Title: Sanctions Specialist – Regulatory Investigations & Payment Compliance
Client: Global Financial Services Organization
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Schedule: Hybrid
Type: Full-time, Ongoing W2 Contract, 6-Month Contract, New Role & Possible Conversion/Extension
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Life Insurance, Disability Coverage
Summary Our client is seeking an experienced Sanctions Specialist to support payment screening investigations, sanctions compliance reviews, regulatory monitoring, and transaction risk assessments within a fast-paced financial operations environment. This role will be responsible for conducting Level 2 sanctions investigations, reviewing escalated transactions, validating compliance with regulatory requirements, and ensuring payment processing activities align with internal policies and applicable sanctions regulations.
This position is ideal for a detail-oriented compliance professional with experience investigating sanctions alerts, conducting payment reviews, and analyzing wire transfer activity across multiple payment channels. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-volume environment, exercises sound judgment when making regulatory determinations, and collaborates effectively with cross-functional stakeholders to support operational risk management and compliance objectives.
Key Responsibilities Sanctions Review & Regulatory Investigations
-
Perform Level 2 reviews of transactions escalated for potential sanctions concerns and manage investigation queues to ensure service level commitments are met
-
Investigate payments requiring regulatory review and gather additional information necessary to support case resolution
-
Analyze investigation findings and determine the appropriate course of action based on sanctions requirements, regulatory guidance, and internal procedures
Payment Compliance & Transaction Monitoring
-
Review wire transfers and payment activity to ensure compliance with applicable sanctions regulations and internal compliance standards
-
Ensure escalated transactions are processed in accordance with regulatory obligations, payment transparency requirements, and organizational policies
-
Monitor ongoing investigations and follow-up activities to ensure timely resolution and appropriate documentation
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Operational Support
-
Partner with Compliance, Legal, Treasury, Financial Services, and Operations teams to conduct investigations and resolve complex payment-related inquiries
-
Support wire transfer searches, transaction tracing activities, and escalated regulatory reviews when required
-
Provide recommendations regarding case handling, risk mitigation, and operational improvements
Systems Governance & Reporting
-
Validate sanctions and watchlist file uploads to ensure screening systems are updated accurately and completely
-
Maintain local watchlists and entity records as requested by compliance stakeholders
-
Prepare, analyze, and distribute operational and compliance-related reports as needed
Process Improvement & Risk Management
-
Contribute to operational risk management and internal control programs
-
Identify opportunities to improve investigation workflows, procedures, and regulatory controls
-
Recommend process enhancements that strengthen compliance effectiveness and operational efficiency
Required Education & Experience
-
Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
-
2+ years of experience conducting sanctions investigations, payment reviews, or regulatory compliance activities
-
Experience reviewing wire transfers, payment transactions, and sanctions screening alerts within a financial services environment
Required Skills & Qualifications
-
Strong understanding of sanctions compliance programs, regulatory requirements, and risk management principles
-
Knowledge of OFAC processes, procedures, and sanctions investigation methodologies
-
Experience with funds transfer operations and payment processing regulations
-
Knowledge of payment networks and transfer mechanisms including SWIFT, Fedwire, CHIPS, LYNX, and ACH
-
Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills
-
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
-
High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
-
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
-
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
-
ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists) certification
-
ACSS (Association of Certified Sanctions Specialists) certification
-
Additional experience in financial crime compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), transaction monitoring, or regulatory investigations
#LI-JH1