BSA Coordinator

Ascend is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest credit unions in the United States, with over $4 billion in assets. With an occupation-based field of membership, Ascend is focused on the expansion and diversification of the select employee groups it serves, which creates greater security for the credit union and its member-owners. Approximately 650 employees serve more than 260,000 members from 27 Middle Tennessee branch locations, Regional Operations Center, Teller Center and Corporate Headquarters. Ascend recognizes that its employees are critical to the credit union’s sustained success and future growth. Our employees are the face of the credit union and their personal successes fuel the success of the team. Through collaboration between employees, management, our membership and our Board, we fuel an engine that propels the credit union forward.

Thank you for your interest in a career with Ascend Federal Credit Union! Being employed by Ascend is vastly different than just holding a job. The credit union prides itself on providing employees rewarding career opportunities, competitive benefits and a unique work culture. The credit union’s commitment to its employees is fostered by its commitment to the member-owners, ensuring dedicated and engaged employees to serve the membership. Ascend’s vision to be the most loved credit union in our market by employees and members alike has earned the credit union distinctions including Federal Credit Union of the Year (NAFCU, 2015), Best Credit Union to Work For (2016-2022) and Training APEX Awards (2015-2023).

BSA Coordinators are responsible for overseeing the credit union's compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and related regulations as well as ensuring operations adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) standards and effectively identify and report suspicious activities. Responsible for maintaining compliance with Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), USA Patriot Act, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) Identity Theft Red Flags Program, and Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) compliance.

• Stay current on industry trends, emerging money laundering techniques, and regulatory changes that impact BSA practices.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of the organization's AML detection practices.
• Provide independent decision-making based on suspicious activity alerts generated by BSA/AML detection software.
• Conduct comprehensive investigations of suspected money laundering or terrorist financing activities based on alerts generated by the credit union’s BSA/AML software and/or leads submitted by internal or external sources.
• Investigate reports of money laundering or terrorist financing activity, gathering evidence and documentation to support findings.
• Identify risk related to money laundering and terrorist financing based on factors that could expose the credit union to illicit activities.
• Identify accounts which meet discretionary criteria to be investigated. Examine and use authority to initiate Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and file reports within the required timeframe to ensure BSA compliance.
• Complete and submit electronic Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) to FinCEN within the required 15 days to ensure BSA compliance.
• Develop and maintain the OFAC Sanctions Program.
• Verify and update internal watch list; confer with the AVP of Fraud & Security regarding suspect accounts and take appropriate action.
• Provide assistance with the Customer Identification Program (CIP), Red Flag, and Identity Theft program, in addition to managing the Ongoing Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Know Your Customer (KYC) initiatives.
• Ensure the Monetary Instrument Log (cashier’s check over $3,000) is accurate for review by internal/external auditors.
• Identify opportunities to enhance and streamline BSA reporting and workflow processes.
• Use discretionary authority to determine the disposition of members identified on the OFAC SDN and FinCEN 314(a) list. Take the necessary action to report any positive matches to the appropriate authorities.
• Provide specialized support to employees relevant to BSA, OFAC, FACTA, and the USA Patriot Act.
• Maintain the STAMP Medallion Signature Guarantee Program and offer support to certified Medallion users.
• Prepare written communication in a thorough, clear, organized and timely manner.
• Adhere to the credit union’s retention policies and applicable regulations concerning the retention of BSA/AML documentation and data.
• Utilize proper resources to document, track, and manage ongoing regulatory reporting, ensuring all information is up-to-date and accessible.
• Break down problems and issues in order to assess costs, benefits and risks of various options prior to selecting a particular approach.
• Gather sufficient information to allow a trustworthy assessment of risks and benefits of alternative approaches in any decision. Stays focused on objectives and consider both the short-term and long-term impact of decisions and keep objective in mind throughout the process.
• Read all internal publications including HUB and Possibilities.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Education

• Two years college with emphasis in business administration or equivalent experienced

Work Experience

• 3-5 years of financial institution experience is required
• 3-5 years of CTR reporting and BSA experience is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to use critical thinking skills in order to break down problems, gather information and stay focused on objectives in an effective and efficient manner.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work with minimum supervision.
• Must possess a high degree of poise and tact to represent the credit union positively in outside contacts and employees.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted driver's license.
• Working knowledge of computer programs including Word Perfect, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and Excel. Must be able to be trained on surveillance and access control systems. Must be proficient in internet navigation.
• Must be able to operate or have the ability to be trained to operate related office equipment, including calculator, computer terminal (PC), multifunction copier, telephone, fraud fighter, and typewriter.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

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