Tara Johnson
Archer Lodge
Summary
Dynamic industry professional with over 25 years of expertise in AML, BSA, and Compliance, demonstrating a strong commitment to team building and hands-on training. Passionate about combating financial crimes and fostering collaboration with internal teams, external partners, regulators, and law enforcement agencies at all levels. Proven track record of delivering detail-oriented support across both private and public sectors. Eager to leverage a unique skill set and extensive knowledge of financial investigations to drive organizational success.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Financial Crimes Analyst
Civic Federal Credit Union
Raleigh, NC
04.2025 - 01.2026
- Led initiatives to address internal and external fraud concerns in alignment with BSA/AML/CFT standards. Oversaw compliance with OFAC regulations and developed strategies for effective member risk management. Championed risk assessment processes to enhance organizational security.
- Managed 314a downloads from FinCEN
- Managed 314b between institutions
- Managed case workflow for team
- Reviewed recommendations for SAR and CTR and eFiled through FinCEN
- Conduct OFAC reviews on potential hits and reported as necessary
- Working first line in branch during post-conversion
- Managed metrics reporting and trend analysis to enhance credit union's fraud and non-fraud dispute resolution processes.
- Analyzed current practices and proposed innovative strategies to effectively manage credit union fraud and dispute risk.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive fraud prevention and BSA/AML detection policies, procedures, and controls in alignment with industry regulations. Led the implementation of advanced fraud detection and AML technologies to enhance operational efficiency. Oversaw risk assessment processes and directed staff training during the merger conversion of an 8,500-member base to a 400,000+ member base.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize operational processes and enhance service delivery.
- Led initiatives to streamline reporting procedures, resulting in improved turnaround times for management insights.
- Mentored junior analysts, fostering skills development and promoting best practices within the team.
- Utilized advanced analytical tools to evaluate performance metrics and support organizational objectives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.
- Enhanced team collaboration by providing clear communication of complex findings through visualizations and reports.
- Streamlined reporting procedures by creating user-friendly dashboards for easy access to key performance indicators.
- Increased operational transparency by developing and implementing new reporting framework.
Senior Fraud Analyst *Recruited
Civic Federal Credit Union
Raleigh, NC
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Led fraud and AML investigations and SAR filing decisions by conducting comprehensive investigative research and root cause analysis on financial crimes and regulatory risks. Developed and delivered onsite fraud training for first line defense personnel. Coordinated with internal audit and external examiners to successfully complete examination processes.
- Analyzed fraud patterns to identify and mitigate risks within member accounts.
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance fraud detection processes and improve accuracy.
- Led investigations into suspicious activity, collaborating with law enforcement when necessary.
- Trained junior analysts on best practices for fraud detection and prevention methodologies.
- Evaluated system performance, recommending enhancements to improve overall operational efficiency.
- Monitored compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring adherence to industry standards.
- Played a key role in the development and execution of anti-fraud awareness campaigns aimed at educating employees and customers about common scams and tactics used by malicious actors.
- Enhanced fraud detection capabilities through continuous improvement of risk models and decision systems.
- Served as an internal consultant on fraud-related matters, providing insights and recommendations to various departments as needed.
- Contributed to policy development efforts, incorporating industry best practices into organizational procedures for combating financial crime.
- Delivered targeted training programs to enhance staff knowledge of fraud detection methodologies and best practices.
- Contacted customers directly to notify of fraudulent activity and minimize impacts.
- Conducted research and interviews with relevant stakeholders to gather evidence and build case files.
AML Investigator
RBC Bank
Raleigh, NC
05.2023 - 07.2024
- Identified and reported suspicious activities, effectively reducing risks to financial institutions. Analyzed alerts and managed cases for US and Canada deposit accounts and wealth management accounts, leading to improved compliance. Achieved timely 314(a), 314(b), and SAR filings to FinCEN, enhancing overall reporting metrics.
- Reviewed and prepared detailed reports of findings for senior management and regulatory authorities.
- Delivered thorough reports on completed investigations, presenting findings clearly and concisely for key stakeholders.
- Participated in industry conferences and seminars to expand knowledge base and promote best practices among peers.
- Developed strong relationships with law enforcement agencies for timely information exchange related to ongoing investigations.
- Identified patterns of suspicious activity through meticulous transaction analysis, aiding in the detection of financial crimes.
- Stayed up-to-date on emerging trends in financial crime, proactively adapting investigative strategies accordingly.
