Bank Compliance Officer Job Description

A bank compliance officer job description requires the person holding the position to stay up-to-date on changes in governmental and financial laws and regulations. In addition, a competent bank compliance officer must continually evaluate the bank’s policies and procedures to makes sure they are not in violation of state or federal laws.

Position Description

It is the responsibility of the bank compliance officer to ensure that everyone working in a financial institution is adhering to all state and federal laws and regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Bank Compliance Officer

Possesses a working knowledge of Bank Secrecy Regulations, Fair Credit Acts and Anti-Money Laundering Laws.
Makes sure that the bank’s policies and procedures are in line with all rules and regulations associated with mortgage and consumer lending and customer deposits.
Researches questions and gray areas regarding banking rules and regulations and ensures that the institution does not break any laws.
Implements and manages new rules and regulations when they are passed by state or federal governing bodies.
Understands and enforces public interest and consumer protection laws.
Offers advice to the Risk Management Department on compliance issues.
Works with the bank’s Chief Operating Officer to make sure all policies and procedures are being followed precisely and with no corners are cut.
Provides regular training for newly hired employees and other banking staff, particularly when any state or federal laws change.
Initiates investigations when possible non-compliance takes place within the institution.
Provides support and assistance to outside auditors when necessary.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must have keen analytical skills.
Must be detail oriented.
Must have a basic knowledge of business functions.
Must have experience dealing with audits.
Must have good research skills.
Must have a basic knowledge of statistics.
Must have excellent verbal communication skills.
Must have strong writing skills.
Must be able to operate project management and financial analysis computer software.
Must be honest and trustworthy in order to properly execute the duties of a compliance officer.

Education and Experience

Undergraduate degree, and at a larger bank, graduate degree in finance, accounting, economics, law or business.
Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) certification which requires 3 years of experience as a compliance officer and 80 hours of training courses approved by the Institute of Certified Bankers.
Certified Bank Compliance Officer (CBCO) certification.
Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP) certification.
3 to 5 years’ experience with managing compliance regulatory projects or working in an investment banking environment or other financial management position.

Work Environment

Time will be spent in a bank office environment reviewing procedures and communicating with bank employees about processes.
Must expect to spend time training employees on changes in banking regulations and any new laws pertinent to their jobs.
Expect to sit in meetings with other bank officers reviewing policies and strategizing on the most effective ways to remain compliant.
Will be necessary to travel to other bank locations.

Salary

Salaries at small community banks range from $37,000 to $50,000.
Salaries at larger national banks range from $45,000 to $95,000.

Detail-Oriented Bank Compliance Officer Job Description