VP/RISK INVESTIGATIONS MGR

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Westamerica is among the largest commercial banks headquartered in California. We are looking for outstanding people to join our winning team. We reached our current strength because our employees, customers, and shareholders believe in the same fundamental goals: Delivering a wide variety of financial services with a superior customer service guarantee.

JOB SUMMARY

Under limited guidance, Underwriting & Risk Investigations Manager directs Redwood Merchant Services’ underwriting and risk functions which includes strategic fraud and loss mitigation and prevention, management and training of underwriters, risk, and dispute resolution staff, as well as actively staying abreast of internal, card brand, and regulatory rules and requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Develop and implement strategies for detecting and preventing fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illegal activity.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of all card brand rules and network regulations related to payment acceptance and risk business line activities.

Manage underwriting, risk, and dispute resolution staff:

1. Supervise day-to-day staff activities, including quality control and approval of staff work, to ensure operating schedules are met.
2. Identify training needs and provide opportunities to enhance skill set of current staff members.
3. Recommend staffing actions on direct reports, including hiring, promotions, wage adjustments, performance management, and terminations. Maintain work/vacation schedule; monitor time and attendance.
4. Analyze staff productivity. Recommend enhancements to current operational programs and procedures to improve efficiencies.

• Continued communication with staff, colleagues, and external partners related to risk event changes, laws, regulations, network rues and other requirements.
• Provide guidance and respond to daily inquiries from staff and ISO partners.
• Review high-risk and complex merchant activity and relationships to assess credit, compliance, AML/CFT, and fraud risk.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, and legal teams to ensure risk-informed decision-making.
• Review and modify divisional policies and procedures manuals.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of all laws and regulations affecting designated areas of responsibility. Stay abreast of new and changing laws and regulations. Provide leadership and oversight of bank practices to align with compliance expectations by managing development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of compliance policies, procedures, and control frameworks.
• Review all ISO related marketing material (applications, policies and procedures).
• Prepare presentations to senior management pertaining to merchants that pose heightened risk to the Bank.
• Assist law enforcement, card brands, and internal risk colleagues relative to potential and current risk events and compliance requirements.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

• Demonstrates managerial responsibility for underwriting and risk functions within payments industry.
• Bachelor's degree in business related subject or equivalent combination of education and related work experience. 
• Working knowledge of card brand rules, regulatory standards and requirements, and merchant processing practices.
• Experience in merchant services, bankcard risk, fraud investigation, or financial operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to successfully manage staff and simultaneous tasks while meeting deadlines on continuous basis.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, presentation, organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to continuously adhere to multiple compliance regulations. 
• Continued demonstration of sound judgement.
• Working knowledge and experience using computer and Microsoft Office applications.
• Regular attendance required during regular business hours.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sitting for extended periods of time while using computer 
• Frequent hand, wrist, and finger movements for tasks such as keyboarding, data entry, and mouse use
• Continuous close visual work is required for tasks such as data analysis, computer use, and reading
• Frequent communication in-person and via phone, talking and hearing for such interactions
• Occasional movement within the office is necessary to access files or office machinery
• Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling (up to 20 lbs)
• Occasional stooping and reaching 
• Occasional standing and walking 

MENTAL DEMANDS

• Continuously prioritizing multiple demands and meet deadlines while maintaining high level of compliance 
• Continuously applying analytical skills 
• Ability to use sound judgement and make well-informed strategic decisions and determine when to report issues to senior management
• Remind external customers of approaching deadlines and requirements

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Work in a climate-controlled building without exposure to extreme temperatures. 
• Office environment typically has a moderate noise level.
• Work area has standard office ventilation and air quality, with no exposure to fumes, dust, or other potentially harmful atmospheric conditions.

EQUIPMENT USED TO PERFORM FUNCTIONS

• Computer
• Phone
• Common Office Equipment

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Directly: 1

Indirectly: 7

DECISION MAKING

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. 
• Ability to interpret a variety of rules, regulation, policies, and policies furnished in various form.
• Direct department activities to ensure customers receive high quality service.

CONTACTS

• Internal: All levels of corporate and subsidiary personnel
• External: Regulatory agency personnel, third party service providers, card branch 

EOE

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