Compliance Specialist for Cannabis Program

Respect. Integrity. Ethics. Compassion. Humor. 

At our Credit Union these five core values aren’t just words on a wall, they are our daily way of life. Our purpose is to build local loyalty, connect to community and make life easier for those we serve. To accomplish this, we hire team members who demonstrate a strong desire to serve others, who embrace change, who are eager to learn and who enjoy a good laugh.   

The Cannabis Program Compliance Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the credit union’s cannabis banking program. This role ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, manages the application and onboarding process for cannabis businesses, conducts site visits, performs ongoing due diligence, and prepares applicable BSA reporting. The specialist acts in line with CWCU’s core values of Integrity, Ethics, Respect, Compassion, and Humor, and demonstrates the core competencies of a Team Contributor in every aspect of their work.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Account Management (10%)

• Collaborate with Business Services to support cannabis-related business accounts, ensuring exceptional service and support.
• Build trust and treat everyone with dignity and fairness, acting with integrity, ethics, respect, compassion, and humor.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships internally and externally, anticipating needs and providing collaborative solutions.

Application Process (20%)

• Manage the end-to-end application and onboarding process for new cannabis business accounts, including documentation review and risk assessment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely with applicants and internal teams, tailoring messages to the audience and building constructive relationships.
• Make sound decisions based on analysis and experience, seeking input when appropriate and justifying decisions with organizational priorities in mind.

Site Visits (10%)

• Conduct regular site visits to cannabis business locations to verify operations, ensure compliance, and build strong client relationships.
• Demonstrate professionalism, patience, and active listening, even in high-tension situations, and speak and write clearly in all settings.
• Proactively seek opportunities to learn and grow from each visit, demonstrating a can-do attitude and commitment to exceeding goals.

Training & Education (15%)

• Educate internal staff and clients on compliance requirements and program updates.
• Stay updated on federal, state, and local regulations related to cannabis banking and serve as a subject matter expert.
• Seek feedback, learn from successes and failures, and look for ways to optimize efficiency and enhance workflows.
• Advocate for improvements that benefit employees and members and support a culture of learning and growth.

Risk Management & Due Diligence (20%)

• Support management in maintaining effective risk monitoring programs through regular reporting and recommendations.
• Conduct ongoing due diligence and risk assessments for cannabis-related business (CRB) accounts, recommend actions on account status, and escalate issues as needed.
• Make sound, well-justified decisions based on analysis and experience, always keeping organizational priorities in mind.
• Demonstrate integrity and professionalism in all compliance activities, and build trust through honest, ethical actions.

BSA Reporting & Compliance (25%)

• Prepare and submit applicable BSA/AML reports related to cannabis banking activities.
• Demonstrate attention to detail, integrity, and professionalism, and be counted on to follow through and exceed goals.
• Continuously seek ways to improve reporting processes and compliance workflows.
• Prepare and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) related to activities as required by law.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong knowledge of BSA/AML compliance
• Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of integrity and professionalism
• Experience with cannabis-related financial services (preferred)
• Experience with Verafin. (preferred)
• Familiarity with cannabis regulations and compliance requirements (preferred)
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to travel for site visits as needed
• Valid driver’s license and automotive insurance required 
• Must be bondable
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Criminal Justice, or related field (or equivalent experience) (preferred)
• 2+ years of experience in compliance, risk management, or financial services (cannabis industry experience preferred)
• Experience with Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or similar BSA certification preferred

 

Apply today and help us build local loyalty, connect to community, and make life easier for the members we serve.

 

Salary $52,454 to $65,567 

Provides consumer banking, lending, and financial services to members.