Jose Enrique Arias
Escazu,SJ
Summary
Results-driven Compliance Officer with proven expertise in risk assessment, training facilitation, and policy development. Successfully managed compliance initiatives across multiple regions, ensuring adherence to AML regulations and enhancing operational integrity.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Regional Compliance Officer
Western Union
San Jose, SJ
01.2019 - 05.2024
- Assist LACA North GFO Team in countries under responsibility including Peru, Panama, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Venezuela. I make sure these accounts comply with AML policies & procedures by evaluating internal controls through transactional analysis, reviews, and training sessions.
- I also support the Agent Oversight Process in the sub-region including Master Agents and NL High-Risk Program Reviews resulted from CMPS selection or EFRAL Program.
- I provide on-going support to our Sales & Account Managers regarding new product implementation, training, and any other AML related requests.
- Compliance GFO/LACA
- Developed compliance policies to align with regulatory requirements and standards.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify compliance gaps across regional operations.
- Facilitated training sessions on compliance protocols for staff at various locations.
- Monitored transactions for suspicious activity and ensured reporting procedures were followed.
- Collaborated with legal teams to address regulatory changes impacting operations.
- Reviewed and approved internal audits to maintain compliance integrity across regions.
- Provided guidance on ethical practices in financial transactions and customer interactions.
- Managed documentation related to compliance initiatives and regulatory submissions.
- Analyzed data gathered during investigations to assess potential risks or violations.
- Identified areas where additional controls were needed to ensure compliance.
- Responded promptly to inquiries from senior management regarding regulatory matters.
- Participated in cross-functional teams tasked with developing new products or services.
- Conducted internal investigations of potential violations of local and international regulations.
Team Leader
Western Union
San Jose, SJ
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Over 4 and a half years of experience in Compliance and Risk Management, policies, and procedures.
- Supervision of staff positions, forecasting of staff and allocation of resources to ensure operation's efficiency.
- Experience managing large groups of people (20+)
- Experience managing multidepartment teams (KYC & GCR)
- Point of Contact for the Business Unit - Global Consumer Reinstatements (GCR)
- Perform review on accounts making sure they comply with AML policies & procedures by evaluating internal controls through transactional analysis and reviews.
- Proven knowledge of people management and analytical skills in administrative tasks (performance reviews, compensation discussions, using Workday tool, hiring processes, dismissals, promotions, etc.)
- In charge of Escalations KYC Team and Global Compliance Reinstatements (GCR) Team. Ensure operational daily efficiency, proper workload, and staff distribution to meet SLA's.
- Proficiency in multi-departmental special projects to ensure business continuity with LAROC EFRAL Program.
- Multi-Agencies Supervision to ensure EFRAL program success.
- Direct contact with Stakeholders regarding the VIMENCA forms to ensure business continuity.
- Due to performance and results, selected to receive Certification by WU Way team in PSS system management and tools.
- Maintain constant written and oral communication with multiple Business Units and management teams under KYC scope.
- Participation on WU WAY coaching cards pilot as assessor to provide proper feedback.
- Leading, supervising, and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Global KYC Operations team through the introduction of SLAs and KPIs, continuous process improvement, and consistently supporting various internal and external customers.
- Developing and monitoring data quality metrics and KPIs, sharing insights that enable the identification of potential process improvements. (Kaizen)
- FCC / CSS - Global Ops KYC/GCR
- Led team meetings to enhance communication and collaboration among members.
- Managed daily operations to ensure seamless service delivery to customers.
- Coordinated training sessions for new employees to strengthen team performance.
- Implemented process improvements to optimize workflow efficiency within the team.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas for service enhancement.
- Developed strategies for resolving customer inquiries and issues effectively.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering their professional development and skills growth.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align goals and improve service offerings.
- Maintained a positive work environment that promoted collaboration between team members.
- Offered training and support to keep team members motivated and working toward objectives.
- Delegated daily tasks to team members to optimize group productivity.
- Motivated and empowered team members to build customer satisfaction and loyalty to support retention and growth.
Team Leader
Concentrix
San Jose, SJ
08.2012 - 06.2016
- Over 4 years of experience in Cisco Systems policies and procedures.
- Delivering training for peers in forecasting of staff and allocation of resources to ensure operations efficiency.
- Effective liaison between customers and internal departments.
- Responsible for analyzing trends and developing recommendations for business policies and operational efficiencies.
- As direct supervisor I perform multiple duties including individual's development on coaching sessions, employee engagement and motivation, decision making, optimization of Key performance indicators and metrics, etc.
- Identifying a process for tracking emails and inquiries sent to the Global CISCO Operations inbox, establishing SLAs for responsibilities, and holding team accountable for providing solutions and escalating, as necessary.
- Performing analysis of current processes, utilizing relevant data sets to inform improvements.
- Maintain constant written and oral communication with multiple Business Units and management teams under CISCO scope.
- CISCO GLO
- Led team meetings to enhance communication and collaboration among members.
- Managed daily operations to ensure seamless service delivery to customers.
- Coordinated training sessions for new employees to strengthen team performance.
- Implemented process improvements to optimize workflow efficiency within the team.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas for service enhancement.
- Developed strategies for resolving customer inquiries and issues effectively.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering their professional development and skills growth.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align goals and improve service offerings.
- Maintained a positive work environment that promoted collaboration between team members.
- Offered training and support to keep team members motivated and working toward objectives.
- Delegated daily tasks to team members to optimize group productivity.
- Motivated and empowered team members to build customer satisfaction and loyalty to support retention and growth.
- Participated in regular meetings with senior leadership to provide updates on team progress.
- Monitored daily workflow to ensure adherence to established policies and procedures.
- Established clear expectations for employees, providing guidance when needed.
- Conducted regular performance reviews to assess individual team member progress.
Education
Associate of Business Administration - I’m Still Enrolled
Universidad Técnica De Costa Rica
San Jose, SJ 06.2020 - 12.2025
Skills
- Compliance management
- Risk assessment
- Team leadership
- Training facilitation
- Process improvement
- Data analysis
- Regulatory knowledge
- Customer engagement
- Project coordination
- Ethics management
- Sanctions compliance
- Legal research
- Corporate governance
- Compliance training
- Auditing techniques
- Data privacy
- Internal controls
- Anti-money laundering
- Capital markets
- Trend monitoring
- Industry trend assessments
- Policy analysis
- Internal audits
- Legal consulting
- Controls evaluations
- Compliance monitoring
- Compliance reviews
- Risk management
- Risk management strategies
- Compliance procedures
- Document review
Timeline
Associate of Business Administration - I’m Still Enrolled
Universidad Técnica De Costa Rica
06.2020 - 12.2025
Senior Regional Compliance Officer
Western Union
01.2019 - 05.2024
Team Leader
Western Union
01.2016 - 01.2019
Team Leader
Concentrix
08.2012 - 06.2016