Title: Sanctions Specialist – Regulatory Investigations & Payment Compliance

Client: Global Financial Services Organization

Location: Montreal, Quebec

Schedule: Hybrid

Type: Full-time, Ongoing W2 Contract, 6-Month Contract, New Role & Possible Conversion/Extension

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Life Insurance, Disability Coverage

Summary Our client is seeking an experienced Sanctions Specialist to support payment screening investigations, sanctions compliance reviews, regulatory monitoring, and transaction risk assessments within a fast-paced financial operations environment. This role will be responsible for conducting Level 2 sanctions investigations, reviewing escalated transactions, validating compliance with regulatory requirements, and ensuring payment processing activities align with internal policies and applicable sanctions regulations.

This position is ideal for a detail-oriented compliance professional with experience investigating sanctions alerts, conducting payment reviews, and analyzing wire transfer activity across multiple payment channels. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-volume workplace, exercises sound judgment when making regulatory determinations, and collaborates effectively with cross-functional stakeholders to support operational risk management and compliance objectives.

Key Responsibilities Sanctions Review & Regulatory Investigations

- Perform Level 2 reviews of transactions escalated for potential sanctions concerns and manage investigation queues to ensure service level commitments are met
- Investigate payments requiring regulatory review and gather additional information necessary to support case resolution




- Analyze investigation findings and determine the appropriate course of action based on sanctions requirements, regulatory guidance, and internal procedures

Payment Compliance & Transaction Monitoring

- Review wire transfers and payment activity to ensure compliance with applicable sanctions regulations and internal compliance standards
- Ensure escalated transactions are processed in accordance with regulatory obligations, payment transparency requirements, and organizational policies
- Monitor ongoing investigations and follow-up activities to ensure timely resolution and appropriate documentation

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Operational Support

- Partner with Compliance, Legal, Treasury, Financial Services, and Operations teams to conduct investigations and resolve complex payment-related inquiries
- Support wire transfer searches, transaction tracing activities, and escalated regulatory reviews when required
- Provide recommendations regarding case handling, risk mitigation, and operational improvements

Systems Governance & Reporting

- Validate sanctions and watchlist file uploads to ensure screening systems are updated accurately and completely
- Maintain local watchlists and entity records as requested by compliance stakeholders
- Prepare, analyze, and distribute operational and compliance-related reports as needed

Process Improvement & Risk Management





- Contribute to operational risk management and internal control programs
- Identify opportunities to improve investigation workflows, procedures, and regulatory controls
- Recommend process enhancements that strengthen compliance effectiveness and operational efficiency

Required Education & Experience

- Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- 2+ years of experience conducting sanctions investigations, payment reviews, or regulatory compliance activities
- Experience reviewing wire transfers, payment transactions, and sanctions screening alerts within a financial services environment

Required Skills & Qualifications

- Strong understanding of sanctions compliance programs, regulatory requirements, and risk management principles
- Knowledge of OFAC processes, procedures, and sanctions investigation methodologies
- Experience with funds transfer operations and payment processing regulations
- Knowledge of payment networks and transfer mechanisms including SWIFT, Fedwire, CHIPS, LYNX, and ACH
- Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

- ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists) certification
- ACSS (Association of Certified Sanctions Specialists) certification
- Additional experience in financial crime compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), transaction monitoring, or regulatory investigations

📌 Operations - Sanctions Specialist (Montreal)
🏢 Epitec
📍 Montreal