AML/ATF Specialist

Toronto Corporate Office
Etobicoke, ON M8X 2X3, CAN

Description

About this opportunity

At Meridian our aspiration is to integrate our purpose into everything we do for people, the planet, and communities. We believe that our greatest opportunity is to create opportunity and meet people where they are.

The AML/ATF Specialist position is classified as a Level ll investigative role within a structured three-tier framework. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned AML/ATF professional and recognized subject‑matter expert, demonstrating a strong track record in executing complex investigations and performing enhanced due diligence (“EDD”) for both new and existing high‑risk Member relationships. Key responsibilities include managing a broad spectrum of investigations, encompassing matters related to FINTRAC initiatives (for example, human trafficking and ideologically motivated violent extremism), production orders, politically exposed persons (“PEP”), sanctions evasion, negative media, and high‑risk monitoring. Prior experience in conducting EDD investigations involving complex corporate or entity structures is highly desirable and will be considered a significant asset.

Key Responsibilities

Case Work:

• Complete EDD reviews of businesses and high‑risk clients such as PEPs, working with the lines of business to understand complex ownership and control structures.
• Analyze financial records/documents related to business accounts.
• Adjudicate cases from all sources and prepare and submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (“STR”) as necessary.
• Develop and execute risk assessment/scoring methods, processes, and risk mitigation activities relative to the risks identified, which may include novel scenarios.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Know Your Member (“KYM”) profiles and effectively apply this knowledge to assess and manage risk profiles during case reviews.
• Conduct thorough examinations of cases in relation to Listed Person or Entity Property Report (“LPEPR”), and take appropriate action when applicable, including the freezing of accounts and filing LPEPRs in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Support other operational tasks as required.

Program Support:

• Provide subject matter expertise and consulting to internal stakeholders including branch and Business Banking management.
• Develop and deliver AML/ATF training to a variety of audiences.
• Provide support in preparation for internal/external audits and Quality Control activities.
• Provide guidance and support to team members in the completion of their assigned tasks.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to peers where opportunities exist.
• Complete project work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of FINTRAC’s Guidelines, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (“PCMLTFA”), and associated Regulations.
• Working‑level understanding of the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada;
• Working‑level understanding of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”) ;
• Expert‑level understanding of Money Laundering/Terrorist Financing typologies and risk factors, including a demonstrated ability to keep up‑to‑date with emerging trends and risks;
• Expert‑level understanding of financial products and services, operational policies, procedures, delivery systems, and risk management methodologies;
• Proficiency with MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
• Proficiency with SQL or other database management and reporting software is an asset; and
• Experience working with an AML alert/case management system/software is an asset.
• Experience working with Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is an asset.

Problem Solving Skills:

• Ability to operate independently within agreed parameters and will contribute to the development of those parameters;
• Ability to multitask and judge multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment;
• Ability to apply knowledge and experience to find novel solutions to unique challenges;
• Ability to demonstrate well‑reasoned judgment and critical thinking skills in unfamiliar situations;
• Ability to coach business partners through AML/ATF‑related challenges and influence outcomes; and
• Ability to provide guidance to other teammates with respect to prioritization and problem solving.

Time Management Skills:

• Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment; and
• Ability to balance workloads and prioritize according to importance.

Communication Skills:

• Professional level writing skills.
• Ability to provide tactical guidance and direction to others on the team;
• Tact and diplomacy to respond to inquiries from internal partners, external partners (regulators and other government agencies, law enforcement, etc.) and internal auditors, as appropriate;
• Influencing skills to guide business partners through decision‑making processes related to AML/ATF challenges;
• Ability to clearly articulate observations/recommendations in an organized and understandable format, tailored for the target audience;
• Ability to prepare, write, and submit prescribed reports to FINTRAC;
• Ability to prepare reports including detailed recommendations for all audiences within the business, including the Board of Directors;
• Ability to prepare newsletters, bulletins, policy & procedures for all audiences within the business including the Board of Directors; and
• Ability to present to large groups through varying channels (phone, webinar, and in person).

Education, Work Experience, and Professional Designations/Certifications

• Relevant Post‑Secondary education or equivalent experience.
• 3‑5 years of experience working in AML/ATF compliance and/or investigations; or
• 3‑5 years of experience working in the financial services industry and 1‑3 years of experience working in AML/ATF compliance and/or investigations.
• Experience in criminal/regulatory/internal/administrative investigations outside of the AML/ATF industry is an asset.
• Obtained or working towards CAMS designation, or, will be eligible and encouraged to obtain CAMS designation within 6 months of start date.
• Certified Fraud Examiner (“CFE”) or other relevant designations are an asset.
• Comfort learning and adopting new digital tools, with an openness to using AI‑enabled technology to enhance productivity, accuracy, and the Member experience.

This role represents an existing vacancy. Internal candidates are being considered as part of our standard process.

Salary Range

CAD $59,800.00 to $85,000.00 annually.

Compensation for this role is based on a combination of skills, experience, and internal equity. Candidates with stronger alignment to the role’s requirements may be placed higher within the range. Your recruiter will share more information about our total rewards package during the hiring process.

Office Location

Toronto Corporate Office located at 3280 Bloor St W, Etobicoke, ON.

Meridian has a remote work policy that allows flexibility for employees to work remotely but also requires regular time in the office for purposeful meetings to collaborate, innovate and build effective relationships with your team, your colleagues and your leader which is very important to us.

What's in it for you?

• We have an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success
• We provide you with the tools and technology needed to delight your candidates and clients
• You'll get to work with and learn from diverse industry leaders
• Hybrid work arrangements with in‑person office time to collaborate, innovate and build relationships with your colleagues
• This isn't your typical "corporate" job. We work hard and we have fun!

Build the Future of Banking with Us

At Meridian, we’re not just adapting to the future—we’re shaping it. We see talent as a catalyst for sustainable growth , community impact , and future‑readiness . As the financial landscape evolves, we’re looking for team members who bring:

• Embedding & leveraging technology – Confidence and willingness to learn and integrate AI and emerging technologies into new ways of working. Experience with low/no code tools like the Microsoft Power Platform and generative AI productivity tools like Microsoft Copilot is considered an asset
• Critical Thinking – The ability to analyze, evaluate and interpret information from various sources and apply logic and problem solving to make decisions.
• Data Driven – Leverage data and insights to identify, prioritize and improve member experience and business efficiency.
• Curiosity & Flexibility – Comfortable navigating and embracing change and uncertainty, ask more questions, explore more options. Continuously learn and grow.

Who we are:

Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, and second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of our more than 380,000 Members. Meridian has more than 80 years of banking history and is 100% owned by its members. With 87 retail branches and 15 Business Banking Centers across Ontario and $ 32B in assets under management, Meridian offers a full range of financial products and services to its retail, business banking and wealth members. With over 2200 employees and corporate offices located in Toronto and St. Catharines, Meridian has a track record of creating and delivering innovative new offerings and is committed to investing in the communities that we serve. Our plan is tobuild on our momentum as we deliver on our purpose - helping our members achieve their best life.

Meridian committed to promoting an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to employing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities and Members in which we live and serve.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Please note that due to the volume of applications, only those under consideration will be contacted for an interview.

Thank you for your interest in Meridian Credit Union.