Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Officer & AML/Sanctions Team Lead

About the Role

Kikoff is seeking an experienced BSA Officer who will also serve as the leader of our AML and OFAC sanctions compliance function. Reporting to the Head of Compliance, you will own the design, implementation, and day-to-day operation of Kikoff's BSA/AML and sanctions program across our bank-partner ecosystem.

This is a highly impactful leadership role for someone who enjoys both building programs and remaining close to the work. You'll help shape our compliance strategy while also reviewing complex investigations, partnering with regulators and sponsor banks, and building a high-performing compliance team as Kikoff continues to grow.

What You'll Do

• Serve as Kikoff's designated BSA Officer, with authority and accountability for the BSA/AML compliance program under applicable regulations and sponsor bank requirements.
• Own and continuously enhance Kikoff's BSA/AML program, including:
  • Enterprise BSA/AML risk assessments
  • Customer Identification Program (CIP)
  • Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)
  • Transaction monitoring
  • SAR and CTR investigations, decisioning, and filing
  • Independent testing coordination
• Lead OFAC sanctions compliance across all Kikoff products, including customer and counterparty screening, ongoing rescreening, sanctions investigations, and escalation procedures.
• Build, mentor, and lead a growing team of AML and sanctions analysts and investigators.
• Serve as the primary compliance partner for sponsor banks and regulatory examiners on BSA/AML and OFAC matters, including coordination of CIP reliance arrangements.
• Lead regulatory examinations, internal audits, and bank partner reviews while driving timely remediation of findings and corrective actions.
• Evaluate and optimize transaction monitoring and sanctions screening systems by partnering with Data and Engineering teams to improve detection quality and reduce false positives.
• Develop and deliver company-wide BSA/AML and OFAC training, including specialized training for customer-facing, operations, and engineering teams.
• Present program metrics, emerging risks, and material compliance issues to executive leadership and, when appropriate, the Board or designated committees.
• Assess compliance implications of new products and features prior to launch, including AML, sanctions, and customer identification requirements.
• Maintain and update AML and sanctions policies in response to evolving FinCEN guidance, OFAC regulations, and sponsor bank expectations.

What We're Looking For

• 7+ years of progressive experience in BSA, AML, and OFAC compliance.
• Prior experience serving as a BSA Officer, Deputy BSA Officer, or equivalent leadership role at a bank, fintech, BaaS provider, or sponsor-bank program.
• Demonstrated experience leading regulatory examinations and remediating examination findings from federal or state regulators.
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks governing bank-fintech partnerships, including CIP reliance, third-party risk management, and sponsor bank oversight.
• Experience building or scaling transaction monitoring and sanctions screening programs, including implementation or optimization of solutions such as Sardine, Alloy, Unit21, ComplyAdvantage, or similar platforms.
• Proven people leadership experience with a track record of hiring, mentoring, and developing compliance professionals.
• CAMS certification (or equivalent) preferred.
• JD or comparable legal or regulatory background is a plus.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced startup environment where you'll build processes while helping execute them.

Compensation

Base salary is location-based and will be determined by factors including market location (Phoenix or San Francisco), experience, skills, and qualifications. In addition to competitive cash compensation, this role is eligible for equity and a comprehensive benefits package.