Sanctions Analyst Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s global economic landscape, the role of a sanctions analyst is more important than ever.

As international relations continue to evolve, and regulatory landscapes shift, the demand for astute individuals capable of monitoring, interpreting and implementing sanction laws is growing.

But what does a sanctions analyst actually do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of sanction analysis,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable sanctions analyst job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right in.

Sanctions Analyst Duties and Responsibilities

Sanctions Analysts are responsible for ensuring that their organizations comply with sanctions or embargoes imposed by international law or regulations.

They play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the organization by preventing any dealings or transactions with sanctioned entities.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Interpreting and implementing relevant local and international sanctions laws and regulations within the organization
• Conducting due diligence and risk assessments on new and existing clients to identify potential sanctions risks
• Analyzing and investigating transactions, identifying and escalating potential sanctions violations to the appropriate department
• Assisting in the development and implementation of sanctions compliance policies and procedures
• Providing sanctions compliance training to staff and keeping them updated about changes in sanctions laws and regulations
• Preparing and submitting necessary reports to regulatory bodies and senior management
• Coordinating with various departments within the organization to ensure that business activities are conducted in compliance with sanctions laws and regulations
• Reviewing and recommending enhancements to the sanctions screening tools and systems

 

Sanctions Analyst Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Sanctions Analyst to join our team.

Your role will be to review and analyze transactions and customer relationships for potential sanctions risk.

This includes conducting research, escalating cases, and recommending mitigating measures.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of economic sanctions laws and regulations, is proficient in investigative techniques, and has excellent communication skills.

Ultimately, the role of the Sanctions Analyst is to ensure our company remains compliant with domestic and international sanctions regulations.

 

Responsibilities

• Analyze transactions and customer relationships for potential sanctions risk
• Conduct thorough research and due diligence to validate compliance with sanctions regulations
• Elevate cases to management with clear and concise summaries of findings
• Recommend mitigation measures and follow-up actions
• Assist with policy and procedure development and updates
• Prepare and present training materials on sanctions topics
• Support sanctions compliance audits and regulatory examinations
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of economic sanctions laws and regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sanctions Analyst or in a similar compliance role
• Knowledge of economic sanctions laws and regulations
• Experience with investigative research techniques
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Sanctions Analyst
• Work Environment: Office setting. Some remote work may be allowed.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Compliance Officer or Sanctions Compliance Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Sanctions Analyst Do?

Sanctions Analysts are primarily employed by financial institutions, government agencies, or large corporations.

They are crucial in the risk management sector and ensure that the organization’s operations comply with international laws and regulations.

They are responsible for reviewing and interpreting sanctions and regulatory requirements from various international bodies like the United Nations, European Union, and the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Sanctions Analysts conduct thorough investigations into the organization’s transactions, client data, and business relationships to identify any potential regulatory risks or violations.

If such risks are identified, they are tasked with suggesting corrective actions and preventing future occurrences.

They are also responsible for training and educating other employees about sanctions compliance, keeping them informed about new regulations and standards, and advising on the best practices to avoid sanctions risks.

In addition, they often collaborate with other departments, like legal and finance, to ensure the organization’s policies and procedures align with current international sanctions laws.

Sanctions Analysts also regularly report to senior management or regulatory bodies on the organization’s compliance with sanctions and may be involved in regulatory audits or investigations.

 

Sanctions Analyst Qualifications and Skills

Sanctions Analysts must possess a unique blend of analytical skills, technical prowess, and legal understanding to effectively fulfill their role, including:

• Strong analytical skills to assess and interpret complex information related to sanctions regulations and compliance.
• Comprehensive understanding of international sanctions laws and regulations to ensure company-wide compliance.
• Proficiency in using database management tools and software for efficiently organizing, retrieving and analyzing data.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with different departments within the organization, regulatory bodies, and external stakeholders.
• Attention to detail to accurately identify and report potential compliance issues or violations.
• Problem-solving skills to develop and implement effective solutions for compliance issues related to sanctions.
• Adaptability to keep up-to-date with the changing global sanctions landscape and adjust internal processes accordingly.
• Good interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with other teams, contributing to a unified approach to compliance and risk management.

