AML Specialist II

AML Specialist II at Columbia Bank New Jersey

Base pay range: $71,518.00/yr – $/yr

The AML Specialist II conducts investigations of system‑generated alerts and unusual activity originating from multiple points, leading to potential Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) filing. The role requires high attention to detail and accountability, supporting the bank’s compliance through due diligence, timely completion of reviews, cases, and investigations, and managing the Money Service Business (MSB) Program and related Tier II and III MRBs.

The specialist researches transactional anomalies, analyzes information to detect patterns of unusual conduct, identifies risk policy breakdowns, and recognizes fraudulent activities. Serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for client behavior across products to detect possible money laundering.

• Perform detailed examinations to detect transactional and relationship patterns, behaviors, trends, and schemes across multiple business lines and products.
• Act as an escalation point for complex cases, present recommendations and solutions, exercising independent judgment and developing comprehensive knowledge of the function of identifying and resolving potentially suspicious or hazardous situations.
• Use AML software alerts, Currency Transaction Reports (CTR), and custom reports to investigate potential money laundering.
• Communicate results of analysis and research to leadership, including conclusions and recommendations.
• Handle law‑enforcement requests for information, maintain data retention, and perform follow‑up communication when necessary.

• Ensure the bank’s MSB program remains in compliance, completing all relative reviews, including onboarding, quarterly, and annual Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) reviews.
• Coordinate with front‑line staff to obtain required documentation, perform due diligence, and ensure site visits are executed annually and correctly.
• Maintain accurate MSB high‑risk listings and provide listings to Treasury Operations for proper charges.
• Review and present annual fee reports to the BSA Manager and across business lines.

• Analyze customers associated with cryptocurrency and gambling to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Identify these customers and obtain in‑depth understanding of their operations for proper classification and annual EDD.
• Assess risk for Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) and Treasury Management services, adhering to bank procedures.
• Act as liaison across departments to streamline processes for growth and expansion.
• Maintain monthly review and analysis of these customers to ensure compliance with RDC requirements.
• Use custom‑built reports for research support.

• Conduct EDD reviews on high‑risk customer listings as assigned by the BSA Assistant Manager or BSA Manager.
• Ensure compliance with CIP, KYC, and site visits, documenting reasons for higher‑risk categorization.
• Develop and maintain risk methodology for high‑risk categories as the bank grows.

• Stay abreast of new or amended BSA/AML compliance matters and disseminate information to bank personnel.
• Serve as a SME in the role.

• Other duties assigned as needed.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in financial crimes compliance, specifically in AML.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state banking regulations, operational policies, and the bank’s products and services.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with proven decision‑making and independent problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including reporting, procedure drafting, and employee communication at all levels.
• Experience supporting internal audits and regulatory examinations, including documentation and responding to examiner inquiries.

• Experience with cryptocurrency and gambling compliance.
• Track record of implementing process improvements in AML investigations.
• Advanced knowledge of AML software and custom reporting tools.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Rx (contributory).
• Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP).
• Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (LTD & AD&D).
• Paid Time Off (PTO) including personal and vacation time.
• Paid Sick Time.
• Bank Holidays.
• 401(k) program participation.

Hybrid: 3 days in office, 2 days work from home (based on business needs).

Columbia Bank and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Finance and Sales – Banking