Fraud Investigator

At Community Financial System, Inc. (CFSI), we are dedicated to providing our customers with friendly, personalized, high-quality financial services and products. Our retail division, Community Bank, N.A., operates more than 200 customer facilities across Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont and Western Massachusetts. Beyond retail banking, we also offer commercial banking, wealth management, investment management, insurance and risk management, and benefit plan administration.

Just as our employees are committed to helping our customers manage their finances, we’re committed to our employees. After all, they make it happen for our customers every day.

To ensure our people can enjoy long and successful careers here at CFSI, we offer competitive compensation, great benefits, and professional development and advancement opportunities. As an equal-opportunity workplace and affirmative-action employer, we celebrate and support a diverse workplace for the benefit of all: our employees, customers and communities.

Provide support to the Corporate Security Officer.  Major responsibilities include conducting complex internal and external investigations, assisting with security and fraud related issues, performing security training, responding to branch security related questions and ensuring the safety of branch employees and customers. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Conduct objective, fair, thorough, unbiased and timely investigations into allegations of both internal and external fraud; typically assigned more complex and/or higher dollar cases.
• Effectively and efficiently manage and prioritize a large and varied case load to achieve positive results.
• Analyze financial statements, bank records, government databases and other sources to identify/investigate fraud or other instances of financial crime.
• Prepare complete and concise investigative reports utilizing AML software.
• Timely submission of Security related SAR filings utilizing AML software.
• Examine employee transactions and fraud reports.
• Conduct interviews with employees and customers.
• Respond to emergency situations ie bank robbery, as directed by the Corporate Security Officer.  
• Perform security related training for company personnel.
• Conduct continual surveys/site inspections of all offices, departments and functions.
• Determine the need for additional security services and make appropriate recommendations.
• Perform and document GLBA inspections to ensure compliance with the Clean Desk Policy.
• Interact with security vendor(s) regarding maintenance of all physical security devices including, intrusion alarms and digital surveillance systems.
• Review and retrieve digital recordings from various company locations; testify in any criminal or civil court proceedings.
• Responsible as a liaison in interacting with law enforcement agencies, other financial institutions and District Attorneys.
• Review emerging fraud trends in an attempt to identify/prevent financial losses.
• Assist the BSA Officer when applicable with investigations of mutual concern.
• Other related duties as assigned
• Maintain proficient knowledge of, and demonstrate ongoing compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to this position, ensure ongoing adherence to pertinent policies, procedures, and internal controls, and meet all job-specific training requirements in a timely fashion.

Ancillary Duties:

As an integral member of the Security Department, this position is also responsible to provide assistance wherever necessary to help the Security Department and the Bank in achieving their annual goals.

Education/Training:  BS or BA degree with course work in criminal justice preferred or related professional work experience; interview training a plus. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Skills:  Proficient reading, writing, grammar and mathematical skills; PC skills; utilization of AML software; research and problem solving abilities; interpersonal relations and communicative skills; ability to work independently while supporting a team environment; high level of integrity and confidentiality; valid driver’s license; and knowledge of regulations and procedures affecting the bank’s security program a plus.

Experience:  Five or more years’ experience in financial fraud investigations, law enforcement or related field preferred.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience plus potential for annual merit increase. In addition to your competitive salary, you will be rewarded benefits including: 11 paid holidays, paid vacation, Medical, Vision & Dental insurance, 401K with generous match, Pension, Tuition Reimbursement, Banking discounts and the list goes on!

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand, walk or sit. Use hands and fingers, handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, and speak and hear. The employee may occasionally be required to lift and or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to focus.

The Company is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

The Company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with a disability. If you have a physical or mental impairment and would like to request an accommodation with respect to the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department.