Job Description:
Role Summary/Purpose:
The VP, BSA/AML Governance is responsible for the rigorous oversight and continual improvement of Synchrony’s Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) governance framework. Reporting directly to the SVP, BSA/AML/OFAC Officer, this leader manages the execution, monitoring, and enhancement of second line of defense (2LOD) compliance processes. The VP will drive the design and implementation of robust risk assessment and quality methodologies, deliver critical program reporting, manage training, and support change management initiatives to ensure Synchrony’s compliance in a dynamic regulatory landscape.
Our Way of Working
We’re proud to offer you flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home, near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. Occasionally you may be required to commute or travel for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.
Essential Responsibilities:
Oversight of 2LOD Processes
Lead the ongoing execution and monitoring of BSA/AML/OFAC processes within the second line of defense (2LOD), maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and the Bank’s enterprise risk management framework.
Serve as an internal subject matter expert on BSA/AML/OFAC risk assessment methodology, guiding the development, enhancement, and execution of effective risk assessment strategies and controls.
Partner with risk and business leaders to ensure appropriate risk oversight and escalation processes.
Program Reporting Leadership
Direct the creation and delivery of timely, accurate, and comprehensive BSA/AML/OFAC program reports, including:
Quarterly report preparation for the Compliance Committee
Semi-annual report preparation for the Enterprise Risk Management Committee (ERMC)
Annual report preparation for the Risk Committee
Ensure precise and actionable reporting of Risk Appetite Statement (RAS) metrics, with particular emphasis on timely SAR filing rates and trends.
Synthesize complex program data for executive audiences, highlighting key risks, remediation status, and program effectiveness.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control Management
Develop, implement, and continually enhance robust QA and QC methodologies to systematically monitor the performance of BSA/AML/OFAC processes.
Oversee and, as needed, execute sample reviews of all QC activities to assess compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
Identify process or control defects, lead or supervise targeted remediation plans, and ensure effective closure and documentation of corrective actions.
Provide regular feedback to process owners on QA/QC results, supporting continuous improvement.
Training and Communication
Oversee BSA/AML/OFAC training content to ensure Directors, officers, employees, and relevant third parties receive comprehensive and current regulatory education.
Communicate policy, procedural, and regulatory changes across all levels of the organization, ensuring clear understanding and adoption.
Monitor training effectiveness and recommend enhancements, as needed.
Collaboration and Coordination
Collaborate closely with the SVP, BSA/AML/OFAC Officer and management to ensure governance activities are fully aligned with overarching program objectives and strategic risk priorities.
Coordinate with functional and business process owners to implement control enhancements and process improvements based on QA/QC results.
Support, or lead as assigned, targeted reviews or investigations; analyze and report on findings and provide actionable recommendations.
Procedural Support and Change Management
Participate in, or manage, the update and maintenance of BSA/AML/OFAC policy and procedure documentation, ensuring appropriate, timely, and risk-responsive revisions.
Lead the BSA/AML/OFAC change management process: ensure all procedural changes are assessed, documented, escalated, approved, and communicated to all relevant parties.
Stay informed about regulatory or industry changes, proactively updating internal frameworks to maintain alignment with best practices and regulatory expectations.
Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Law, Risk Management, or related field
Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in BSA/AML/OFAC roles within financial services, including direct experience with 2LOD governance, quality programs, and risk management.
In-depth knowledge of applicable U.S. banking regulations related to BSA, AML, OFAC and Sanctions compliance.
Experience developing, implementing, and overseeing QA and QC programs.
Demonstrated experience preparing and delivering executive-level reporting and program updates.
Proven track record in policy/procedure management and change control.
Strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Desired Characteristics:
Masters Degree or JD
CAMS, CRCM, or other relevant professional certification
Strategic risk management mindset
Leadership and team-building
Effective problem solving and decision making
Executive communication and reporting
Project and change management
Independent judgment and integrity
Cross-functional collaboration
Grade/Level: 13
The salary range for this position is 130,000.00 - 210,000.00 USD Annual and is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge.
Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.
Eligibility Requirements:
You must be 18 years or older
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent
You must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints as part of the onboarding process
You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
New hires (Level 4-7) must have 9 months of continuous service with the company before they are eligible to post on other roles. Once this new hire time in position requirement is met, the associate will have a minimum 6 months’ time in position before they can post for future non-exempt roles. Employees, level 8 or greater, must have at least 18 months’ time in position before they can post. All internal employees must consistently meet performance expectations and have approval from your manager to post (or the approval of your manager and HR if you don’t meet the time in position or performance expectations).
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Our Commitment:
When you join us, you’ll be part of an inclusive culture where your individual skills, experience, and voice are not only heard – but valued. Together, we’re building a future where we can all belong, connect, and turn ideals into action. More than 50% of our workforce is engaged in our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where community and passion intersect to offer a safe space to learn and grow.
This starts when you choose to apply for a role at Synchrony. We ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We’re proud to have an award-winning culture for all.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice:
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
If you need special accommodations, please call our Career Support Line so that we can discuss your specific situation. We can be reached at 1-866-301-5627. Representatives are available from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time
Job Family Group:
Risk Management