Financial Crimes Specialist

Being a Country Bank team member has a lot of perks! Our competitive total compensation package and comprehensive benefit package include:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) Plan with a generous employer contribution plus match;
• Income protection benefits;
• Educational assistance and tuition reimbursement benefits;
• Remote work and flexible scheduling options;
• Generous total paid time off, and more!

Country Bank is a growing mutual community bank with locations in Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties. We've focused on Making a Difference in the lives of our customers, our communities, and for our team members every day since we were founded in 1850. It is our people that drive our success and create our culture, an inclusive and engaging work environment. We're excited to meet you to talk about our career opportunities and how you can make a difference as a part of our growing BSA/Fraud team!

About the Job:

We're excited to announce an opportunity for the position of Financial Crimes Specialist! Under the supervision of the BSA Officer, this position is responsible for monitoring and analyzing moderate to complex account activity utilizing various financial crime tools to detect and prevent fraudulent activity.

The hiring range for this position is $60,000 to $68,000.

This position is Full Time, 40 hours weekly.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other Duties May be Assigned):

• Accountable for oversight of risk detection criteria for monitoring ID theft, account fraud, , wire, ACH and remote banking fraud in the Verafin and Finastra core applications.
• Reviews daily returned deposit report to identify potential fraud or kiting.
• Primary for event driven fraud reported events, specifically completing the reviews which may initiate from another escalation or team. Conducts timely analysis and investigations of alerts and anomalous transactions to identify potential suspicious or fraudulent activity. Acts to mitigate exposure and conducts follow up with the appropriate business units.
• Provides subject matter/industry expertise regarding inherent risk and associated controls relevant to BSA/AML & Fraud crime.
• Prepares and analyzes data to complete reports. Applies results of analysis reports to target patterns and trends in financial crime, making recommendations to adjust risk benchmarks.
• Manages the Bank's Red Flag Identity Theft Prevention Program, including oversight of the risk assessment and annual report to the Risk Committee. Updates Authentication Procedures and reviews the Program and Procedures at least annually making revisions where applicable.
• Serves as branch liaison by; providing initial financial crime training to new frontline staff, ongoing training for existing employees, and providing departments with relevant financial crime related materials for distribution to customers. Educates customers and the community through fraud related presentations and informational seminars. Coordinates employee BVS training courses with Learning & Development as required by the BSA/Fraud Department.
• Acts as the designated individual for reporting elder financial exploitation or abuse to the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline and work with local protective services as necessary. Responds to state and federal summons by appearing for witness when requested on behalf of Country Bank.
• Performs a review of new service providers for compliance with applicable FACT Act red flag rules. Keeps abreast of current and emerging crime schemes, identifying loopholes in current systems and policies, and collaborating with other departments, branches and external groups to prevent further fraud and to enhance security.
• Partners with other BSA/AML Risk teams or Relationship Managers/Branch staff to provide support where needed. Performs Case Management and formulates SAR narratives. Actively participates in the Bank's SAR Committee as a contributing member.
• Other job duties, as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

It is required that the employee in this position can work independently, interpreting ideas and facts, while also analyzing and interpreting federal and state laws and/or regulations. This employee should have strong customer service skills, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to make sound decisions and effective presentations in a group setting. Proficiency in Verafin AML detection software is also strongly preferred.

This position requires intermediate knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word and the ability to learn and utilize multiple software applications.

Education and Work Experience

An Associate's degree or commensurate experience- is required for this position. A minimum of three years of related work experience is required, and a certification in financial crime is preferred.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

This position is in an office environment, which means the physical surroundings are generally pleasant and comfortable with minimal exposure to injury or other hazards, with a moderate level of noise. Prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen with freedom of movement on a regular basis is expected. Minimal physical effort is required but could include: repetitive motion of wrists and fingers; talking and hearing; and handling of light materials and supplies. This position may require some travel between offices.

Country Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diverse applicants encouraged to apply.