BSA/AML Investigation Specialist 4

We do the right things, right now.  We do them in a way that is relevant to our clients.  Become a part of our history as it continues to be written! 

If you are interested and qualified for this role, we invite you to apply.

First Financial Bank is responsible for maintaining an effective Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program for risk rating clients, monitoring, detecting, and reporting suspicious activity to the appropriate regulatory agencies. As a member of the BSA/AML Compliance Investigations department, you will be part of the bank’s second line of defense to administer and enforce economic and trade sanctions put in place by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in support of U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives and prevent individuals and businesses from using First Financial Bank products and services for illegal purposes. As a BSA/AML Investigator, you will conduct wholistic investigations to identify high risk clients, unusual activity, preparing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and other regulatory reporting requirements to be filed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

In addition to the requirements in the job profile, the BSA/AML Team Lead oversees daily operations for Currency Transaction Reporting (CTR) and general Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance support. This role manages other analysts and investigators, ensures accurate and timely regulatory filings with FinCEN, maintains CTR exemption programs, and acts as a subject matter expert (SME) to guide front-line and operational staff on BSA/AML/OFAC requirements.
Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Currency Transaction Reporting (CTR) & Operations
• CTR Oversight: Manage the daily review, validation, and filing of Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) for large cash transactions in accordance with FinCEN guidelines.
• Exemption Management: Oversee the administration, annual review, and ongoing monitoring of CTR exemptions for eligible commercial customers.
• Log & Report Auditing: Supervise daily audits of multiple transaction logs (MTLs), negotiable instrument logs (NILs), and core banking reports to identify missing, incomplete, or inaccurate cash reporting.
General BSA/AML Support & Investigations
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Direct, train, and mentor daily monitoring and compliance analysts; review case files, alerts, and investigations.
• CDD/EDD & High-Risk Support: Provide operational support for Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) reviews, and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) / Section 314(a) screening resolution.
• Policy & Procedure Maintenance: Help draft, update, and maintain internal compliance procedures, workflow manuals, and quality control checklists.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Highest skill set; may be considered subject matter expert and/or “go to” person in the department.
• Applies in-depth disciplinary knowledge, contributing to the development of new techniques and the improvement of processes and work-flow for the area or function
• Integrates subject matter and industry expertise within a defined area
• Requires in-depth understanding of how areas collectively integrate and contribute to the objectives of the function and overall business.
• Evaluates the most complex and variable issue cases with substantial potential risk impact to the bank
• Regularly assumes informal/formal leadership role within teams
• Involved in coaching and training of new recruits. Significant impact in terms of project size, geography, etc
• Conducting comprehensive case investigations which includes analyzing transaction information, reviewing customer data, utilizing open source, media checks as research tools, and recommending a SAR or no SAR be filed
• Working cooperatively with other lines of business to obtain and analyze necessary information related to the investigation
• May work closely with Law Enforcement agencies.
• Preparing quality investigative documentation which includes detailed case notes and attachments of internal and external research
• Recommending customer relationship closures or case escalations as necessary
• Ensuring all production and quality goals are met

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform Essential Functions of the Job

• Ability to multi-task
• 4-7+ years of BSA/AML, Compliance and/or bank operational experience
• Advanced knowledge of relevant regulations, laws and banking operations
• High oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Advanced knowledge of appropriate banking software (i.e.Jack Henry, Verafin)
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred
• Professional certifications, as applicable

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• ACAMS / CRCM / CAFP advanced degree preferred but not required; equivalent experience will be given credit

Level of Complexity and Scope

• Solves complex problems by applying a comprehensive and creative perspective to identify new solutions.
• Able to handle complex tasks to support the Risk team.
• High skill set; may be considered subject matter expert and/or “go to” person in the department.
• Leadership skills; ability to manage work flow and delegate as appropriate.
• Executes complex or specialized projects.

Degree of Independence and Decision-Making

• Must be independent and capable of independent decision making while demonstrating ability to exercise good judgment in assessing the significance and relevance of identified compliance risks and timely escalation to reporting manager.
• Provides advice/direction in primary areas of expertise.
• Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

Required Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assists AML Supervisor as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally lifts and carries up to 50 lbs.
• Frequently lifts and carries up to 10 lbs.
• Frequently sits, stands, walks and drives

Compliance Statement

The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed on First Financial Bank by State and Federal law and regulation, as well as all related First Financial Bank policies and procedures. This includes all Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, as well as all other lending and deposit compliance requirements.

Development and Training

Pay Range:

$74,000/year to $100,000/year

Benefits

We have relevant, thoughtful benefits and programs that support every aspect of our associates' holistic wellbeing. Please review our Benefits Guide. 

Incentive Eligibility

All roles are incentive eligible with the exception of Co-Op, Intern, or Student positions.

It is our policy to not discriminate against any individual in violation of federal, state, and local laws as it relates to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran/military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are an E-Verify Employer.