Financial Crimes Investigator

Financial Crimes Investigator

Middletown, NY, NY (

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Come Join Heritage Financial Credit Union as Financial Crimes Investigator

Do you have a knack for uncovering financial crime, seeing the story behind the transactions and catching what others miss?

In this role, you won’t just review alerts, you’ll build cases. From identifying complex fraud schemes to tracing suspicious activity and crafting regulatory-grade SARs, your work will directly contribute to detecting and preventing financial crime. We’re looking for someone who thrives on digging deeper, connecting patterns, and turning analysis into clear, defensible conclusions. If you’re energized by fast-moving investigations, evolving threats, and the opportunity to make real impact in a highly regulated environment, this is where your skills come into play.

Here's a little about us:Heritage Financial Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution that is committed to helping our members achieve their financial goals and building a stronger community. We believe that everyone deserves access to affordable financial services, and we are dedicated to providing our members with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial dreams. Our vision is to be the leading financial institution in the communities we serve, and we are committed to creating a culture of excellence where our employees can thrive. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, and where we can all work together to achieve our goals. We recognize that our employees are our most important asset, and we are committed to providing them with the training, development, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Our Core Values:Experience:Go Above Expectations; Create Positive Moments; Personally AcknowledgeService:Deliver As One Team; Stay A Step Ahead; Guide With Product ExpertiseIntegrity:Do What's Right; Speak the Truth; Own Our ActionsPeople:Grow Together; Respect Every Voice; Build Trusting Relationships; Strengthen Culture & Community

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POSITION PURPOSE

The Financial Crimes Investigator is responsible for independently conducting end-to-end investigations involving suspicious activity, fraud, sanctions concerns, and other financial crime risks. This role analyzes transactional behavior, identifies unusual patterns, and documents findings in alignment with regulatory expectations. The position requires strong judgment, the ability to manage a high-volume caseload, and consistent adherence to accuracy, regulatory compliance, and timely escalation protocols.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

• Lead full-cycle investigations from initial alert through case resolution, including documentation, escalation, and recommended actions.

• Analyze transactional activity to identify potential suspicious behavior, fraud schemes, and financial crime typologies.

• Prepare and support timely, accurate filing of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in accordance with BSA/AML requirements.

• Conduct sanctions and watchlist reviews to ensure compliance with OFAC obligations.

• Investigate fraud involving ACH, wires, debit cards, scams, and other payment channels.

• Conduct member interviews and gather supporting information to substantiate investigative conclusions.

• Recommend risk mitigation actions, including restrictions, account closures, or enhanced monitoring.

• Collaborate with internal partners—including branch operations, fraud teams, and compliance—to support investigative outcomes.

• Assist with internal audits, regulatory examinations, and information requests.

• Liaise with law enforcement and respond to subpoenas and investigative inquiries.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience. Active Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) preferred or equivalent. 3–5 years of experience in AML/BSA investigations, fraud investigations, or financial crimes.

Knowledge:Strong knowledge of Know Your Customer, Customer Identification Program and CDD requirements. Strong command of BSA/AML regulatory expectations. Working knowledge of OFAC regulations and sanctions compliance.

Experience:

• Proven ability to independently conduct investigations and prepare regulatory-grade SARs.

• Familiarity with emerging fraud trends and financial crime methodologies.

• Experience in a credit union environment preferred

• Familiarity with National Credit Union Administration regulatory expectations preferred

• Experience with both fraud and AML/BSA investigative responsibilities preferred

• Prior coordination with law enforcement or regulatory examiners preferred

• Strong data-analysis skills, including trend identification and transactional pattern analysis preferred

• Experience working in regulated environments subject to audits and examinations preferred

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong investigative, critical thinking and analytical thinking skills.

• Ability to draft clear, concise, and well-supported SAR narratives.

• Effective interviewing and information-gathering skills.

• Ability to communicate complex findings to internal stakeholders and leadership.

• Demonstrated ability to make sound, risk-based decisions and articulate the rationale.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

What's in it for you?

Salary:$67,491.08 - $84,363.85 annually, based on experience

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off & Paid Federal Holidays

• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)/Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

• Supplement Benefits: Critical Illness Care, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Legal Services

• BenefitsPlus+ perks program (travel, entertainment, gift cards and so much more)

• CareNet - benefits concierge service

• 401(k) with 5% Employer Match

• Educational Assistance

• Paid Time to Volunteer

• HFCU Logo-wear (that our employees wear with pride!)

Equal Opportunity Statement

Employment at our Credit Union is based upon merit, ability, and qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status.