AML/BSA Officer

AML/BSA Officer
Location : Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Employment Type : Full-Time


Overview
A highly regulated financial institution is seeking an AML/BSA Officer to lead execution and oversight of its AML/BSA compliance program. This role will operate within the second line of defense and serve as a key leader responsible for AML governance, investigations oversight, transaction monitoring, SAR reporting, regulatory engagement, and financial crime risk management activities.


The position will partner closely with compliance, legal, operations, and executive leadership teams to support regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and ongoing program enhancement initiatives.


The ideal candidate will bring strong AML/BSA governance experience, regulatory examination exposure, and a proven background overseeing investigations, SAR activity, and financial crime compliance programs in regulated financial services environments.


Key Responsibilities

• AML/BSA Program Oversight
• Lead execution and enhancement of the AML/BSA compliance program across the organization.
• Provide oversight of transaction monitoring, investigations, SAR escalation, and financial crime reporting activities.
• Support AML/BSA governance initiatives, program remediation efforts, and ongoing compliance enhancements.
• Investigations & Financial Crimes Oversight
• Oversee complex AML investigations involving suspicious activity, sanctions concerns, fraud, and high-risk customer activity.
• Review investigative findings, escalation decisions, and SAR documentation to ensure regulatory compliance and quality standards.
• Partner with internal stakeholders on financial crime risk identification and mitigation efforts.
• Regulatory & Audit Support
• Serve as a key liaison during regulatory examinations, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Support responses to regulatory inquiries, remediation tracking, and documentation requests.
• Monitor regulatory developments and recommend program or policy updates as needed.
• Risk Assessment & Reporting
• Conduct AML/BSA risk assessments and support ongoing monitoring of financial crime risks.
• Prepare reporting and presentations related to AML/BSA trends, investigations, and program effectiveness for senior leadership and board stakeholders.
• Policies, Procedures & Governance
• Assist with development and maintenance of AML policies, procedures, SOPs, and governance documentation.
• Support AML-related training initiatives and compliance awareness efforts across the organization.
• Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to AML investigations and compliance teams.
• Partner closely with legal, operations, risk, audit, and executive leadership teams on AML/BSA-related matters.

Qualifications


Education
Bachelor's degree required


Certifications
CAMS certification required


Experience

• 10+ years of AML/BSA, sanctions, financial crimes, or compliance experience
• Experience supporting or overseeing AML/BSA programs within regulated financial institutions
• Prior experience with transaction monitoring, investigations, SAR filings, and regulatory examinations
• Experience interacting with auditors, regulators, and executive stakeholders
• Technical & Compliance Knowledge
• Strong understanding of AML/BSA regulations, KYC/CDD/EDD requirements, sanctions compliance, and transaction monitoring programs
• Experience with AML investigations, QA/QC processes, and risk-based compliance frameworks
• Knowledge of financial crime typologies and regulatory reporting requirements
• Leadership & Communication
• Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to present complex compliance and risk matters to senior stakeholders
• Ability to operate independently within a highly regulated environment