Zara Khalilian

Banking Operations professional with direct U.S.

experience at Comerica Bank and Bank of America, specializing in deposit and loan operations, account onboarding, HELOC documentation, and daily transaction processing for consumer and business clients. Supports audit programs (TCR, vault, cash drawer, safe deposit box) that keep operations audit-ready and SLA-compliant. NMLS registered; ABA-certified in Banking Operations, BSA/AML Compliance, Compliance Management, and Risk Management; CAMS in progress. Bilingual in English and Farsi.

Banking Operations Specialist - Comerica Bank - Dallas, TX

(2024-12 - 2026-05)

• Processed 20+ daily money transactions and check deposits with high accuracy, ensuring full compliance with Reg CC requirements and internal transaction processing standards
• Managed 10+ daily account onboarding cases across consumer and business accounts including CIP/KYC verification, loan documentation, HELOC processing, wire transfers, and ACH transactions
• Reviewed and validated loan and HELOC documentation (processed via Launch Pad system) for accuracy and completeness, resolving discrepancies and ensuring all files met compliance standards before processing completion
• Processed a minimum of 4 HELOC files monthly with 100% documentation accuracy, ensuring full compliance with underwriting and regulatory standards
• Conducted quarterly and monthly audits on bank documents and safe deposit boxes, comparing client information against system records to verify data integrity and regulatory accuracy
• Performed TCR and vault audits and audited colleagues' cash drawers in accordance with internal control and branch compliance requirements
• Processed CDD/KYC for account openings, providing customers with all required account documentation, terms and conditions, and disclosures per regulatory standards
• Submitted Reg CC holds and SAR forms when necessary; maintained audit-ready records supporting internal reviews and regulatory examinations
• Utilized Launch Pad for HELOC processing, IBS Insight for loan services, and Tableau for operational reporting; collaborated with compliance and back-office teams on daily workflow execution

Banking Operations Associate - Bank of America - McKinney, TX

(2022-08 - 2024-06)

• Processed 20+ daily money transactions and 10+ account onboarding cases including wire transfers, auto loans, account management, and client referrals across consumer and business accounts with consistent accuracy and SLA adherence
• Performed CDD/KYC verification for account openings, ensuring all account documentation, terms and conditions, and disclosures were provided in full compliance with regulatory requirements
• Conducted periodic audits on bank documents and cash drawers; submitted Reg CC holds and SAR forms per BSA/AML and compliance policies
• Reviewed and validated account documentation, resolving discrepancies prior to processing completion
• Assisted with ACH origination entries and wire transfer requests, supporting accurate back-office payment processing
• Maintained zero documentation findings on personally managed audit samples; escalated compliance exceptions to supervisors and compliance teams

Operations Manager - Michael Hill / TJX Companies - Toronto, Canada

(2016-08 - 2021-09)

• Managed daily operational workflows, internal controls, and audit documentation across multi-location retail operations
• Trained staff on operational procedures, documentation standards, and escalation protocols

Project Control Manager - Pol & Tunnel Asia - Iran

(2003 - 2012)

MBA Lecturer - Fadak Organization - Iran

(2012 - 2014)

Teaching Assistant - Bay Thorn Public School - Canada

(2014 - 2016)

MBA - Strategic Planning - Payam-e-Noor University

BSc - Applied Physics - Isfahan University of Technology