VP/RISK INVESTIGATIONS MGR

Westamerica is among the largest commercial banks headquartered in California. We are looking for outstanding people to join our winning team. We reached our current strength because our employees, customers, and shareholders believe in the same fundamental goals: Delivering a wide variety of financial services with a superior customer service guarantee.

JOB SUMMARY

Under limited guidance, Underwriting & Risk Investigations Manager directs Redwood Merchant Services’ underwriting and risk functions which includes strategic fraud and loss mitigation and prevention, management and training of underwriters, risk, and dispute resolution staff, as well as actively staying abreast of internal, card brand, and regulatory rules and requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Develop and implement strategies for detecting and preventing fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illegal activity.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of all card brand rules and network regulations related to payment acceptance and risk business line activities.

Manage underwriting, risk, and dispute resolution staff:

1. Supervise day-to-day staff activities, including quality control and approval of staff work, to ensure operating schedules are met.
2. Identify training needs and provide opportunities to enhance skill set of current staff members.
3. Recommend staffing actions on direct reports, including hiring, promotions, wage adjustments, performance management, and terminations. Maintain work/vacation schedule; monitor time and attendance.
4. Analyze staff productivity. Recommend enhancements to current operational programs and procedures to improve efficiencies.

• Continued communication with staff, colleagues, and external partners related to risk event changes, laws, regulations, network rues and other requirements.
• Provide guidance and respond to daily inquiries from staff and ISO partners.
• Review high-risk and complex merchant activity and relationships to assess credit, compliance, AML/CFT, and fraud risk.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, and legal teams to ensure risk-informed decision-making.
• Review and modify divisional policies and procedures manuals.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of all laws and regulations affecting designated areas of responsibility. Stay abreast of new and changing laws and regulations. Provide leadership and oversight of bank practices to align with compliance expectations by managing development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of compliance policies, procedures, and control frameworks.
• Review all ISO related marketing material (applications, policies and procedures).
• Prepare presentations to senior management pertaining to merchants that pose heightened risk to the Bank.
• Assist law enforcement, card brands, and internal risk colleagues relative to potential and current risk events and compliance requirements.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.