Quality Assurance & Operational Excellence Officer at Sidian Bank

JOB PURPOSE

The job holder will be responsible to support implementation and enforcement of the banks Operational Risk Management frameworks and best practices within the Bank.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Risk Management
• Operational Excellence & Quality Assurance
• AML, CPF, CFT and KYC Monitoring
• Reconciliation and Settlements
• Archival and Records Management
• Personal Leadership & Management
• Team Leadership & Management
• Risk & Compliance

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Strategic Risk Management

• Support the implementation and embeding of the Operational Risk Policy and processes for defining, assessing, measuring, monitoring and reporting operational risks for the various business and support areas;
• Effectively engage with the appropriate Bank internal partners (e.g. Compliance, Risk and Audit functions) for advisory support such as clarification on regulatory requirements and bank policy, and, for exploring any necessary alignments and policy/process adjustments related to product design and development.

Operational Excellence & Quality Assurance

• Maintain and monitor an Operational Loss Database to monitor operational losses and their respective root causes;
• Work with other second line of defense functions in the identification, analysis and assessment of key operational risks as relevant for individual business lines/departments;
• Participate in various business projects and contribute to their success as may be assigned by the supervisor and play an active guidance role on Operational Risk matters in products, projects or developments;
• Advising and guiding Branch operational staff on passing entries meant to effect reversals and corrections under their jurisdictions;
• Continuous Process Improvements and Efficiency in Operations: Responsible for the delivery of day-to-day support, working with other stakeholders to provide technology solutions, process improvement efforts, and standardization across the organization;
• Business Process reengineering to ensure Process automation of most manual activities to achieve efficiency and also Process industrialization – process simplification, process quality, process sharing across channels and products.

AML, CPF, CTF and KYC Compliance Monitoring

• Follow up new accounts with incomplete documents for  in line with AML act;
• Daily review is done for  large transactions (above 700,000 Kes per client per day), PESALINK (above 700,000 Kes per client per day); internal transfers and inhouse cheques (above 700,000 Kes per client per day); walk-in transactions for forex, MTS, Bankers cheques, MPESA;
• Upload large cash forms are uploaded in the folder for all large cash transactions in place where necessary and ensure the forms filled are fully executed;
• Daily review of transactions above USD 10,000 to identify source and destination of funds and supporting documents provided at the branch level;
• Carry outnnual  KYC Review/EDD request for all noted high-risk customers;
• Ensure KYC Review/EDD request for all noted high-risk customers during transaction monitoring and a monthly review for all new high-risk customers; 
• Confirm accurate capturing of data sets to allow CTR reporting;
• Review and reporting of late Authorizations of transactions;
• Review of daily reports on single or cumulative high-value transactions per customer day, inflow into Msingi accounts, savings accounts newly opened and dormant accounts;
• Weekly Reporting on accuracy and completeness of data captured  and KYC documents review;
• In case of a noted exceptions or discrepancy in any of the reviewed transactions immediately query the branches and have Enterprise Risk Management in copy;
• Raise any omissions as non-compliance on branch control rating tool;
• Escalate noted suspicious transactions /activities to the compliance team on timely basis to enable the bank to comply with the two  days requirement of reporting a suspicious transaction;
• Weekly risk rating review and attestation for both Core banking and the AML System.

Personal Leadership & Development:

• Manage self: Show drive and motivation, an ability to self-reflect and a commitment to learning;
• Communicate effectively communicate clearly, actively listen to others, and respond with understanding and respect;
• Commit to Customer Service: provide, customer-focused services in line with banking sector and organizational objectives – adherence to the bank customer service charter and ensure personal accountability so as to meet the laid down Service Level Agreements (SLA) and work within stipulated Turn Around Time (TAT);
• Work Collaboratively Collaborate with others and value their contribution;
• Deliver Results Achieve results through the efficient use of resources and a commitment to quality outcomes;
• Think and solve problems, analyze and consider the broader context to develop practical;
• Keeping abreast with staff communications, attending staff meetings – morning huddles and weekly progress meetings;
• Responsible for own career within the bank and preparing an annual Personal Development Plan (PDP) and ensuring its actualization;
• Adherence to the banks policies and procedures, dress code, code of conduct, HR policies and procedures and follows laid down grievance and disciplinary procedure to ensure a conducive work environment;
• Closure of identified deficiencies from concluded audits, correction within stipulated timelines, and ensure no repeat findings;
• Live the brand values as a Sidian Bank brand ambassador and always project the right image of the bank to both staff and customers.

Risk & Compliance

• Attend training and maintain knowledge of and comply with all bank policies and procedures including Anti Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism/Countering Proliferation Financing laws, rules and regulations.
• Participate or undertake Anti Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism/Countering Proliferation Financing bank programs on a regular basis e.g. taking attestations, self-assessment tests, filling in compliance questionnaires as required
• Comply and not to knowingly participate or assist in any violation of Anti Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism/Countering Proliferation Financing laws, rules, regulations or internal policies, procedure and guidelines.
• Report suspected money laundering cases to their respective heads of units or to the Money Laundering Reporting Officer as soon as such incidents occur immediately with a clear basis of suspicion   
• Avoid Misrepresentation and Malicious Reporting – knowingly making a false, fictitious or fraudulent representation e.g. statement, report, document.
• Avoid Tipping Off customers being investigated so as not to knowingly prejudice an investigation by disclosing information.
• Not provide advice or other assistance to individuals who attempt to violate or avoid Anti Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism/Countering Proliferation Financing laws, rules, regulations or corporate policies.
• Respond to all AML/CFT/CPF queries when requested by Compliance Unit to allow the bank to comply with the requirements of The Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism Amendment Act
• Co – operate fully with regulators and law enforcement agents and make available required documents and information.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

• University Degree in Bachelor of commerce (Finance or Accounting) or other relevant Business Degree.
• Master’s degree will be an added advantage.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least eight (4) years’ experience in banking environment, with a track record of success with at least 2 years in a Shared Services function.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Excellent and demonstrated leadership capacity including possession of strategic development, monitoring, execution and reporting skills (Have a strategic outlook).
• Practical experience in use of relevant MS office applications, especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Extensive knowledge of Banking theory and practice, Central Bank’s Prudential Guidelines, FATCA, POCAMLA, POTCA and related procedures. 
• Possess good knowledge of banking products and services and also a wider understanding of the general banking universe/Industry.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills and ability to motivate, coach and mentor staff.
• Good communication and engagement skills.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

• Professional Banking qualification (AKIB) is an added advantage.