BSA Officer

WHO ARE WE:
Alerus is a commercial wealth bank and national retirement provider with one core purpose: helping clients achieve their financial goals. We are driven by a shared commitment to always do the right thing; leading with integrity and providing valued advice and guidance to our clients. We value the expertise and skillsets each team member provides and encourage collaboration, innovation, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of our company.

By consistently seeking improvements and growth, we foster long-term relationships with clients and team members. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace by numerous industry and regional outlets.

CORE VALUES: Passion for Excellence ::
Success is Never Final ::
Do the Right Thing ::
One Alerus

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The BSA/AML Officer is responsible for the enterprise-wide oversight and effectiveness of the BSA, AML, and OFAC compliance programs across all business lines and products. This role establishes strong governance, oversees day-to-day financial crime operations, and ensures regulatory expectations are met through effective risk assessment, systems, controls, and reporting. The BSA/AML Officer serves as the primary liaison with regulators, auditors, and law enforcement;

partners closely with the Enterprise Fraud Program and key stakeholders; advises executive leadership on emerging risks; and leads the BSA/AML team while embedding compliance considerations into enterprise initiatives and change governance.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• Serve as the designated BSA Officer with enterprise wide responsibility for the BSA/AML and OFAC programs across all business lines, products, legal entities, and U.S. locations.
• Establish and maintain BSA/AML governance (policies, procedures, risk assessment methodology, documentation) aligned to regulatory expectations, industry practices, and the institution's risk appetite.
• Oversee daytoday BSA/AML and OFAC operations (CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring, investigations, SAR/CTR/OFAC reporting) to ensure accuracy, timeliness, consistency, and effective escalation.
• Collaborate with the Enterprise Fraud Program to align financial crime controls and intelligence (shared typologies/red flags, case coordination, trend analysis, and cross program escalation) and incorporate relevant fraud risk assessment outputs into BSA/AML risk assessment, program enhancements, training, and management reporting.
• Lead and develop the BSA/AML team (staffing strategy, training, performance management, succession planning) so expertise scales with business complexity and growth.
• Act as the primary liaison for BSA/AML matters with regulators, auditors, and law enforcement; coordinate exams and independent testing support, and drive timely, sustainable remediation of findings (including coordination on intersecting fraud/BSA issues).
• Oversee the effectiveness of BSA/AML systems and models (vendor governance, tuning, validation support, change management) in partnership with Technology, Operations, Risk, and Enterprise Fraud Program.
• Monitor regulatory developments, enforcement actions, and emerging financial crime risks; advise executive management on impacts and required enhancements to the program.
• Provide regular reporting to executive leadership and risk committees on program effectiveness, key risk indicators, emerging risks, and regulatory matters (including fraud/AML nexus trends where relevant).
• Embed BSA/AML considerations into enterprise change governance (new products/services, acquisitions, strategic initiatives) and promote a strong culture of compliance through training, clear escalation standards, and ongoing communication.

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE:

• 10+ years of progressive BSA/AML experience in a financial institution, including program governance and leadership responsibilities.
• Professional certification (e.g., CAMS) preferred.
• Proven ability to supervise and mentor staff, and to set and administer goals and objectives
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal), with demonstrated influence and leadership capabilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and BSA/AML technology platforms, including transaction monitoring, investigation, case management, and data analysis/visualization tools used for risk assessment, trend analysis, and management reporting (Verafin experience preferred).
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Competitive compensation including base salary, bonus and/or incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package providing a wide range of health and well-being benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; and 401(k) and ESOP for retirement savings.
• Generous paid time off programs such as flexible time off, company-paid holidays, parental and bereavement leave.
• Learning and development resources for personal and professional career development, and advancement opportunities.
• Access to financial experts for guidance, financial…