AVP of Payments

Apple Federal Credit Union; Fair Oaks (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off & holidays

Volunteer time

Tuition reimbursement

Annual TEAM Bonus

Job summary

Apple Federal Credit Union seeks an AVP of Payments to lead the Payments department, including Card Services and Money Movement, ensuring efficient operations and regulatory compliance. You will collaborate with leadership to drive strategic initiatives, enhance member utilization, and manage budgeting, reporting, and audits.

The role requires strong leadership, analytical and communication skills, with experience in real-time payments, ACH, wires, and card issuing/processing.

Qualifications

• Ten years of financial-institution experience, preferably in payments (ACH, wires, card issuing/processing, real-time payments).
• At least five years of supervisory experience with coaching and evaluating staff.
• Bachelor’s degree in business/finance/accounting or related field; equivalent work experience acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Payments department, including Card Services and Money Movement, ensuring efficient operations.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to expand member utilization of payments products.
• Oversee budgeting, planning, reporting, and audits in collaboration with Payments leadership.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and risk management across payments operations.
• Provide clear goals, career paths, and development opportunities for the team.
• Monitor performance metrics and report to executive leadership on status of payments initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Regulatory compliance

Education

BA/BS in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field

Tools

Symitar (Jack Henry)

PSCU/Velera

Visa

FedNow & RTP

Job description

Why Join Apple?

At Apple Federal Credit Union, we're more than a financial institution; we're a community-focused organization powered by passionate people. With 24 branches across Northern Virginia and a proud legacy of service, we're committed to improving the lives of our members and the communities we serve.

We believe our employees are our greatest asset. That's why we foster a supportive workplace culture that values inclusiveness, innovation and growth. Whether you're just starting out or advancing your career, you'll find opportunities for professional development, mentorship and meaningful impact.

Why Work at Apple FCU

• Recognized as a WTOP Top Workplaces (2026); Best Credit Unions (2026)
• Collaborative, welcoming environment with forward-thinking leadership
• Competitive, comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid time off and 11 paid federal holidays
  • Paid volunteer time to give back
  • Tuition reimbursement and ongoing training opportunities
  • Annual TEAM Bonus plan.

Role:

Under general supervision, the AVP of Payments leads and oversees the operations of the Payments department, including Card Services and Money Movement. This role is responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective execution of all payment operations, including credit and debit card issuing and processing, ACH, Wires, Share-drafts, and real-time payments capabilities.

The AVP of Payments works closely with the VP of Payments to develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance and expand member utilization of Apple's payments functionality, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and policies. Performs duties and responsibilities in accordance with The Apple Way principles of Team Up, Challenge Yourself and Own It, and Serve with Purpose. Remains cognizant of and adheres to credit union policies and procedures, and applicable regulations.

Collaboratively, with Payments leadership, coordinates related administrative functions, including but not limited to budgeting, planning, report preparation, and audit activities. Performs other duties as assigned by the VP of Payments.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Leadership and Team Development:

• Lead and develop the Payments team, including the Director of Card Services and the Director of Money Movement, to ensure the efficient operation of all payment processes.
• Create a best-in-class environment, delivering clear goals, career paths, and development opportunities for team members.
• Cultivate a culture of data-driven, creative problem-solving to maximize the consumer appeal, accessibility, and market adoption of Apple's payments products and solutions.
• Collaborate with line-of-business managers to actively improve the Credit Union's payments and payments processing functions: ensuring quality member service, product competitiveness, profitability, and portfolio quality.

Operational and Strategic Oversight:

• Oversee the operations of money movement, including ACH, Wires, Share-drafts, FedNow/RTP, and debit/credit card issuing, processing, and non-fraud dispute resolution.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight for complex payments operations, ensuring department goals and standards are met.
• Ensure business continuity for cards and Fed processing.
• In collaboration with the Directors of Card Services and Money Movement, and other line-of-business leadership, manage third-party relationships with service providers, including invoicing, issue escalation and resolution, contract negotiations, and SLA fulfillment.
• Initiate and participate in the evaluation of products and solutions to enhance Apple's relevance among families and other target-market cohorts.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and compliance requirements, directly engaging in regulatory exams and policy implementations, as may be required.
• Recognize and manage risk within the functional areas.

Performance Analysis and Reporting:

• Monitor and refine performance metrics for Apple's payments solutions and products, creating performance reports and evaluating the effectiveness of current plans and initiatives.
• Communicate regular business performance, vendor status, and strategic initiative updates to the Payments leadership and staff, and to the executive leadership team.

Experience:

Minimum ten (10) years Financial Institution experience, preferably within at least one of the Payment spaces such as ACH, drafts, wires, credit and debit card issuing and processing, and real-time payments. Minimum five (5) years supervisory management experience, including experience coaching, motivating and evaluating the performance of staff members engaged in payments operations. Familiarity with the operating environments of Symitar (Jack Henry), PSCU/Velera, Visa, Fed ACH and wires, NACHA, and RTP (FedNow & The Clearing House).

Education:

Four-year BA/BS in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field, or equivalent work experience.

Interpersonal Skills:

Excellent supervisory, interpersonal abilities. Must possess strong coordination and communication skills.

Other Skills:

Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Must possess strong administrative skills. Have the ability to work effectively and independently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Demonstrated knowledge of policies, procedures, regulations and legislation relating to Payments.

Physical Requirements:

The ability to lift 25lbs and utilize standard office equipment including, but not limited to, PC, fax, copier, telephone, etc. Some travel required.

Apple Federal Credit Union values, encourages, and implements diversity in the workplace.

As an equal opportunity employer, Apple Federal Credit Union does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.

All selected candidates will be subject to credit and background checks to determine employment eligibility.