Payments Specialist

Payments Specialist

Department: Accounting
Reports to: AVP of Accounting
Classification: Non-exempt, Full-Time, In-Person
Effective: April 2026

Overview:

The Payments Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of outgoing wire transfer and ACH processing, including origination and return items, and other related payment operations for GHS Federal Credit Union. This position ensures all transactions are processed in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements including OFAC screening and BSA obligations, and serves as a key operational resource within the Accounting Department.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Process outgoing domestic and international wire transfers in accordance with established procedures, internal controls and regulatory guidelines. Verify wire requests for accuracy, authorization and completeness prior to release.
• Manage ACH origination files, including preparation, submission, monitoring and reconciliation of outgoing ACH transactions. Review and process ACH exceptions, NOCs and return items in accordance with NACHA operating rules and credit union policy.
• Perform OFAC screening on all applicable wire and ACH transactions. Escalate flagged items to the appropriate personnel in accordance with BSA/AML policy and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of all wire and ACH activity. Review daily bill payment activity. Reconcile payment-related general ledger accounts and suspense accounts on a timely basis.
• Monitor daily settlement and ensure all outgoing payment activity is balanced and accounted for. Identify and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Respond to internal inquiries from staff regarding wire and ACH transactions, providing clear and timely communication on status, exceptions and resolutions.
• Maintain current knowledge of NACHA rules, Federal Reserve operating guidelines and relevant regulatory requirements. Ensure processing procedures remain current and compliant.
• Support the development and documentation of payment processing procedures and internal controls.
• Serve as a resource for the Accounting Team on payment-related operational matters and provide backup support for related functions as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Performance Measurement:

Performance will be measured on tangible measurable objectives noted above and as assigned as well as demonstrated skills and behaviors.

• Ownership and accountability of assignments, issues, employee and member support.
• Must maintain high level of confidentiality regarding credit union staff and member information.
• Achievement of personal, team and business goals, as established. Work together as a team with the entire staff to achieve Credit Union goals and strategic plan. Must work well in a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize and establish timelines to meet the operational needs of the credit union with exceptional attention to detail. Excellent problem solving, critical thinking and analytical skills are required daily.
• Provide prompt, friendly, personal and professional service to members and teammates in regard to internal and external inquiries and requests with timely follow up and follow through.
• Flexibility is necessary to handle multiple projects and tasks daily.
• Adherence and compliance with credit union procedures and policies.
• Complete assigned training and development activities.
• Maintain a professional work environment and business-like appearance.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Abilities

Experience:

Minimum of two (2) to three (3) years of related work experience in payment operations, wire processing or ACH functions, preferably within a credit union or financial institution setting. Strong knowledge of NACHA operating rules, OFAC screening requirements and BSA compliance obligations required. 

Education:

Associate's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and directly related experience will be considered. An Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) certification preferred or required to obtain with 12 months.

Interpersonal:

Involves contact with others inside and outside the organization and requires professionalism, courtesy, finesse, tact and diplomacy. Requires the ability to engage and influence others by building rapport.

Other Skills:

Strong attention to detail and accuracy are essential. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage time-sensitive transactions and deadlines. Proficiency in core banking systems and Microsoft Office required. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work effectively in a team environment while managing independent responsibilities. Must demonstrate sound judgment, discretion and a high degree of integrity when handling financial transactions and sensitive member information.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the position, the employee is regularly required to stand or sit, use hands and arms to reach, feel, grasp, lift, hold, and type. Employee is regularly required to talk, hear and communicate with employees and members. The employee periodically walks, reaches, stoops, kneels, crouches or squats and uses the stairs. Employees must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Periodically lift and/or move 20 lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Employees are required to contribute to a positive work environment and demonstrate the credit union brand of "The Relationship of a Lifetime" by demonstrating GHS Service Standards of customer focus with positivity, personal ownership and accountability, clear and positive communication and responsiveness. Collaboration, consistency, respect, trust and demonstration of integrity are professional behaviors regularly required.

This job description is intended to be a guide and may not be all encompassing. Duties may be amended or changed based on changes in business conditions or needs.

GHS is an equal opportunity employer. At GHS, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. GHS believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.