We are currently seeking an EDD Specialist to join our team.

The Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) Specialist serves as a key member of the Anti-Money Laundering Operations team, applying expert judgment and investigative acumen to manage complex and high-risk cases. This role is responsible for overseeing EDD operations, conducting thorough reviews of high-risk accounts, and investigations into extremely high-risk activity.

Here’s what would be included as a part of your typical day

-**Investigation:**Assists with semi complex investigations (example production orders) into suspicious activity that may be related to money laundering or terrorist financing, including preparing investigative reports with findings and recommendations gathered from the analysis of account history and source documents, liaising with branch staff as appropriate. Identifies potential high-risk indicators and escalates cases requiring further assessment or management decision-making. Liaises with business when needed to conduct member conversations under guidance to help address transactional AML concerns.

-**High Risk Membership Management:**Supports comprehensive annual reviews of high-risk member accounts in line with regulatory requirements and First West AML/ATF policy. Reviews account and transaction information that exhibit elevated risk indicators or suspicious activity patterns and escalates concerns to Senior EDD Specialist for formal investigation. Prepares and submits investigative packages for review, ensuring that all relevant evidence and risk factors are clearly documented. Provides investigative insights and risk assessments for newly onboarded high-risk members, supporting the approval process in collaboration with Regulatory Compliance.

-**Proactive Measures:**Assists in the development and conduct training sessions on Anti-Money Laundering. Exercises a significant degree of judgment, intuition and discretion in managing investigations and evidence. Deploys best practices and established investigative techniques and meets service standards for quality and timeliness.

-**Risk and Compliance:**Monitors and ensures compliance with existing legislation, and provides consultation, technical advice and support in the development and implementation of effective and proactive regulatory programs, controls, guidelines and systems. Ensures all statutory and non-statutory reporting is completed for suspicious transactions including comprehensive and detailed FINTRAC reports.

-**Representation:**Represents the Credit Union in criminal and/or civil proceedings as required to testify on the Credit Union’s behalf. Acts as a liaison with local law enforcement; justice system agencies, regulatory bodies, internal and external auditors. Remains active in AML community in order to maintain and build strong working relationships in our industry. Represents the credit union as a professional subject matter expert. Actively participate in educational sessions involving AML Operations.

Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminology/ Business or related field required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Certification in ACAMS, CFCS or ACFI is preferred

• 3 years in the financial industry with regulatory, compliance or investigative responsibilities or a combination of education and experience Working knowledge with PCMLTFA and FINTRAC Regulations

• Demonstrated experience in conducting investigations and implementing AML requirements

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively and build long-term relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies, auditors, industry peers and law enforcement agencies

• Take responsibility for self-development and continuous learning

• Demonstrated investigative, and report writing skills

• Experience using AML systems and investigative tools.

• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Data Analytics Tools)

• Displays an understanding of risk and risk ownership by being able to demonstrate adherence to policies and procedures.

What’s in it for you:

First, we strive to make our team members feel genuinely rewarded. You’ll have:

• Mental health coverage and resources
• Customizable health benefits, as well as topped-up parental leave
• Performance-based compensation, employee banking advantages and group RRSP matching
• Vacation time and flexible work arrangements to support your lifestyle

We are committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive rewards package that reflects the value an individual brings to our organization. The compensation mentioned in this job posting should serve as a guide. The total cash compensation earned may vary based on a variety of factors including bonuses and/or incentives, an individual’s skills and experience, and may correlate with performance in the role.

We also provide and encourage opportunities for our employees to make a meaningful impact. After all, as a credit union we’re powered by giving back—in big ways and through small gestures. That's why we offer employees paid time off to volunteer, partner with thousands of local charities, build long-lasting relationships that help our members get ahead and commit to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

By joining our team, you’ll be able to elevate your potential. Wherever your own purpose leads, we’re here to support you with award-winning in-house training programs, access to LinkedIn Learning, and reimbursement for external courses to help you get ahead.

Take the next step in your career as part of our team. Apply for this opportunity!

Candidates, please note: if you are being considered for this role, you will be required to complete a background check, such as employment verification, credit check and criminal record check.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

At First West Credit Union, we embrace diversity regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity, age, diverse ability, and any aspect that makes someone unique. Inclusion is woven through our organization, from our employee-led network groups, hiring practices and education programs that address barriers and continually grow our equitable, diverse and inclusive culture.

We encourage people who are from equity-deserving groups to apply for a career with us, including women or non-binary people, persons with diverse abilities, Black, Indigenous Peoples, People of Colour and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If an accommodation would help you during the process of applying or interviewing for a career with us, please let us know how we can assist you, whether it’s preparing materials in an alternate format, booking an accessible meeting room or other arrangement.

Your individuality is welcome here.

About Us

We’re a financial cooperative that does things differently. We provide time-tested advice that helps our members feel optimistic about their future, and we offer comprehensive banking solutions that enable people to confidently reach their goals. With the financial strength and extended branch network of a large financial institution, we maintain local connections to our communities and take a unique grassroots approach to service. Our more than 250,000 members and approximately 1,250 employees operate from 45 branches throughout the province of BC, under the Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings and Enderby & District Financial brands. Visit firstwestcu.ca for more information on First West Credit Union.

Please know we appreciate your interest in us but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.