BSA Specialist at Sierra Central Credit Union – Yuba City, California

Summary

The BSA Specialist supports the Compliance Manager/BSA Officer in administering Sierra Central Credit Union’s BSA/AML compliance program. This role is responsible for reviewing and investigating system generated alerts, analyzing potentially suspicious or fraudulent activity, conducting OFAC and sanctions checks, and preparing required regulatory filings, including Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). The position also supports ongoing compliance monitoring, training, reporting, and risk assessments to ensure the credit union meets all applicable BSA/AML, OFAC, and USA PATRIOT Act requirements.

Essential Functions

BSA/AML Monitoring & Investigation

• Review, analyze, and investigate BSA/AML system alerts for potentially illegal, suspicious, or fraudulent transactions.
• Identify, research, and document suspicious activity using appropriate investigative methods.
• Complete accurate SAR narratives and ensure SAR filings meet regulatory thresholds, deadlines, and requirements.
• File and maintain accurate CTRs and related documentation.
• Create and maintain trend reports for SARs, CTRs, Elder Abuse reports, and other assigned compliance data.

OFAC, Sanctions, and Due Diligence

• Conduct OFAC screenings and manage responses to FinCEN information sharing requests.
• Determine and escalate matches appropriately.
• Monitor enhanced due diligence (EDD) and customer due diligence (CDD) activity for higher risk members.
• Maintain and review BSA software alerts and reports.

Compliance Program Support

• Assist in updating BSA/AML policies and procedures and distributing updates to staff.
• Attend required regulatory training, seminars, and conferences to maintain current knowledge of BSA/AML, OFAC, sanctions laws, and emerging trends.
• Complete the annual BSA Risk Assessment as assigned.
• Assist with providing BSA/AML training to staff when needed.
• Serve as backup to the Fraud Risk Specialist as required.

Communication & Collaboration

• Respond to escalated questions from branch and operational staff regarding BSA requirements and processes.
• Present information clearly in one on one or small group settings.
• Recommend system or process enhancements to identify new patterns or schemes related to money laundering, fraud, or financial crimes.

General Expectations

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding member financial information.
• Adhere to all applicable BSA, OFAC, USA PATRIOT Act, and anti money laundering regulations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and maintain a flexible schedule when needed.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Strong analytical and investigative skills with the ability to identify patterns, assess risk, and resolve complex issues.
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document findings and convey information effectively.
3. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including advanced Excel capabilities.
4. Strong organizational skills, including effective planning, prioritization, and time management.
5. Ability to manage complex assignments independently while also collaborating effectively within a team environment.
6. Proven ability to work under pressure, meet multiple deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast paced environment.
7. High level of professionalism, confidentiality, sound judgment, and attention to detail.

Education and Experience

1. High school diploma or GED required.
2. Minimum of one year of BSA/AML experience in a financial institution, or an equivalent combination of education and related compliance experience.
3. Comprehensive understanding of the Bank Secrecy Act, OFAC regulations, the USA PATRIOT Act, and other AML-related laws and regulatory requirements.
4. Experience with BSA case management platforms, investigative research, or financial crime analysis strongly preferred.
5. Experience working with BSA/AML monitoring systems preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer – 7 to 8 hours per day.
2. Light lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling objects up to 25 lbs.
3. Intermittent walking and bending.
4. General office environment: works generally at a desk in a well-lighted, air-conditioned cubicle/office, with moderate noise levels.

Work Location
This is an on-site position at our Corporate Headquarters in Yuba City, CA.

Compensation Range

The company anticipates offering an hourly range between $27.88 and $30.29 for this position at the time of hire. This range includes base salary (or hourly wages) and does not include possible overtime for non-exempt employees or any applicable performance-based incentives or commissions.

Annual Merit Increase

Employees are eligible for a discretionary yearly merit-based salary adjustment, based on individual performance and company results.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

We provide a robust benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance options
• Voluntary Lines including hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness policies
• Company Paid HRA (with enrollment in certain health plans)
• Company Paid Basic Term Life Insurance
  • Coverage at 2× annual base salary, up to a maximum of $500,000 for full-time employees
  • $25,000 for part-time employees
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance for Full-Time Employees
• Company Paid Telehealth Services Membership (Teladoc)
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Employer-funded safe harbor contribution of 3% of employee's eligible earnings
  • Discretionary employer match on employee contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  • HSA
  • Medical FSA
  • Dependent Care FSA
  • Limited Purpose FSA
• Paid Time Off
  • Vacation accruals based on status and tenure within company
  • 12 sick days accrued annually for full-time employees
  • 1 hour for every 30 hours worked for part-time employees
  • 11 paid holidays (eligible after 90 days of employment)
• Travel Expense Reimbursement
  • All necessary and work-related travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with company policy

The preceding list of duties does not include all tasks and responsibilities that may be required with this position. Additional tasks may be assigned, as departmental and operational needs require.