SUMMARY
The ACH Specialist is responsible for the accurate, timely, and efficient processing of ACH transactions and exception items, including incoming and outgoing ACH activity, suspended files, returns, research requests, and related operational functions. This role ensures Ach transactions are processed in compliance with Bank policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and Nacha Operating Rules while supporting risk management, customer service, and operational efficiency.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs daily ACH processing activities, including collection, distribution, transmission, and settlement of electronic payment files.
- Process returns, Notification of Change (NOCs), rejected items, non-sufficient funds (NSF) entries, unauthorized transactions, and other exceptions in accordance with Nacha Operating Rules, Regulation E, Federal Reserve requirements, and Bank policies.
- Identifies, researches, and resolves processing issues, escalating exceptions and high-risk items as needed to mitigate operational, compliance, and financial risk.
- Monitors ACH activity, exception reports, fraud monitoring alerts, return rates, customer exposure, and transaction trends to identify unusual activity, unauthorized transactions, processing anomalies, and potential fraud risks. Investigates suspicious activity, documents findings, takes appropriate corrective action, and escalates concerns in accordance with established procedures and risk management guidelines.
- Establishes, maintains, and updates customer ACH service configurations, account relationships, exposure limits, and related system parameters to support accurate transaction processing.
- Supports the periodic review, risk assessment, and reapproval of ACH Origination clients by analyzing transaction activity, exposure levels, return metrics, and service usage.
- Monitors customer compliance with approved service parameters, maintains supporting documentation and tracking records, and provides reporting, recommendations, and risk-related information to Relationship Managers, Treasury Management, and management as needed.
- Responds to inquiries related to ACH Origination files. Researches and resolves issues promptly while providing while providing accurate guidance and maintaining high level of customer service.
- Performs daily balancing and reconciliation of General Ledger accounts related to ACH operations. Researches and resolves out-of-balance conditions, reconciling items, and processes discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Exercises sound judgement in making operation decisions on behalf of the Bank and its clients, balancing risk management, regulatory compliance, customer service, and operational efficiency.
- Communicates effectively with stakeholders and escalates complex or high-risk matters to appropriate management to support timely and effective resolutions.
- Maintains and updates department procedures, reference materials, job aids, and operational resources to promote process consistency, regulatory compliance, service excellence, and business continuity.
- Reviews fraud monitoring system alerts to identify potentially suspicious, unauthorized, or high-risk ACH transactions. Investigate alerts, document findings, takes appropriate action to mitigate risk, and escalate concerns.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to exceptional customer service through effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork with customers, colleagues, and management.
- Utilizes strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills to identify issues, evaluate risks, and develop effective solutions.
- Maintains a high standard of work quality, productivity, attendance, and professionalism in support of department and organizational objectives.
- Comply with all Bank policies, procedures, internal controls, security standards, and applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
- Completes required training and maintains knowledge of laws, regulations, and industry requirements applicable to assigned responsibilities, including but not limited to BSA/AML/CIP, Consumer Privacy, Regulation CC, Information Security, the Bank Protection Act, FACTA Identity Theft Red Flags, Information Technology controls, and GLBA.
- Participates in cross-training, process improvement initiatives, and other professional development opportunities to support operational efficiency and business continuity.
- Performs additional duties and special projects as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance, training, or support to team members as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of two (2) years of banking, payments, treasury management, deposit operations, or related financial services experience required.
- Knowledge of ACH processing, ACH Origination, return processing, exception handling, and Nacha Operating Rules preferred.
- Strong attention to detail and analytical skills, with the ability to accurately process transactions, identify exceptions, analyze data, and resolve problems in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet established deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and work successfully as part of a team to achieve organizational objectives.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with the ability to learn and effectively utilize multiple banking and payment processing systems.
- Ability to interpret, apply, and maintain knowledge of applicable banking regulations, payment network rules, industry standards, and Bank policies and procedures.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive customer and financial information.
- Nacha Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) certification preferred. Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain ACH-related certifications and continuing education is desirable.
COMPETENCIES
- Adaptability
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Communication
- Customer Focus
- Decision Making
- Initiative
- Judgement and Escalation
- Organization and Time Management
- Problem Solving
- Regulatory Compliance
- Professionalism
- Results Oriented
- Risk Awareness
- Teamwork and Collaboration
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Primarily performs work in a professional office environment, requiring prolonged periods of sitting and frequent use of a computer and telephone.
- Occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, or reach while performing job duties.
- May be required to lift, move, or carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to review, prepare, and maintain detailed records, reports, and electronic documentation with a high degree of accuracy.
- Ability to effectively communicate and exchange information with customers, vendors, and employees in person, by telephone, video conference, and electronic communication methods.
- Frequently uses hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, calculator, telephone, and other office equipment.
- Requires the ability to perform close visual work, including viewing computer screens and reviewing detailed documents for extended periods.
- Ability to maintain concentration and attention to detail while processing transactions, reviewing reports, and performing tasks involving financial data and regulatory requirements.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment.
- The workspace is generally clean, well-lit, climate-controlled, and maintained in accordance with applicable safety standards.
- Noise levels are typically moderate and consistent with a professional office setting.
- The position requires regular use of computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment.
- Employees may experience periods of increased workload, deadlines, and interruptions that require effective time management, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks.
- Frequent interaction with employees, customers, vendors, and other business partners may occur through in-person, telephone, video conferencing, and electronic communication methods.
Sunwest Bank Is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Sunwest Bank works with staff members and customers without regard to race, ancestry, national origin, sex, marital status, age, religion, medical condition, handicap, disability or veteran status and to assist the Bank in maintaining its Affirmative Action Program.
Compliance with Bank Secrecy Act laws and regulations is considered an extremely serious matter, and it is intended that Sunwest Bank, through the purposeful efforts of its employees and officers, are expected to make every resolute attempt to conform to its Bank Secrecy Act Program and Procedures. Failure to comply will be reflected in their performance review as well as in any bonus compensation programs in which they may participate.
Attend and complete all required classroom, computer-based, web-based and seminar training. It is the individual responsibility of every employee to maintain a current awareness and understanding of and to fully comply with Sunwest Bank’s “Code of Ethics and Conduct.” Each employee is also expected to maintain an awareness of the laws, regulations, internal policies and procedures that are appropriate for his/her position.
Note: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level and work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All job descriptions can be amended without notice as warranted by business necessity.
