AVP, AML Sanctions

Synchrony's Risk Team provides independent oversight of Synchrony's risk-taking activities to ensure safety and soundness, meet regulatory and legal requirements, and manage risks to the risk-appetite of the Board. Risk is responsible for independently assessing, quantifying, and overseeing risks & providing effective challenge. Risk serves as Synchrony's Second Line of Defense.

Overall, Risk Team oversees and manages the Risk Program to support the business in anticipating and addressing risks, issues and challenges. Results are consistent with the respective strategic uses and complying with related overall risk, risk testing policies, standards, procedures as well as regulations. Our Risk organization consists of 4 pillars: Compliance, Credit & Financial Risk, Enterprise Risk and Operational Risk. Each of the pillars play a vital role in managing Risk and supports the business in anticipating and addressing risks, issues, and challenges.

The AVP, AML Sanctions will assume ownership of the integration of adverse media program initiatives and ensure comprehensive oversight of the AML Operations & Watchlist Screening Team. You will play a critical part in program management, issue resolution, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and ongoing monitoring activities. This role will also serve as a key liaison for regulatory and review management activities, including sanctions risk assessments, internal audits, OCC examinations, risk testing.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development, implementation, and integration of the adverse media program with the overall AML framework.
• Assist in the development, documentation, and enhancement of policies, procedures, and training materials related to adverse media program and screening operations.
• Monitor daily alert volumes and analyze KPI/KRI for potential escalations and report to the VP, Sanctions/Watchlist Screening as necessary.
• Provide ongoing monitoring as part of onboarding (customers, suppliers, merchants) and continuous screening processes.
• Provide day to day support to the Sanctions team and VP, responding to ad hoc requests, investigations, and special projects as assigned.
• Support the review and finalization of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) activities; and resolve gaps or open issues in partnership with the 1LOD team as needed.
• Serve as an additional point of contact for annual Sanctions risk assessment, Risk Aggregation processes, Internal Audits, OCC exams, Risk Testing, Risk Data Governance, and Model Risk Management activities related to the Sanctions/Watchlist Program.
• Assist in data mapping/lineage project and design and implement new controls to ensure proper oversight of the Watchlist Screening system.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 4 years of experience in BSA/AML/OFAC; OR in lieu of the Bachelor's degree, a minimum of 7 years of experience in Adverse Media Program Management at a large financial institution.
• 4+ years of experience with bank policies, procedures and operations.
• Working knowledge of Bank Secrecy Act, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC Sanctions, and the FFIEC Examinations Manual.
• Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required.

Desired Characteristics:

• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral); experience making presentations to senior level audiences.
• Independent worker, analytical and critical thinker; ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer literacy required (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Knowledge and expertise of Adverse Media Program Management.
• Knowledge of general banking with an understanding of deposit and lending products.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for coordination/liaison functions.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• CGSS, CAMS, or CAFP certification.

The salary range for this position is 90,000.00 USD Annual and is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance. Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge. Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You must be 18 years or older.
• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• You must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints as part of the onboarding process.
• You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.

New hires (Level 4-7) must have 9 months of continuous service with the company before they are eligible to post on other roles. Once this new hire time in position requirement is met, the associate will have a minimum 6 months' time in position before they can post for future non-exempt roles. Employees, level 8 or greater, must have at least 18 months' time in position before they can post. All internal employees must consistently meet performance expectations and have approval from your manager to post (or the approval of your manager and HR if you don't meet the time in position or performance expectations).

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Our Commitment:

When you join us, you'll be part of an inclusive culture where your individual skills, experience, and voice are not only heard – but valued. Together, we're building a future where we can all belong, connect, and turn ideals into action. More than 50% of our workforce is engaged in our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where community and passion intersect to offer a safe space to learn and grow.

This starts when you choose to apply for a role at Synchrony. We ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We're proud to have an award-winning culture for all.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice:

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

If you need special accommodations, please call our Career Support Line so that we can discuss your specific situation. We can be reached at Representatives are available from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time.

Job Family Group: Risk Management