Payments Operations Manager

First City Credit Union; Altadena (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

401k with 5% match and immediate vest?

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Holidays

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

First City Credit Union is seeking a Payments Operations Manager to lead and optimize ACH, wires, check processing, and payroll operations. You will guide a team, enforce regulatory compliance, and drive improvements to support a digital-first strategy.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in payment operations and 3+ years in leadership within financial services, with NACHA knowledge and relevant certifications preferred. Excellent risk management and service to members are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Business or equivalent professional training.
• Three to five years of experience in payment operations within a financial institution (ACH, wires, checks, payroll).
• Minimum three years in a direct supervisory/managerial role in a financial institution preferred.
• AAP certification is a plus.
• Check Payments Certification is highly desirable.
• Experience with NACHA rules and regulatory compliance required.
• Strong knowledge of payment processing systems (Symitar, Check 21, ACH/wire).
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and risk management in electronic payments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee payment operations, including ACH, wires, checks, and payroll, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and compliance.
• Provide day-to-day leadership for the team, including scheduling, coaching, performance management, and staff development.
• Drive process improvements and operational enhancements aligned with the organization's Digital First Strategy.
• Partner with internal teams to align operations with priorities and deliver strong member service.
• Ensure compliance with NACHA rules and regulatory requirements and manage operational risk and fraud trends.
• Monitor performance via dashboards and metrics to improve results and accountability.
• Serve as escalation point for complex issues and provide backup support as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

NACHA rules

Risk management

Supervisory experience

Payment processing knowledge

Team coaching

Education

Associate's degree in Business

Three to five years in payment operations

Minimum three years supervisory/managerial

AAP certification preferred

Check Payments Certification desirable

Tools

Symitar

Check 21 platforms

ACH and wire transfer systems

Job description

The Payments Operations Manager will assume, but not be limited to, the following responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee payment operations, including ACH, wires, check processing (Check 21, ATM, mobile deposit), and payroll, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership for the team, including scheduling, coaching, performance management, hiring support, and staff development.
• Drive process improvements and operational enhancements that support the organization's Digital First Strategy and strategic goals.
• Partner with internal teams and leaders to align operations with organizational priorities and deliver strong service to members.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and standards (including NACHA and payment processing requirements) and proactively manage operational risk and fraud trends.
• Monitor performance through reporting, dashboards, and key metrics, using insights to improve results and accountability.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex operational or member issues and provide backup support as needed.

The successful candidate will possess the following education, knowledge and skillsets

• Associate's degree in Business or equivalent specialized professional certification/training.
• Three to five years of experience in payment operations within a financial institution, including ACH, wires, checks, and payroll processing.
• Minimum three years in a direct supervisory or managerial role, preferably in a financial institution.
• Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) certification preferred.
• Relevant check processing certifications (e.g., Check Payments Certification) highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience with NACHA rules and regulatory compliance.
• Working knowledge of payment processing systems (e.g., Symitar, Check 21 platforms, ACH and wire transfer systems).
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and risk management in electronic payments

We Provide Competitive Compensation And Benefits Package That Includes

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan (matching contribution=5%, immediate vesting)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Educational Reimbursement

"Actual compensation is determined based on experience, education, skills, internal equity, and other job‑related factors."

EOE