Financial Crimes Governance Analyst

Job Description

The Financial Crimes Governance Partner is responsible for the development and the ongoing maintenance of the Bank's Financial Crimes risk management framework governing policies, procedures, and risk and control self-assessments. This role within Northwest's Financial Crimes Department will serve as a source of risk management best practices to both first and second lines of defense ("1LOD" and "2LOD") management and personnel. The role will involve engagement with the business units to promote strong risk management practices across Northwest. This position will focus on identifying, controlling and reporting risk and vulnerabilities in an effective, timely and uniform manner.

This position will participate in developing the appropriate Financial Crimes training relevant to Northwest's risk profile for bank personnel, including 1LOD and 2LOD. Training shall be developed to ensure appropriate compliance will all aspects of Financial Crimes where the training is appropriate for each operational area.

The position will participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of Northwest's global sanctions, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering (AML), export controls, anti-boycott programs and anti-fraud programs (collectively, "Financial Crime Risks"). Develop governance for risk-based program oversight focused on CDD, EDD, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, SAR/No SAR decision and filings, rejected/blocked transactions reporting, and other financial crimes workstreams. This position will help formulate metrics-driven with insights and recommendations to business stakeholders and support related initiatives including internal/external regulatory exams/audits and strategic projects.

Essential Functions
* Enhance, maintain and provide direction on all Financial Crimes governing documents, framework documents and risk and control self-assessments. This also includes, but is not limited to, the BSA/AML Policy, Risk Appetite Framework and Statement, and the Risk and Control Self-Assessment Procedures document
* Influence outcomes across stakeholders in all lines of defense with respect to the development of risk management principles, reaching consensus on integration and alignment, and continually identifying enhancements
* Establish stature & authority through representation at key forums across the Bank, specific to Financial Crimes, to emphasize the connectivity in principles and standards across policies and processes
* Assist leaders within Financial Crimes in developing and enhancing existing policies and procedures
* Assist in the development and maintenance of a consistent and common risk language, including the refinement of the existing risk taxonomy, definitions, common measurement, and ratings system
* Serve as a subject matter expert and resource to other members of the Financial Crimes Department and other LOD management
* Assist in developing trainings and ongoing formal and informal communication to entrench a risk management culture in the bank
* Drive the adherence to Northwest's BSA/AML Policy and play a significant role in driving Northwest's risk culture
* Assist leaders within Financial Crimes in evaluating gaps and areas of improvement within business processes to ensure their alignment with Northwest's risk management framework
* Assist business unit leadership to determine Financial Crimes risk associated with new products/services to ensure appropriate risk management that adheres to Northwest's risk management framework
* Provide subject matter expertise support for setting requirements, generating content and developing Financial Crimes Risks training plans
* Develop and produce Financial Crimes governance reports on a regular basis to assist in reporting to senior management and the Board of Directors on the operation and progress of Financial Crimes risk management efforts
* Maintain a current awareness of the regulatory environment and emerging financial crimes that may impact Northwest's products / services
* Assist on the development of risk assessments covering Financial Crimes Risk disciplines
* Drive compliance with applicable regulatory and policy requirements
* Apply sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalate, manage, and report control issues to leaders within Financial Crimes with transparency
* Assist in complex or sensitive topics to achieve appropriate actions and outcomes

Additional Essential Functions
* Ensure compliance with Northwest's policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations
* Navigate Microsoft Office Software, computer applications, and software specific to the department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency
* Work as part of a team
* Work with on-site equipment

Additional Responsibilities
* Complete special projects as assigned

Safety and Health for those without supervisory duties
* Abide by the rules of the safety and loss prevention program
* Perform work tasks in a safe manner
* Report any and all injuries to supervisor
* Know what to do in case of an emergency

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education
Bachelor's Degree Accounting, Business Finance, or related degree

Work Experience
8 - 12 years Banking or regulatory experience

General Employee Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
* Ability to establish effective working relationships among team members and participate in solving problems and making decisions
* Ability to present and express ideas and information clearly and concisely in a manner appropriate to the audience, whether oral or written
* Ability to actively listen to what others are saying to achieve understanding, sharing information with others and facilitating the open exchange of ideas and information
* Ability to establish courses of action for self to accomplish specific goals, develop and use tracking systems for monitoring own work progress, and effectively use resources such as time and information
* Ability to make right decisions based on perceptive and analytical processes, practicing good judgment in gray areas

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to identify existing and potential problems, obtain and evaluate relevant information, identify possible causes of the problems, and suggest an alternative course of action including innovative or creative approaches
Ability to allocate and effectively use information, personnel, time, and other resources necessary for implementation of Northwest's strategic plans
Ability to make decisions, render judgments, and take action on tasks within the scope of given authority in a timely fashion
Ability to develop, evaluate, and implement alternative courses of action, based on correct assumptions concerning resources and guidelines, and support decisions or recommendations with data or reasoning
Ability to present and express ideas and information effectively and concisely in an oral and/or written mode in a manner appropriate for the audience
Ability to listen and comprehend what others are saying and facilitate the open exchange of ideas and information
Ability to motivate and provide direction in the activities of others, appropriately assigning work and authority, in the accomplishment of goals; providing advice and assistance as required
Ability to understand and appropriately apply procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies; maintain credibility with others on specialty matters
Experience in managing regulatory exams and relationships with examiners and auditors
Extensive knowledge of appropriate regulatory requirements including local and US laws, international and industry standards
Extensive knowledge of AML and Fraud regulations, risks, and appropriate controls
Demonstrated leadership and motivational skills
Ability to work with regional partners, and influence and lead people across culture and senior level
Ability to identify existing and potential problems, obtain and evaluate relevant information, identify possible causes of the problems, and suggest an alternative course of action including innovative or creative approaches
Ability to allocate and effectively use information, personnel, time, and other resources necessary for implementation of Northwest's strategic plans
Ability to make decisions, render judgments, and take action on tasks within the scope of given authority in a timely fashion
Team player
Strong organizational and communication / persuasive skills
Ability to analyze financial data and statistics

Thorough knowledge of commercial lending concepts
Awareness of business legal environment, credit market, and strategic risks

Licenses and Certifications
Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists Upon Hire

Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.