Escrow Operations Lead — Compliance & Payments Expert

Freelancer.com; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Escrow.com, a fintech leader in secure high-value payments, is expanding its San Francisco team. We seek an Escrow Manager to oversee payment operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead a growing group of payments analysts.

You will manage daily escrow transactions, supervise processing workflows, and maintain DFPI compliance while driving efficiency and a superior customer experience in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in escrow operations, payments, or financial services, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Must hold or be eligible to obtain an Escrow Manager License through DFPI (Department of Financial Protection and Innovation).
• Comprehensive knowledge of DFPI regulations governing escrow transactions and services.
• Demonstrated experience managing accounting-related functions, including keeping books, records, and accounts as required by regulatory bodies.
• Strong understanding of payment processing systems, banking operations, and reconciliation processes.
• Experience with domestic and international payment methods (wire, ACH, check, SWIFT, IBAN) and real-time payment systems (Zelle, FedNow, RTP) preferred.
• Proven track record of team management, including hiring, training, and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review and approve financial transactions for escrow settlement.
• Oversee and manage the daily payment operations, ensuring escrow processes are accurate, efficient and compliant.
• Supervise and mentor a team of payments analysts, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback to ensure operational excellence.
• Maintain deep knowledge of banking processes, payment rails, and transaction formats including wire, ACH, check, SWIFT, IBAN, and real-time payment systems (Zelle, FedNow, RTP).
• Serve as the primary point of contact with external banking institutions, resolving complex payment processing issues and maintaining strong banking relationships.
• Ensure compliance with all DFPI regulations and escrow laws, including maintenance of proper books, records, and accounts as required by legal regulations governing escrow transactions and services.
• Hold an active Escrow Manager License issued by DFPI or obtain licensure within the required timeframe.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and improve customer experience in payment operations.
• Manage escalated customer inquiries and complex transaction issues, providing exceptional service while maintaining security protocols.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Compliance, Risk, Legal, and Product to ensure seamless operations across the business.
• Monitor key performance indicators and operational metrics, preparing regular reports for senior leadership.
• Lead initiatives to scale payment operations in line with business growth.
• Oversee the reconciliation of inbound payments with created transactions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage customer communication processes for payment issues, ensuring prompt resolution.
• Supervise anti-fraud procedures and controls, utilizing internal reporting systems and industry best practices.
• Review and approve exceptions to standard payment processing procedures.
• Oversee the review and release of escrow funds, ensuring all conditions are met and proper controls are in place.
• Supervise the disbursement process according to transaction terms and seller preferences.
• Ensure accurate reconciliation of outbound payments with closed escrow transactions.
• Manage escalated client inquiries and complex disbursement scenarios.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field

Job description

Escrow.com, a fintech leader in secure high-value payments, is expanding its San Francisco team. We seek an Escrow Manager to oversee payment operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead a growing group of payments analysts.

You will manage daily escrow transactions, supervise processing workflows, and maintain DFPI compliance while driving efficiency and a superior customer experience in a fast-paced environment.