AML/ATF Specialist

At Meridian our aspiration is to integrate our purpose into everything we do for people, the planet, and communities. We believe that our greatest opportunity is to create opportunity and meet people where they are.

The successful candidate will be a seasoned AML/ATF professional and subject-matter expert, who provides enhanced due diligence for new and existing client relationships considered to be higher risk. Previous experience conducting enhanced due diligence investigations on commercial businesses is required for this role.

The candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, where they will be required to investigate and assess relationships for potential financial, reputational, operational and compliance risks while achieving their own demanding personal targets. The candidate will easily build trust and rapport with business partners to become their trusted advisor and go-to contact within our team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Complete enhanced due diligence on commercial cases.
• Adjudicate cases from all sources, and prepare and submit Suspicious Transaction Reports as necessary.
• Complete complex and internal investigations.
• Develop and execute enhanced due diligence regimes in support of complex Member and business scenarios.
• Develop and execute risk assessment/scoring methods, processes, and mitigation activities.
• Complete Know Your Member reviews and updates.

• Support the creation and maintenance of all relevant policies and procedures.
• Provide subject matter expertise and consulting to stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver AML/ATF training to a variety of audiences.
• Develop and prepare departmental and Board-level reporting.
• Provide support in preparation for internal/external audit and Quality Control activities.
• Complete project work as assigned.

• Provide guidance and support to team members in the completion of their assigned tasks.
• Provide first-level review of Suspicious Transaction Reports and Part G submissions and case notes.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to peers where opportunities exist.

• Prepare and submit Suspicious Transaction Reports and Terrorist Property Reports.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience working in AML/ATF compliance and/or investigations; or
• 3-5 years of experience working in the financial services industry and 1-3 years of experience working in AML/ATF compliance and/or investigations.
• Experience in criminal/regulatory/internal/administrative investigations outside of the AML/ATF industry is an asset.

Education:

• Obtained or working towards CAMS designation, or, will be eligible and encouraged to obtain CAMS designation within 6 months of start date.
• CFE, CFCS or other relevant designations are an asset.
• Relevant Post-Secondary education or equivalent experience is an asset.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

Knowledge:

• a strong level of understanding of FINTRAC’s Guidelines, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and its associated Regulations, and of OSFI’s Guideline B-8;
• a working-level understanding of the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada;
• a working-level understanding of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act;
• an expert-level understanding of ML/TF typologies and risk factors, including a demonstrated ability to keep up-to-date with emerging trends and risks;
• an expert-level understanding of financial products and services, operational policies, procedures, delivery systems, and risk management methodologies;
• Proficiency with SQL or other database management and reporting software is an asset;
• Proficiency with MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); and
• Experience working with an AML alert/case management system/software is an asset.

Problem Solving Skills:

• the ability to operate independently within agreed parameters and to contribute to the development of those parameters;
• the ability to apply knowledge and experience to find novel solutions to unique challenges;
• the ability to demonstrate well-reasoned judgment and critical thinking skills in unfamiliar situations;
• the ability to coach business partners through AML/ATF-related challenges and influence outcomes; and
• the ability to provide guidance to other teammates with respect to prioritization and problem solving.

Time Management Skills:

• the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment; and
• the ability to balance workloads and prioritize according to importance.

Communication Skills:

• complete fluency in spoken and written English;
• the ability to provide tactical guidance and direction to others on the team;
• tact and diplomacy to respond to inquiries from our internal partners, external partners (regulators and other government agencies, law enforcement, etc.), internal auditors, and Members;
• influencing skills to guide business partners through decision-making processes related to AML/ATF challenges;
• the ability to clearly articulate observations/recommendations in an organized and understandable format, tailored for the target audience;
• the ability to prepare, write, and submit prescribed reports to FINTRAC;
• the ability to prepare reports including detailed recommendations, for all audiences within the business including the Board of Directors;
• the ability to prepare newsletters, bulletins, policy & procedures, for all audiences within the business including the Board of Directors; and
• the ability to present to large groups through varying channels (phone, webinar, and in-person).

Meridian has a remote work policy that allows flexibility for employees to work remotely but also requires regular time in the office for purposeful meetings to collaborate, innovate and build effective relationships with your team, your colleagues and your leader which is very important to us.

What's in it for you?

• We have an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success
• We provide you with the tools and technology needed to delight your candidates and clients
• You'll get to work with and learn from diverse industry leaders, who have hailed from top organizations around the world
• Hybrid work arrangements with in-person office time to collaborate, innovate and build relationships with your colleagues
• This isn't your typical "corporate" job. We work hard and we have fun

Who we are:

Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, and second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of our more than 360,000 Members. Meridian has more than 75 years of banking history and is 100% owned by its members. With 89 retail branches and 15 Business Banking Centers across Ontario and $30B in assets under management, Meridian offers a full range of financial products and services to its retail, business banking and wealth members. With over 2000 employees and corporate offices located in Toronto and St. Catharines, Meridian has a track record of creating and delivering innovative new offerings and is committed to investing in the communities that we serve. Our plan is to build on our momentum as we deliver on our purpose - helping our members achieve their best life.

Meridian is committed to promoting an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected, and supported. We are dedicated to employing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities and Members in which we live and serve.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Please note that due to the volume of applications, only those under consideration will be contacted for an interview.

Thank you for your interest in Meridian Credit Union.