Lead Auditor - Financial Crimes

Lead Auditor – Financial Crimes

Reporting to the Internal Audit Financial Crimes Manager, the Lead Auditor – Financial Crimes will be responsible for executing Financial Crimes audit engagements across Fraud, BSA/AML, and Sanctions programs. The Lead Auditor will perform complex audit work to assess the adequacy of internal controls, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and the effectiveness of risk management and governance processes specific to financial crimes risk.

What You'll Do:

• Lead Auditors are guided by and demonstrate Customers Bank's values every day to accomplish the strategy, with a dedicated focus on Financial Crimes audit coverage.
• Assist the Internal Audit Financial Crimes Manager in execution of the annual Financial Crimes audit plan, encompassing Fraud, BSA/AML, and Sanctions audits.
• Lead in Financial Crimes audit planning, including development of risk assessments and audit programs for Fraud, BSA/AML, and Sanctions engagements.
• Assign audit fieldwork to Senior and Staff Auditors, including the testing of the design and effectiveness of internal controls.
• Perform audit fieldwork for the more complex portions of Financial Crimes audit engagements, including assessments of fraud detection controls, AML transaction monitoring, KYC/CDD program effectiveness, and sanctions screening.
• Document audit results and audit issues in accordance with Corporate Audit Policies and Procedures.
• Oversee/manage Senior and Staff Auditors, as assigned.
• Review audit field work prepared and audit issues identified by Senior and Staff Auditors as assigned, and provide review/coaching feedback.
• Coordinate with Audit Manager/Audit Director to determine appropriate recommendations for management.
• Draft audit reports for review by the Audit Manager/Audit Director.
• Complete audit assignments within established budgets and due dates.
• Provide external audit support as needed.
• Keep current on relevant Financial Crimes regulations, typologies, and enforcement trends, including BSA/AML guidance (FinCEN, FFIEC), OFAC sanctions requirements, and fraud-related regulatory expectations.
• Implement best practices and procedures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Financial Crimes audit function, including leveraging CAAT's (Computer Aided Auditing Techniques); proactively identify and evaluate opportunities to incorporate AI use cases within audit processes where applicable; support coverage of Digital Asset customers and related financial crimes risks as needed.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with management and the Audit Team.
• Provide consistent quality customer service to all constituents of internal audit.
• Other duties as assigned.

What Do You Need?

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance or business preferred.
• CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist), CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), or other relevant Financial Crimes certification strongly preferred; CIA, CISA, or CPA also valued.
• Minimum of 5 – 7 years of financial institution audit, compliance, or equivalent experience, with a strong focus on Financial Crimes (BSA/AML, Fraud, and/or Sanctions).
• Proficient in applying professional auditing principles and practices (Institute of Internal Auditor's International Professional Practice Framework).
• Strong knowledge of Financial Crimes risk domains, including KYC/CDD/EDD program requirements, transaction monitoring systems and alert investigation processes, fraud typologies (e.g., first-party, third-party, identity, payments fraud), and OFAC/sanctions screening controls.
• Familiarity with applicable Financial Crimes regulatory frameworks and guidance, including BSA, USA PATRIOT Act, FFIEC BSA/AML Examination Manual, FinCEN regulations, and OFAC requirements; understanding of internal control identification, evaluation, and testing concepts.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple assignments simultaneously and oversee/manage assigned staff.
• Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing clearly and concisely.
• Ability to actively and skillfully conceptualize, apply, analyze and/or evaluate information generated by observation, experience, reflection, reasoning or communication.
• Ability to formulate a sound decision using the available information.
• Ability to effectively build relationships with constituents and co-workers.
• Ability to manage own time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals and utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.

Technology Skills:

• Ability to work with the Microsoft Suite and learn/work with other Customers Bank's applications.
• Familiarity with AI and automation tools that support productivity, workflow efficiency, and client engagement.

Customers Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We also provide "reasonable accommodations", upon request, to qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws.

Diversity Statement:

At Customers Bank, we believe in working smart, working together, and having fun while delivering innovative solutions and memorable experiences for our customers. We are committed to the continual advancement of a culture which reflects the value we place on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We honor the diverse experiences, perspectives, and identities of our team members, and we recognize that it is their passion, creativity, and integrity that drives our success. Step into your future with us! Let's take on tomorrow.