| Location | Montreal, Quebec |
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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