Payment Operations Specialist: Operations Maker – Level 1 (FinTech / Digital Assets / Payments [...]

Black Pen Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 223,200 - 334,800; Full time

Job summary

Black Pen Recruitment is hiring a Payment Operations Specialist in Cape Town. This full-time role focuses on the accurate preparation and execution of payment transactions across fiat and stablecoin networks. The ideal candidate will have a degree in finance or a related field, along with 1–3 years of experience in payment operations or banking. Responsibilities include transaction booking, reconciliation, and ensuring compliance within the maker-checker framework in a hybrid workplace.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years in payments operations, banking operations, FinTech or crypto operations.
• Basic understanding of payment flows, stablecoins, and blockchain fundamentals.
• Exposure to wallet platforms is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and initiate fiat and stablecoin transactions with complete accuracy.
• Execute transactions on approved wallet platforms with strict adherence to controls.
• Record all transactions across internal ledgers ensuring full traceability.
• Perform first-level checks between internal systems and blockchain activity.
• Track transaction progress and escalate any delays or issues.

Skills

Attention to detail

Transaction accuracy

Process orientation

Ownership and accountability

Education

Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field

Tools

Utila

Fireblocks

Job description

Payment Operations Specialist: Operations Maker – Level 1 (FinTech / Digital Assets / Payments / Stablecoins)

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Job Openings Payment Operations Specialist: Operations Maker – Level 1 (FinTech / Digital Assets / Payments / Stablecoins)

About the job Payment Operations Specialist: Operations Maker – Level 1 (FinTech / Digital Assets / Payments / Stablecoins)

Our client operates at the intersection of traditional finance and digital asset infrastructure, enabling seamless movement of value across fiat and stablecoin networks. The business is building an institutional‑grade, highly controlled payment environment with strong governance, auditability, and operational discipline.

Role Overview

This is a Level 1 “Maker” role within a structured maker‑checker control framework. The Payment Operations Specialist is responsible for the accurate preparation, initiation, and recording of all payment transactions, across both: Traditional fiat rails and Stablecoin/blockchain networks

This role is execution‑focused, with no approval authority, but plays a critical role in ensuring transaction accuracy, traceability, and operational integrity.

Job Type: Full Time/Permanent

Location: Cape Town

Workplace: Hybrid

Requirements

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (preferred)
• 1–3 years in: Payments operations, Banking operations, FinTech or crypto operations
• Basic understanding of: Payment flows (SWIFT, internal transfers, settlements), Stablecoins and blockchain fundamentals
• Exposure to wallet platforms (e.g., Utila, Fireblocks) is advantageous
• Strong attention to detail (critical)
• High accuracy in transaction processing
• Ability to follow structured processes consistently
• We are specifically looking for candidates who are:
• Precision‑driven and detail‑obsessed
• Process‑oriented and disciplined
• High ownership and accountability mindset
• Comfortable operating under strict controls and governance
• Calm and methodical under pressure

Responsibilities

• Payment Execution: Prepare and initiate fiat (inbound, outbound and internal) and stablecoin transactions (USDT, USDC) with complete accuracy and readiness for approval
• Wallet Operations: Execute transactions on approved wallet platforms (e.g. Utila, Fireblocks), ensuring strict adherence to address validation and governance controls
• Transaction Booking: Accurately record all transactions across internal ledgers and platforms, ensuring full traceability
• Reconciliation: Perform first‑level checks between internal systems, bank records, and blockchain activity; identify and escalate discrepancies
• Monitoring & Exceptions: Track transaction progress across payment rails and blockchain networks; elevate delays, errors, or failures
• Controls & Compliance: Operate within the maker‑checker framework, maintaining strict process discipline and complete audit trails
• Escalation: Provide clear, structured, and actionable handovers to Level 2 Operations, Treasury, or Compliance