ACH Operations Specialist I

SUMMARY:

• Utilizing the PEP+ system, monitors and works all ACH incoming and outgoing files, process all ACH returns, oversees all ACH fraud and related disputes, and completes general item processing duties related to ACH.

• Utilizes Payment Exchange system to monitor and work on all Instant Payment incoming and outgoing transactions. Oversee reconciliation, Instant Payments fraud and disputes related to instant payments. In addition, complete general item processing duties related to Instant Payments.

• Acts as main point of contact for customers and branch staff to research and resolve ACH and Instant Payment inquiries/problems. Assists with monitoring and maintaining risk and exposure limits for ACH and Instant Payment originators, including, annual reviews and new account setups. Assists with monthly reporting of activity trends and other applicable metrics used to monitor/measure overall performance. Maintains knowledge of NACHA guidelines, ACH rules and Regulation E as applicable to ACH and Instant Payment errors.

Job Responsibilities:

• Prepare the daily ACH proof as a part of the RDFI (Receiving Depository Financial Institution), responsibilities. Reconcile and post rejected items and exception transactions. Review and disposition items in Pay/No Pay in DNA. Review, research, and corrects Load Errors. Process non-posted items, stop payments, Notice of Change (NOC) debit block items, IAT transactions, death notifications, Reg. E, and corporate claims, as well as ACH returns and rejected items. Provide notification of returns to customers. Receive and mail Notice of Change letters to originators. Code accounts with notice of death and returns benefit payments.

• Research unresolved and return items as a part of the ODFI, (Originating Depository Financial Institution), responsibilities. Research originated Item reversals in Pep+ and communicates to the originators or customers. Review and disposition File and Batch exceptions. Create, monitor, and maintain Originator collection Applications, daily limits, and risk exposure in CNS. Monitor customer originated files. Review and rectify rejected items, deletes, or modifies files or items as requested, confirms receipt of file transmissions, seeks approval for and resets suspended files.

• Perform similar transaction processing and reconcilement activities for Instant Payments.

• Opens and Monitors cases in the Salesforce, Client 360, and Payment Exchange software to ask questions, report processing issues, schedule meetings and communicate with Fiserv.

• Act as the main point of contact to research and resolve ACH inquiries from customers and other banks. Proactively contact branches and customers as needed to provide resolution and explanation of account activity. Assist with monthly reporting of activity trends and other applicable tracking metrics used to monitor performance, income, and expense of the ACH operation. Perform necessary accounting and risk related activities to ensure the bank can reconcile all transactions.

• Act as the Operational contact for the Banks PEP+ and Payment Exchange software. Liaison with Treasury Management Team, Business Development, Commercial Lending and Retail Banking as well as the Banks customers to explain and align ACH and Instant Payment processes and needs to support the Banks strategic direction.

• Maintain knowledge of and adheres to operational controls, including applicable laws, rules and regulations impacting ACH and Instant Payment services and policies such as the Bank Secrecy Act, Office of Foreign Assets Controls, NACHA Rules, Regulation E and Universal Commercial Code to ensure the safety and soundness of the bank.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field highly preferred;

• Minimum of 2 years' ACH processing experience.

• Subject matter expertise with Regulation E and NACHA rules and guidelines;

• Instant Payment (RTP or FedNow) processing experience a plus;

• Ability to always respond effectively to inquiries from internal team members and customers and demonstration of excellence in customer service.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as accomplish work assignments under minimal supervision and tight schedules.

• Ability to prioritize workload and maintain organization in a fast-paced environment;

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to deadlines;

• Ability to adopt and leverage new technology;

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills;

• Understanding of DNA core system;

• MS Office - advanced level of functionality in Excel and Word.

Columbia Bank and its affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Affirmative Action Employer/Males/Females/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities