Financial Crimes Enhanced Due Diligence Analyst

Ameris Bank is a purpose-driven company, dedicated to bringing financial peace of mind to communities, one person at a time. Whether a customer wants to grow their business, buy a home, or feel confident in their retirement plan, they have a partner in Ameris Bank. We serve customers in our locations across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and nationwide through our extensive digital offerings and mobile app.

Delivering financial peace of mind starts with a team that values integrity and rewards ingenuity. At Ameris, you'll find teammates who are inclusive, collaborative problem-solvers who go the extra mile to support one another and to meet every customer's needs. When teammates are empowered and bring their diverse perspectives to the table, we create the best possible outcomes for our customers. At Ameris, we know that a growth mindset is key for high performance and fosters an environment that prioritizes continuous improvement. Teammates have access to Employee Resource Groups that serve as advocates and allies as well as professional development opportunities to drive ongoing education. Learn more about our purpose and how you can bring it to life as an Ameris Bank teammate.

The Financial Crimes Enhanced Due Diligence Analyst is responsible for playing a key role within the Financial Crimes unit performing initial and/or periodic enhanced due diligence reviews of the bank's customers that are at elevated risk for money laundering and/or terrorist financing. Performs other projects and duties as assigned.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:

* Analyze high-risk customer transaction activity to ascertain legitimacy of the business and the business transactions ensuring that the transaction activity is commensurate with the nature of the business entity.

* Search for negative news on the company and beneficial owners.

* Determine whether actual activity is commensurate with expected activity, line of business, number of locations and that the business does not violate U.S. laws or regulations.

* Review all current due diligence information and perform analysis of such information to ensure all appropriate due diligence for the level of risk is obtained and documented.

* Conduct reviews of customers of all levels of risk.

* Request and review appropriate supporting EDD information and/or documentation.

* Maintain EDD periodic reviews in an organized fashion to ensure overall team success.

* Recognize patterns, trends and inconsistencies within transactional and customer data to detect, prevent, mitigate and report potentially suspicious activity.

* Understand complex issues and customer risks associated with money laundering, terrorist financing, financial crimes or other legal and reputational risks.

* Prepare observations from review and analysis through compiling of review notes, documentation and resolution

* Interact with various business units, customer service areas, and management in conducting review

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:

* Computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office suite

* Strong working knowledge of a bank operating environment and applicable systems preferred

* Strong working knowledge of AML/BSA/OFAC laws and regulations relative to money laundering and terrorist financing and the ability to apply this knowledge in assessing transaction activity and customer profiles

* Familiarity with higher risk businesses such as Money Service Businesses, Third Party Payment Processors, and foreign companies

* Effective Internet and research skills and usage of third-party tools

* Sound oral and written communication skills

* Sound critical thinking ability

* Sound analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills derived from previous experience in a Financial Intelligence Unit or similar investigative setting

* Detail oriented

* Ability to be a self-starter

* Ability to build relationships

Industry and Work Experience:

* 2 - 5 years of financial industry experience to include regulatory compliance and consumer banking laws and regulations

* 1-3 years of direct AML/BSA Compliance and KYC

* Experience reviewing comprehensive documents inclusive of complex ownership structures and higher risk customers

Academic:

* Bachelor's degree in Economics, Accounting, Finance, Criminal Justice or related field required

* CAMS certification preferred

Benefits Available to Employees:

Ameris Bank provides a comprehensive employee benefit package to all eligible employees.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Ameris Bank absorbs a major portion of the cost of healthcare. You become eligible for coverage on the first of the month following 30 days of employment
• Life Insurance provided at no additional cost to employees
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• 11 Holidays
• Volunteer/Service Day
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Ameris Bank matches 50% of your first 8% of contributions to the plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement
• Supplemental Life & Other Insurance Plans
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Advocacy Program
• Tickets at Work (Entertainment discounts for Ameris Bank Employees)
• AT&T Employee Discount
• Wellness Discounts for Medical Premiums and Other Rewards
• Employee Referral Incentive
• Education Assistance
• Employee Resource Groups
  

Banking Advantages for Employees:

In addition to a wide array of benefits, Ameris Bank employees are also eligible for special bank services.

• Free Interest Checking
• Free Safe Deposit Box
• Free Money Orders, Travelers' Checks and Cashier Checks
• Discount on Mortgage Origination Fee
• Free Online Banking and Free Unlimited Online Bill Payment
• Employee Banking Perks
  

Disclaimer:

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.