Item Processing Sr Specialist

About the role

This role assumes a leadership position within the Item Processing department. The incumbent will leverage advanced expertise to ensure the efficient and accurate execution of financial transactions, contributing significantly to the overall success of departmental operations.

Responsibilities

• Exhibit leadership by overseeing ATM and mobile deposits, loan and Visa payments, and bill pay transactions to ensure adherence to daily service level agreements.
• Allocate daily tasks based on transaction volumes to ensure timely completion.
• Review, decide whether to accept or reject check deposits or payments at a higher tier limit per item than other departmental employees, currently assigned the highest tier below management level.
• Handle tier 2 escalations, demonstrating advanced problem-solving skills for more complex issues.
• Monitor and identify fraudulent or suspicious activity during the clearing process of items.
• Maintain meticulous records and daily transaction reconciliation in adherence to established policies and procedures.
• Implement quality control measures to uphold the highest standards in departmental operations.
• Collaborate with departmental leadership in the execution of strategic initiatives, projects, and service packs.
• Provide subject matter expertise on departmental duties and responsibilities.
• Deliver exemplary service to members, branches, and other department staff, ensuring a high level of satisfaction.
• Address escalated issues with professionalism and effective resolution strategies.
• Lead efforts in detecting and preventing fraudulent checks, staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.
• Ensure strict adherence to credit union policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Provide guidance to staff to ensure they stay within assigned limits and adhere to established policies and procedures.
• Develop and conduct training sessions for new employees, ensuring a comprehensive onboarding process and fostering a knowledgeable and skilled team.
• Collaborate with the fraud prevention team to enhance security protocols and minimize risks associated with fraudulent activities.
• Lead GL and reconciliation processes, including those associated with ATM transactions and other GLs related to check processing within accounting.
• Generate and deliver monthly reports to uphold quality control standards for work related to Reg CC.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of Funds Availability, Reg CC, and Fraud detection.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of state and federal laws and regulations related to credit union compliance including bank secrecy and anti-money laundering laws appropriate to the position.
• Compile and manage departmental statistics and reports.
• Generate administrative reports and conduct information gathering as needed.
• Provide additional support throughout the department and perform other tasks and duties assigned as needed to maintain daily operations.
• Utilizing critical thinking skills in order to identify gaps or updates within internal processes to create efficiencies on production areas.
• Perform routine monthly audits and address findings to staff as needed.
• Track errors and monitor for improvement.
• Perform various job duties based on staffing and production needs.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of High School or GED required.
• Associated degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years’ experience in item processing, cash management, operations, or related financial roles.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in customer service roles, showcasing a consistent commitment to delivering exceptional support.
• Proven experience as an Item Processing Specialist or in a similar role.
• Advanced knowledge of financial transactions and compliance requirements, specifically in funds availability and Reg CC.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to handle tier 2 escalations.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills to contribute to strategic initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Familiarity with fraud prevention technologies and best practices.
• Proficient computer skills and software experience.