VP - BSA

The Vice President of BSA is responsible for leading the credit union's Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Fraud Risk Management programs. This role ensures regulatory compliance while safeguarding member assets and maintaining the trust and integrity central to the credit union mission. The VP serves as the designated BSA Officer and plays a key role in protecting the organization from financial crime through proactive risk management and member-focused solutions.

Has managerial responsibilities over the BSA/Fraud team. Manages, coordinates and reviews the work of assigned staff. Recommends candidates for employment, conducts performance evaluations and salary reviews for assigned staff, and applies company policy. 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Member-Centric Strategy:
  • Lead and oversee all aspects of the BSA/AML and Fraud programs with a strong focus on protecting members and their financial well-being.
  • Develop and execute strategies that balance fraud prevention with a positive member experience.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on financial crime risks and mitigation strategies.
  • Report regularly to senior management and the Board of Directors.
• Regulatory Compliance & BSA Oversight:
  • Serve as the official BSA Officer in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including BSA/AML, OFAC, and USA PATRIOT Act. 
  • Oversee timely and accurate filing of SARs and CTRs. 
  • Act as primary liaison with regulators (e.g., NCUA, state regulators) and external auditors.
  • Maintain, review, and enhance BSA/AML policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Fraud Prevention & Detection:
  • Lead enterprise-wide fraud prevention, detection, and investigation efforts across all delivery channels (branch, digital banking, cards, ACH, wires).
  • Implement and optimize fraud monitoring systems and tools.
  • Identify emerging fraud trends and adjust controls proactively.
  • Oversee fraud loss mitigation and recovery strategies.
• Risk Assessment & Monitoring:
  • Direct enterprise BSA/AML and fraud risk assessments and ensure appropriate controls are in place.
  • Utilize data analytics and reporting to monitor trends, identify risks, and drive decisionmaking.
  • Ensure appropriate due diligence for high-risk members and accounts.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Build and lead a high-performing BSA/Fraud team.
  • Promote a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure ongoing staff training and development on regulatory changes and fraud trends
• Collaboration & Culture:
  • Partner closely with Operations, Lending, IT, Compliance, and Member Experience teams to embed fraud prevention and compliance into all processes.
  • Support new products and services by ensuring appropriate controls are in place.
  • Promote financial crime awareness across the organization through training and communication.
• Reporting:
  • Prepare periodic reports for executive leadership and the board, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Perform other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

Is able to bend, sit, and stand in order to perform primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and occasional lifting of up to 10 lbs. Must be capable of climbing / descending stairs in an emergency situation. Must be able to operate routine office equipment including computer terminals and keyboards, telephones, copiers, facsimiles, and calculators. Must be able to routinely perform work on a computer for an average of 6-8 hours per day, when necessary. Must be able to work extended hours or travel off site whenever required or requested by management. Must be capable of regular, reliable and timely attendance.

Must be able to perform job functions independently or with limited supervision and work effectively either on own or as part of a team. Must be able to read and carry out various written instructions and follow oral instructions. Must be able to complete basic mathematical calculations, spell accurately, and  understand computer basics. Must be able to speak clearly and deliver information in a logical and understandable sequence. Must be capable of dealing calmly and professionally with numerous different personalities from diverse cultures at various levels within and outside of the organization and demonstrate highest levels of customer service and discretion when dealing with the public. Must be able to perform responsibilities with composure under the stress of deadlines / requirements for extreme accuracy and quality and/or fast pace. Must be able to effectively handle multiple, simultaneous, and changing priorities. Must be capable of exercising the highest level of discretion on both internal and external confidential matters.
 

Work Environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This Job Description is not a complete statement of all duties and responsibilities comprising the position.

  Knowledge and Skills:

Experience:  Minimum of 10 years of experience in BSA/AML, fraud prevention, or financial crimes within a financial institution. Minimum 5 years of leadership experience. Credit union experience strongly preferred.

Education:  (1) A bachelor's degree, or (2) substantial job-specific skills gained through relevant work experience. Degree preferred in business, finance, accounting, or a related field. Holds and maintains required BSA Compliance Officer certifications. Certified Fraud Examiner designation is a plus.

Interpersonal Skills:  Work involves extensive personal contact with others and is of a personal or sensitive nature. Motivating, influencing, and/or training others is key at this level. Outside contacts become important and fostering sound relationships with other entities (companies and/or individuals) becomes necessary and often requires the ability to influence and/or sell ideas or services to others.

Other Skills: 

• Strong technology skills, communication skills and investigative skills are required. Detail oriented. Able to deal with auditors and examiners as well as senior management. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality. Must be able to study regulations and take certification exams.
• Strong knowledge of BSA/AML regulations and credit union regulatory environment (NCUA preferred).
• Experience with fraud detection systems, transaction monitoring, and case management tools.
• Strong analytical and investigative skills.
• Ability to balance risk mitigation with member service excellence.
• Excellent communication skills, including Board-level reporting.

Key Competencies:

• Member Focus
• Regulatory & Compliance Expertise
• Strategic Leadership
• Risk Management
• Collaboration & Influence
• Ethical Judgment & Integrity