AML User Acceptance Testing Manager

The role:

The AML User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Manager will assist in leading the buildout and management of a user acceptance testing program for SoFi’s AML Department and the related systems, ensuring that AML software and processes meet business and regulatory requirements. This role is essential for validating that all technical and operational requirements are being met in the implementation and enhancement of AML solutions. The manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that testing is comprehensive, results are documented, and any issues are identified and resolved before system deployment. The role is expected to set the direction for the AML UAT team, develop direct reports, and inspire the team through servant leadership.

What you’ll do:

UAT Strategy and Planning:

• Build the AML UAT program, including developing and implementing UAT strategies and test plans for AML system implementations, upgrades, or enhancements

• Ensure alignment of UAT objectives and acceptance criteria with business requirements, regulatory standards, and compliance needs.

• Lead scalability and automation efforts across the UAT program Proactively identify areas for improvement in testing processes and suggest solutions to increase testing efficiencies and effectiveness

• Stay up to date with industry best practices and regulatory changes in the AML space, ensuring that UAT testing methods and tools are aligned

Test Design & Execution:

• Define UAT scope, data requirements, objectives, timelines, and assist with defining resource allocation

• Ensure test environments are configured to accurately simulate production conditions

• Lead the execution of test cases to validate system functionality, performance, and regulatory compliance

• Document and track test results, including tracking defects during UAT and working with applicable cross-functional stakeholders to resolve defects

• Test and validate fixes to ensure that solutions meet business and regulatory requirements

• Ensure all UAT criteria are met before sign-off and deployment.

• Conduct post-UAT reviews and ensure lessons learned are applied to future testing cycles

Collaboration & Communication:

• Work with business analysts, AML subject matter experts, engineering teams, and other cross-functional stakeholders to define test cases and scenarios based on functional and non-functional requirements

• Coordinate with AML subject matter experts, engineering teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure UAT is thorough and well understood by all parties

• Facilitate meetings to review test progress, results, and defects with stakeholders

• Provide regular status updates to senior management on the UAT progress and key issues

Team Management and Development:

• Manage a team of UAT Specialists, providing guidance, mentorship, and ensuring performance standards are met

• Develop, inspire, and serve the AML UAT team by holding regular 1:1’s, providing feedback on initiatives and interactions, and ensuring the team is engaged in a positive and nurturing environment

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Finance, Business, Management, or other relevant areas

• 5+ years of experience related to AML-focused user acceptance testing, technical project management, or similar experience in the financial services industry with a demonstrated track record of delivery.

• Effective negotiation and influencing skills, including strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, across different business lines, and with external stakeholders

• Strong management, organizational and evaluative process skills. Ability to analyze complex organizational and technical issues to improve performance and efficiency

• Knowledge of testing methodologies, defect tracking tools (e.g., JIRA), and test automation tools

• Hands-on experience with AML monitoring systems, transaction surveillance, KYC, or sanctions screening tools

Specific skills in:

• Experience building a UAT program and leading a team of UAT testers, providing guidance, mentorship, and ensuring performance standards are met

• Technical expertise with BSA/AML processes and systems (e.g. transaction monitoring systems, customer screening systems, and other related technologies)

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to analyze complex business and technical requirements and manage multiple projects/initiatives to completion

• Interacting with, and presenting to, all levels of management, cross-functional partners, and regulators

Nice to have:

• CAMS/CFE certification preferred (or willingness to become certified within one year of start date)

• Testing certification (e.g. ISTQB, etc.) preferred

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification preferred

• Experience with Agile or Scrum development methodologies