 

Sanctions Analyst Experience Requirements

Entry-level Sanctions Analyst candidates often have 1 to 2 years of experience, usually gained through an internship or part-time role in compliance, risk management, legal or regulatory affairs.

These individuals can also gain practical experience in roles such as Compliance Officer, Risk Analyst, or other finance-related roles.

In these positions, they develop their understanding of sanctions regulations and procedures.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have typically honed their analytical skills and have a deeper understanding of international law, financial transactions, and regulatory requirements.

They often have experience working with regulatory bodies and handling complex sanctions compliance cases.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have some leadership experience and may have coordinated projects or led teams.

They are capable of interpreting and implementing complex sanctions regulations, as well as developing and improving sanctions compliance programs.

They may be prepared for senior roles or management positions within a company’s compliance department.

Regardless of experience level, Sanctions Analysts are expected to continuously update their knowledge on changes in international sanctions laws and regulations and maintain a strong understanding of global geopolitical issues.

Professional certifications, such as the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), are often preferred and can enhance a Sanctions Analyst’s credibility and career prospects.

 

Sanctions Analyst Education and Training Requirements

Sanctions Analysts typically require a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field.

They also need a strong background in risk management, compliance, and financial regulations.

Familiarity with international law and geopolitical issues is also beneficial due to the nature of the work.

Some positions, particularly those in larger corporations or financial institutions, may require Sanctions Analysts to have a master’s degree in a related discipline.

Certifications in risk management, financial compliance, or anti-money laundering (such as CAMS – Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) are often desirable, demonstrating a candidate’s specialized knowledge and dedication to the field.

Practical experience in financial institutions, legal departments, or regulatory agencies can also be valuable for a career in this field.

Training in specific software tools used for sanctions screening, as well as languages, particularly those relevant to regions under sanctions, may also be beneficial.

Continuing education is important in this role due to the evolving nature of international sanctions and regulations.

 

Sanctions Analyst Salary Expectations

A Sanctions Analyst earns an average salary of $67,000 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can significantly vary depending on factors such as the level of professional experience, the size and type of the employing organization, and the geographical location.

 

Sanctions Analyst Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Sanctions Analyst need?

Sanctions Analysts should possess strong analytical skills to interpret complex sanctions and regulatory requirements and apply them to real-world scenarios.

They should have excellent attention to detail to identify and escalate potential breaches of sanctions regulations.

Good communication skills are also crucial to present their findings effectively.

They should also be skilled in using various data analysis tools and software.

 

Do Sanctions Analysts need a degree?

While not always required, many employers prefer Sanctions Analysts to have a degree in fields such as law, finance, business administration, or related areas.

In addition, certifications like Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) can provide an added advantage.

 

What should you look for in a Sanctions Analyst resume?

A good Sanctions Analyst resume should demonstrate a strong understanding of global sanctions regulations, such as OFAC, EU, and UN sanctions.

Look for experience in compliance, risk management, or related roles.

Proficiency in data analysis software and tools is a plus.

Other essential qualities include problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

 

What qualities make a good Sanctions Analyst?

A good Sanctions Analyst is methodical, detail-oriented, and has a strong sense of ethics.

They need to be comfortable working with large data sets and able to identify patterns and irregularities.

They should also be adaptable and able to stay updated with changing sanctions regulations.

Furthermore, good communication skills are crucial, as they will often need to explain complex regulations to non-specialists.

 

What is the career progression for a Sanctions Analyst?

Sanctions Analysts can progress to senior analyst roles with more responsibilities and decision-making power.

With substantial experience and expertise, they can move into management roles such as Sanctions Compliance Manager or Head of Sanctions.

They can also transition into broader compliance or risk management roles.

Continuous learning and gaining relevant certifications can enhance career progression opportunities.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed some light on the intricacies of being a sanctions analyst.

Guess what?

It’s not just about analyzing financial transactions.

It’s about safeguarding the economy, one transaction at a time.

With our detailed sanctions analyst job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully prepared to step forward.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting sharp job listings or refining your resume to an utmost precision.

Remember:

Every transaction analyzed is a step towards a safer economy.

Let’s safeguard that future. Together.

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