SAMANTHA GARCIA
EL PASO
Summary
CAMS-certified BSA/AML Investigator with 5+ years of experience conducting financial crimes investigations, preparing CTRs, and SARs and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Demonstrated success in reducing risk through effective transaction monitoring, internal training, and collaborative work with law enforcement and internal departments. Brings integrity, precision, and a proactive mindset to financial compliance operations.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
BSA Investigator
Municipal Credit Union
03.2025 - Current
- Responsible for investigating high volume of automated transaction monitoring alerts daily in Verafin.
- Review a minimum of 18 alerts per day to support the reduction of the alert backlog.
- Evaluate data from multiple sources to enhance understanding of member account behaviors and trends.
- Create in-depth reports detailing findings to support alert acknowledgement or escalations.
- Onboard new hires within BSA department.
BSA Operation Specialist
Municipal Credit Union
01.2024 - 03.2025
- Reconciled and filed between 15 to 25 Currency Transaction Reports (CTR) on a daily basis.
- Reviewed Watch List alerts including OFAC and 314a.
- Reviewed and acknowledged/escalated member alerts.
- Supported BSA-related processes regarding subpoenas and internal referrals.
- Conducted detailed investigations to uncover critical evidence and information to clear Verafin alerts and internal referrals.
- Performed other duties as directed by the BSA Officer or designee.
BSA/AML Analyst
Firstlight Federal Credit Union
03.2020 - 01.2024
- Responsible for writing, reviewing, correcting and submitting CTRs and SARs for 10 branches within the regulatory time frame.
- Created and presented a weekly analysis of investigation results to the SAR committee.
- Ensured filing time frames were met with a 100% success rate over the last 3 years.
- Successfully collaborated with a team of four to test and implement new AML software Verafin.
- Responsible for investigating high volume of automated transaction monitoring alerts daily in Verafin.
- Communicated effectively with corresponding financial institutions, line of business partners, law enforcement, and customers for requests for information.
Member Service Representative
Firstlight Federal Credit Union
03.2019 - 03.2020
- Provided excellent customer service and achieved a high rate of client satisfaction and retention.
- Formed positive and trustworthy relationships with clients as we explored financial options that best suited their needs.
Teller II
Firstlight Federal Credit Union
03.2018 - 03.2019
- Trained and mentored an average of two tellers monthly.
- Responsible for analyzing teller transactions while ensuring all transactions followed credit union procedures.
- Cross sold an average of 10 products daily to new and existing members.
- Handled cash orders and supply orders for the branch on a daily basis.
Education
Bachelor - Criminal Justice
University of Texas at El Paso
08.2022
Associate Degree - Criminal Justice
El Paso Community College
01.2014
Skills
- Ability to Work Under Pressure
- Time Management
- Detail Oriented
- Efficiency
- Interdepartmental Communication
- Verafin AML Software
Certification
ACAMS
Timeline
BSA Investigator
Municipal Credit Union
03.2025 - Current
BSA Operation Specialist
Municipal Credit Union
01.2024 - 03.2025
BSA/AML Analyst
Firstlight Federal Credit Union
03.2020 - 01.2024
Member Service Representative
Firstlight Federal Credit Union
03.2019 - 03.2020
Teller II
Firstlight Federal Credit Union
03.2018 - 03.2019
Associate Degree - Criminal Justice
El Paso Community College
Bachelor - Criminal Justice
University of Texas at El Paso