Logo
Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach

Operations Legal Officer

Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach, Seal Beach, California, United States, 90740


Job Summary

The Operations Legal Officer is responsible for assisting the Director of Operations with the management and governance of all legal and regulatory issues affecting bank operations. This includes providing support to branch and department personnel related to legal and regulatory matters, Bank wide initiatives, and operational policies and procedures. This position provides comprehensive answers and engages appropriate resources to ensure issues and concerns are resolved. This position is responsible for sustaining current knowledge regarding legislative and regulatory changes and assisting the responsible business unit with related implementations. The Operations Legal Officer has excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, projects a professional image, resolves issues, and identifies effective solutions.

The Operations Legal Officer will serve as the Bank’s Records Management Officer, California and Federal Right to Financial Privacy Officer, and the Bank’s Unclaimed Property Officer

Essential Duties

Key corporate responsibilities:

Stay current and provide guidance on legislative changes pertaining to deposit operations

Manages all requests for Bank records directed to the Bank by third parties and ensures compliance with all privacy laws

Primarily responsible for maintaining and revising the Bank’s Terms and Conditions for deposit accounts, ensuring the language is updated for changes in laws and regulations

Manages all IRS notifications ensuring compliance with various IRS regulations affecting deposit operations

Participates in the creation and review of client related forms, documents, and agreements ensuring legal requirements are met

Reviews, approves, and manages Deposit Account Control Agreements presented by the Bank’s clients

Integrates process improvements within the Operations Legal Department in line with the Bank’s strategic goals

Key Operations Administration responsibilities:

Maintains governance over operational procedures performed in compliance with banking regulations, including Regulation CC application, Regulation D offender reporting, and Unclaimed Property

Works with other business units, such as BSA, Compliance, TMS, Branch Banking, ACH, Central Operations, and Wires, to assist in operational and regulatory issues, including:

General branch operations issues

BSA/AML issues and concerns

Regulation E issues and claims

Electronic transaction disputes and claims

Relationship exits

Deposit account restrictions

Money Transfer Service Agreements

Early Withdrawal Penalties

Serves as the Director of Operations’ back up for the BSA and Compliance committees

Assists the Director of Operations on policy waivers related to ACH, CMS, and Account Analysis

Reviews and creates Bank disclosures and agreements, and engages the Compliance Department as needed

Approves changes to deposit account disclosures and addenda

The Operations Legal Officer is Operations Administration’s designated subject matter expert to assist the branches and other business units on escalated issues related to the following:

Death of Depositor/Legal Entitlement

Trusts

Power of Attorney

IRS matters

Bankruptcy

IRA’s

Third-Party/Multi-Party Checks

Participates in investigations related to fraud and disputes, and work with law enforcement as needed

Participates in the Bank’s initiatives related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Unruh Civil Rights Act

Reviews and approves policy exception requests submitted to Operations Administration

Leads or supports major bank-wide projects and initiatives that are regulatory in nature or are related to records retention and management

Identifies area of risk exposure and reports and make recommendations to Senior Management for changes

Drafts customer communication on behalf of the Bank and its officers

Provides support to branch and department staff

Complies with all State and Federal Banking regulatory requirements, including but not limited to: BSA, Anti-Money Laundering OFAC, CIP, Financial Elder Abuse Reporting, Sexual Harassment, Information Security and privacy requirements. This position will elevate suspicious activity to supervisory staff and/or BSA department. Completes compliance and other technical training workshops as assigned.

Officer Title Eligibility

For qualified positions, the Bank may designate an Officer Title to an employee who seeks and/or meets defined competencies for an eligible position. This position qualifies for the officer title(s) Assistant Vice President, Vice President.

Non-Essential Duties

Proactively pursues professional development activities (e.g. participating in internal and external training workshops)

General administrative and clerical duties as needed

Assist in the department Tour of Duty; conduct training and provide feedback to the participants

Required Knowledge

Bank Protection Act

Operational Policies and Procedures

Bank Secrecy Act

Privacy Act

Bank systems, specifically Bank’s core application

Products & Services

Branch Operations (Teller, New Accounts, and Operations)

Regulations CC, D, DD, and E

Fair Credit Reporting Act Overview

Safe Deposit Box Procedures

FDIC Insurance

Unclaimed Property Law and Regulations

New Account Policies and Procedures

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to prioritize and work with tight deadlines

Strong critical thinking and judgment

Ability to work independently

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Assess situations and provide guidance

Uses discretion with sensitive material

Client service skills

Working knowledge of Microsoft applications

Excellent analytical and organizational skills

Working knowledge of operational systems

Excellent attention to detail

Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines

Equipment Operated

Desktop Computers

Document Imaging System (Laserfiche)

Standard Office Equipment (copiers, fax machines, telephones)

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Requires repetitive movement

Requires standing and/or sitting for prolonged periods of time

Requires viewing of computer monitors for prolonged periods of time

Requires lifting up to 25 lb.

Requires using hands to handle, control, or feel objects

Office setting w/controlled temperature

Travel

Travel to attend offsite trainings, meetings, court appearances, and depositions may be required.

Education and Experience

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal studies or related field preferred

Paralegal certificate required

5+ years general banking experience

As a part of the Bank’s internal control systems, employees holding sensitive positions are required to be absent from their duties for a minimum of two consecutive weeks each year. This position has been deemed to meet the test for a sensitive position, and therefore you will be required to meet the minimum absence requirement each and every year.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees will be required to perform additional related work duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and/or management.

Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

#J-18808-Ljbffr