Operations - Sanctions Specialist

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

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