Compliance Specialist

POSITION PURPOSE

Responsible for coordinating a wide range of compliance and audit activities to ensure adherence to state and federal regulations, safeguarding Credit Union assets and supporting the overall Risk & Compliance department. Assumes responsibility for the Credit Union's compliance with all applicable laws, rules and policies. Manages regulatory programs such as BSA, supports and/or conducts audits and exams, and provides backup coverage for compliance/risk team. Prepares and issues reports detailing conclusions and recommendations for improvement. Maintains strong working relationships with regulators, auditors, and internal stakeholders while ensuring the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

• Compliance
  • Manage and ensure compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) program and related regulatory requirements.
  • Monitor, implement, and ensure adherence to applicable federal and state financial regulations; analyze and report data as required.
  • Disseminate compliance guidance, review disclosures, answer regulatory questions, and act as a subject matter expert.
  • Assess risk potential of current procedures and assist in implementing controls that minimize loss exposure.
  • Review and update compliance policies, procedures, forms, and disclosures; recommend or implement corrective actions as necessary.
  • Assist with compliance training, fraud investigations, subpoenas, and examinations.
  • Communicate policy/procedure changes to impacted departments, ensuring understanding and proper implementation.
• Internal Audit
  • Develop and maintain the audit program and audit schedule, including necessary audit sample methodology and product control testing.
  • Support and/or conduct regular audits, reviews, and testing for compliance with laws, regulations, agency, and U1 requirements.
  • Support and/or perform audits across departments, including loan-level testing, account reviews, and verification of internal controls.
  • Gather, research, verify, and document audit findings; prepare detailed audit reports outlining scope, results, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • Develop and implement corrective action procedures where deficiencies are identified; monitor and report trends.
  • Support and participate in third-party and external audit tracking, assisting departments as needed.
  • Ensure audit program will withstand external scrutiny and coordinate with regulators and examiners.
• Risk & Compliance Department Support
  • Provide departmental backup support across risk and compliance functions as needed.
  • Assist with special projects, investigations, and emerging compliance/audit initiatives.
  • Prepare monthly reporting on audit and compliance activities, including trend analysis and impact.
• Assumes responsibility for establishing and maintaining effective communication and coordination with Credit Union personnel and management. To include; completing reports, records, and documents accurately and promptly; keeping management informed of area activities and of any significant problems or concerns; identifying training opportunities to improve personnel understanding of control procedures; attending meetings as required.
• Assumes responsibility for ensuring that professional business relationships are established and maintained with the community, Credit Union members, other financial institutions and regulatory professionals. Maintains the Credit Union's professional reputation, both internally and externally. Maintains and ensures the highest degree of confidentiality. Resolves requests, complaints, or problems promptly. Is prepared to discuss scope of and results of audits with auditors and examiners. Represents the Credit Union in contacts with business and trade associations and otherwise promotes the Credit Union's image.
• Assumes responsibility for related duties as required or assigned. Assists with or performs special investigations or audits as assigned. Stays informed of trends and developments in the compliance field. Continues professional development through various training opportunities. Performs related duties as needed. Ensures that work area is clean, secure, and well maintained.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Current BSA Compliance Specialist (BSACS) certification or equivalent or ability to acquire BSACS certification within 9 months of hire.

Experience Required:

• Two or more years of related progressive experience in BSA, State and Federal regulatory compliance.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Solid analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interact with other departments and personnel.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Good public relations abilities.
• Able to work well independently.
• Well organized with strong attention to detail.
• Thorough knowledge of Credit Union operations, procedures, and functions.
• Understanding of Credit Union products and services.
• Ability to operate related computer applications.