Description

Our client is seeking a Transaction Monitoring Specialist with a primary focus on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) transaction monitoring to join the team. You will be entrusted with responsibilities that allow for meaningful contributions, close collaboration with highly knowledgeable colleagues, and the advancement of a robust compliance framework that underpins both business growth and regulatory excellence.

Key Responsibilities:
In your capacity as Transaction Monitoring Specialist, you will be immersed in the daily operations of a highly respected financial institution's compliance function. Your principal focus will be on conducting detailed investigations into transaction alerts-meticulously researching cases, documenting findings with precision, escalating issues judiciously when warranted, and providing valuable feedback to enhance internal processes. You will play an integral role in peer-reviewing work within Level 2 processes to ensure that quality standards are consistently upheld across the team. In addition to these core duties, you will assist with implementing advanced management information systems for transaction monitoring, support colleagues in refining operational procedures, and contribute your expertise towards broader AML/CFT program development. Success in this position requires not only technical proficiency but also a spirit of collaboration; you will be expected to share knowledge generously, participate actively in cross-functional projects, and help cultivate an environment where every individual feels valued. The role offers considerable variety-each day brings new challenges-and provides ample opportunity for you to expand your skills while making a substantive contribution to safeguarding the integrity of financial operations.

• Conduct comprehensive investigations into transaction alerts at the alert level, ensuring all activities are meticulously aligned with established AML/CFT protocols and prevailing regulatory requirements.
• Undertake thorough research, documentation, and escalation of suspicious activity alerts as appropriate, providing a clear rationale and substantiating evidence for each escalation.
• Participate in peer review processes at Level 2 by offering constructive feedback to uphold exemplary standards across the compliance team.
• Monitor the quality of non-escalated alerts, identifying emerging trends or potential gaps and recommending enhancements to existing procedures.
• Assist in the implementation of management information systems designed to optimize transaction monitoring efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Support alert-level staff by refining review procedures, operational workflows, and documentation practices to ensure clarity and consistency throughout the process.
• Collaborate closely with departments such as Know Your Customer (KYC) and Vendor Management to facilitate seamless integration of compliance efforts across the branch.
• Contribute proactively to the ongoing development of the AML/CFT and sanctions program by sharing insights, participating in projects beyond core transaction monitoring duties, and embracing new responsibilities as required.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry best practices in financial crime prevention through continuous learning and external research endeavors.
• Foster a positive team environment by modelling supportive behaviors, encouraging open communication, and assisting colleagues in elevating their performance.

Key Requirements:
To excel as a Transaction Monitoring Specialist within this prominent financial institution's New York branch, you will bring demonstrable experience navigating complex AML/CFT environments with diligence and discernment. Your professional background should encompass several years spent investigating transaction alerts-showcasing not only technical competence but also an ability to communicate findings effectively across various levels of the organization. You will have refined your analytical abilities through regular assessment of alert quality standards while developing strong interpersonal skills that enable seamless collaboration during reviews or joint projects. A bachelor's degree forms the cornerstone of your academic credentials; if you possess further certifications such as ACAMS or familiarity with data analysis tools used in compliance settings, these attributes will serve as valuable assets. Above all else, your approach is grounded in empathy for others' perspectives-a service mindset that places shared objectives above individual achievement-and you remain steadfastly committed to upholding high ethical standards at all times. Your dependability ensures colleagues can place their trust in your judgement under pressure whilst your willingness to embrace new challenges contributes meaningfully to continuous improvement throughout the team.
Possess at least three years' practical experience in transaction monitoring within an AML/CFT context at a financial institution or similarly regulated environment.

• Demonstrate capability in managing alert investigations from initial review through escalation or closure, including providing insightful feedback on process improvements.
• Exhibit a proven record of assessing quality against defined standards and contributing positively to peer review processes within compliance teams.
• Display exceptional written and verbal communication skills that enable you to articulate complex findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Show advanced analytical skills with an aptitude for discerning patterns or anomalies within substantial data sets related to financial transactions.
• Hold a bachelor's degree as a minimum requirement; additional certifications such as ACAMS or equivalent are highly desirable, though not mandatory.
• Possess experience with data analysis tools or management information systems relevant to transaction monitoring (preferred but not essential).
• Demonstrate strong English language proficiency-both spoken and written-to facilitate effective collaboration across diverse teams.
• Adopt a service-minded approach combined with a deep understanding of compliance principles and regulatory expectations within the banking or financial services sectors.
• Thrive in a structured yet flexible environment where teamwork, attention to detail, reliability, and adaptability are highly regarded.

What sets this company apart:

• This esteemed organization distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to cultivating an inclusive workplace where every voice is accorded respect.