Operations Associate (Document Custody Release Team)

M&T Bank Corporation; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 39,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured training

Advancement opportunities

Stable environment

Job summary

M&T Bank Corporation in Buffalo, NY, is seeking an Operations Associate for our Document Custody team. You will review and verify mortgage and non-mortgage documents, ensure signatures and custodial compliance, and update records in our internal systems.

This entry‑level, onsite role features structured training, a stable, process‑driven environment, and clear growth opportunities within a respected financial institution.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or two years of relevant work experience.
• Office/clerical experience welcome
• Basic computer proficiency, including daily use of email and internal systems
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow defined procedures
• Basic Excel skills and experience working with spreadsheets
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
• Ability to work under deadlines while maintaining accuracy
• Motivated, ambitious mindset with interest in career growth

Responsibilities

• Review and verify physical and electronic mortgage and non-mortgage documents from institutional clients
• Confirm documentation and authorized signatures per custodial agreements and guidelines
• Match document info to data in internal tracking system and update records
• Process document release requests: verify details, coordinate with vault, confirm accuracy, route documents to mail team
• Document and update any exceptions or discrepancies identified during review
• Work from a daily queue with ~5-10 requests per day

Skills

Attention to detail

Documentation

Time management

Customer service orientation

Collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree

Tools

Excel

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a detail‑oriented, motivated Operations Associate to join our Document Custody team supporting institutional clients. In this role, you’ll help manage, verify, and release mortgage and select non‑mortgage documents that are stored in our secure facility and requested by clients or successor custodians. This is an entry‑level, office‑based operations role ideal for candidates who enjoy working with processes, documentation, and accuracy – and who are interested in growing their career within a structured financial services environment. The team provides hands‑on training, clear expectations, and strong internal mobility for high performers.

What You’ll Do

• Review and verify physical and electronic mortgage and non‑mortgage documents received from institutional clients
• Confirm that correct documentation and authorized signatures are present, following established custodial agreements and review guidelines
• Match document information to data housed in an internal document tracking system and update records as files move through the process
• Process document release requests by: Verifying the request details, coordinating with the internal vault team to retrieve files, confirming retrieved documents are accurate and complete, and routing approved documents to the mail team for secure shipment
• Document and update any exceptions or discrepancies identified during review
• Work from a daily queue, with an expected volume of approximately 5-10 requests per day
• Adhere to company risk, regulatory, and internal control standards, escalating issues when appropriate
• Support a collaborative team environment that reflects the company’s values and commitment to belonging

A Day in the Role

You’ll start your day working from a queue of document requests submitted by institutional clients. Most of your time will be spent reviewing documentation, validating details in internal systems, and coordinating with internal partners such as the vault and mail teams. The work is steady, process‑driven, and accuracy‑focused. You’ll receive structured training during your first six weeks, including support from designated trainers and teammates within a close‑knit 12‑person team.

Education and Experience Required

• Associate’s degree, or two years of prior work experience

Education and Experience Preferred

• Comfort working in an office or operational environment (customer service, retail, administrative, or clerical experience is welcome)
• Basic computer proficiency, including daily use of email and internal systems
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow defined procedures
• Prior customer service or office experience (e.g., retail cashiering, call centers, administrative support)
• Basic Excel skills and experience working with spreadsheets
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time‑management abilities
• Ability to work under deadlines while maintaining accuracy
• Motivated, ambitious mindset with interest in career growth (team members often advance quickly)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 30-50 pounds

Work Model/Office Location

This is a 100% onsite position requiring five days in office per week. Eligible candidates must live within commuting distance to 693 Seneca Street, Buffalo, NY 14210.

Required Availability

Monday‑Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm

Why Join the Team

• Structured training program with hands‑on support
• Clear performance expectations and manageable daily volume
• Opportunities for advancement within the team and broader organization
• Stable, process‑driven role within a regulated and respected financial institution

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $18.68 - $31.14 Hourly (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location: Buffalo, New York, United States of America

About M&T Bank

Great companies have an enduring sense of purpose. At M&T, our purpose is a simple one: make a difference in people’s lives and uplift the communities we serve. M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T’s affiliates offer advice, guidance, expertise and solutions across the entire financial spectrum, combining M&T Bank’s traditional banking services with the wealth management and institutional capabilities offered by Wilmington Trust. M&T Bank has a network of over 1,000 branches and 2,200 ATMs that span 12 states from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. For more than 165 years, M&T has strived to take an active role in our communities and build long‑lasting relationships with our customers. We are a bank for communities—combining the capabilities of a large bank with the care of a locally focused institution. As an employer of choice, we are proud to offer competitive benefits ranging from medical and retirement to forty hours of paid volunteer time, each year. Our core values – integrity, ownership, collaboration, curiosity, and candor – drive the work we do. We seek to further build upon our record of success by bringing in top talent and fresh skill sets while continuing to support the growth and development of all our team members. View M&T’s Human Capital Report to learn more.

M&T Bank is unwavering when it comes to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, age, disability, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local laws.

M&T Bank Corporation has policies and procedures in place to promote a drug free workplace.