior level investigators and handle more complex cases escalated by junior staff. The structure of this position requires the ability to work with processes based on varying and unique results and circumstances, not on defined instructions. This position requires attention to detail, as well as excellent analytical skills to identify suspicious activity. This position requires the individual to exercise sound judgment and to observe the highest degree of confidentiality in the handling of information. This position operates under the guidance of the BSA Officer.

Essential Responsibilities:
Job Function 1: Identify and Investigate Transactions for Suspicious Activity - 20%
Detect and investigate suspicious activity from various BSA alerts, reports, systems and processes.Keep detailed documentation of the investigation within the Verafin case.Collaborate with other Alerus departments when researching and resolving suspicious activity.Identify suspicious activities that require a SAR filing and collaborate with the BSA Officer for filing.Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external clients by applying excellent verbal, written and telephone communication skills.Make recommendations for revisions that would improve Alerus' ability to deter suspicious activity.Escalating highly sensitive or complex cases to the BSA Officer.
Job Function 2: Team Support - 30%
Serve as subject matter expert on systems, processes or regulations.Help identify training needs and assist the BSA Officer in developing training content and provide one-on-one or group training to the team or other areas of the company.Ability to resolve problems with minimal guidance and make general operational escalation decisions in the absence of the BSA Officer.Consistently act as a resource to the team and assist on company projects.Ensure processes are covered and service levels are met in BSA Officer's absence.Identify, design, and propose efficiencies to streamline processes.Assist others on the team with troubleshooting when complex problems/issues arise.Perform tasks relating to key initiatives within the BSA department.Assist and/or provide backup coverage on Fraud processes as needed.Provide primary and backup coverage on all BSA processes, as needed to keep department responsibilities within service level agreements.Participate in team meetings.Create, update, and maintain written procedures in R&R database.
Job Function 3: Senior Level Support - 40%
Recognize the importance of Verafin Updates, analyze the documentation, and propose process changes.Assist with Quality Reviews of junior investigators.Review cases of junior investigators to determine if a case should be closed or a SAR created.May assist with Verafin model tuning/validation.Manage and process 314(b) collaboration requests.Assist with regulator Money Laundering Report (MLR).Perform enhanced due diligence of high-risk customers and products.Assist the BSA Officer as needed.Assign AML Alerts to junior investigators.Provide audit support.Trouble shoot data processing issues with Verafin and escalate to Verafin Support.
Job Function 4: Department, System, and Industry - 10%
Attend all mandatory and field specific training as directed by the performance plan.Expert in maintaining up-to-date knowledge of all systems.Actively pursue continuing education, reading, and self-development to enhance skills.Active member of user groups and network opportunitiesMaintain compliance, legal and policy knowledge of required regulations.
Position Requirements:
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and/or 5+ years related financial industry experience.Previous banking or financial services experience required.Minimum 5 years of experience in BSA and/or Fraud analytics.Experience using a BSA/AML and Fraud Detection System preferred, such as Verafin or an equivalent system.Possesses investigative and research skills using various systems.Excellent written and verbal skills.Strong computer skills.Ability to multi-task.Strong time management and organizational skills.
Personal Characteristics:
Positive, client-centric attitude.Self-motivated, confident and eager to take on new challenges.Attention to detail with a strong commitment to quality.Professional appearance and attitude.Commitment to continued learning.Punctual.
Physical Demands - Must be met with or without a reasonable accommodation:
Extended periods of time sitting at a desk and using office equipment.Ability to operate a personal computer/laptop for approximately 8 hours per day.Extended time is spent reviewing physical and electronic documents.The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.Periodically, may also do light lifting of supplies and materials which weighs in at approximately 20 lbs.Will spend most of time in an indoor environment.Ability to work outside of normal business hours for testing and project work as needed.
Alerus Financial is an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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