Financial Investigator, Criminal Enforcement Division
NC Secretary Of State
Raleigh, NC
10.2018 - 03.2023
- Responsible for detection, investigation and enforcement activities relating to fraudulent and non-fraudulent violations of the NC Carolina Securities, Investment Advisers and Commodities Acts (N.C.G.S. Chapters 78A, 78C, & 78D). Handled a wide variety of referrals to the Securities Division by law enforcement agencies, securities regulatory agencies, and individual consumers. Duties typically involve complex, large-scale investigations requiring an ability to conduct financial analysis and evaluation of accounting records and specialized transactional records. Determine jurisdictional basis, conduct interviews, collect documentary evidence, perform financial analysis, report on investigative activities and participate case investigations that have been initiated by the enforcement staff or identified and referred to North Carolina in administrative, civil and criminal enforcement proceedings. Cases are presented to Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of NC for prosecution.
- Conducted comprehensive financial investigations to identify fraud and compliance violations.
- Analyzed financial documents and records for accuracy and regulatory adherence.
- Prepared detailed reports summarizing findings and recommendations for legal proceedings.
- Streamlined data collection processes for efficient examination of large volumes of financial documents during investigations.
- Organized and conducted detailed examinations of information generated during complex criminal and civil investigations.
- Established a strong professional network with local, regional, and national agencies to facilitate seamless collaboration during multi-jurisdictional investigations.
AML Investigator, AVP and Banking Officer
First Citizens Bank and Trust Company
Raleigh, NC
12.2000 - 05.2018
- Maintain integrity of the banks BSA/AML/OFAC Compliance Program to ensure compliance with Federal and State regulations, and help mitigate regulatory risk through effective investigations, documentation and filing of SARs. Served as liaison to Law Enforcement.
- Conducted thorough investigations of suspicious activities to ensure compliance with AML regulations.
- Prepared detailed reports summarizing findings and recommendations for management review and action.
- Mentored junior investigators on best practices in AML investigation techniques and regulatory requirements.
- Led initiatives to enhance existing investigative processes, improving accuracy and efficiency in case resolutions.
- Developed training materials to educate staff on emerging trends in financial crime and compliance standards.
- Contributed to a reduction in false positives by refining AML monitoring system parameters and rules.
- Assisted management in setting performance metrics for investigative staff, driving continuous improvement initiatives within the department.
- Interacted with law enforcement agencies, regulators and financial institutions to coordinate investigations related to fraudulent activities.
Education
Certification -
Police Law Institute (PLI)
01.2019
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Reid's Technique of Interviewing and Interrogations
01.2019
Associates Degree - Human Services Technology/Applied Science
Wake Technical Community College
07.2004
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East Wake High School
06.2000
Skills
- Attention to Detail/Thoroughness
- Supportive collaboration
- Critical thinking proficiency
- Proactive risk management
- Strong organizational skills
- Growth Oriented – Forward Focused
- Dedicated leadership
- Microsoft office
- Analytical thinking
- Time management
- Project management
- Root-cause analysis
Affiliations
- Toastmaster Participant (2006-2007)
- First Citizens Bank Individual Excellence Award (2005)
- First Citizens Bank Professional Development Program (2017)
- Meals On Wheels – Wake County (2006-2020)
- United Way (2006-2024)
- Deacon, Northside Community Church (2013 – Present)
- Northside Compassion Project Board Member (2013-Present)
- Women's Ministry Speaker (2010-Present)
- American Heritage Girls Troop Leader (2016-2020)
- NASAA (North American Securities Administrators Association) Member (2018-Present)
- IAFCI (International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators) Member (2018-Present)
- Executive Board Member/Treasurer of Johnston County Little League (2022 – 2026)
- Executive Board Member of Archer Lodge Community Center (2023-Present)
Timeline
Lead Financial Crimes Analyst
Civic Federal Credit Union
04.2025 - 01.2026
Senior Fraud Analyst *Recruited
Civic Federal Credit Union
08.2024 - 03.2025
AML Investigator
RBC Bank
05.2023 - 07.2024
Financial Investigator, Criminal Enforcement Division
NC Secretary Of State
10.2018 - 03.2023
AML Investigator, AVP and Banking Officer
First Citizens Bank and Trust Company
12.2000 - 05.2018
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Reid's Technique of Interviewing and Interrogations
Associates Degree - Human Services Technology/Applied Science
Wake Technical Community College
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East Wake High School
Certification -
Police Law Institute (PLI)
Technical Systems
- Case Management Systems: SAS AML, NICE Actimize, Verafin
- BioCatch
- Alkami
- LexisNexis Risk Managment and Bridger
- SalesForce
- Image Archive
- OnBase
- FiServ (Core Sys and Onboarding Instant Open)
- FinCEN
- Nautilas
- Velera
- Paylocity
- Ensenta
- Wire Exchange
- Dispute Expert
- Transparint - Diligent
- FIS
- Eagle Eye Surveillance
- CST - Bill Pay
- Tableau
- SharePoint