Payments Operations Specialist

Role Summary:

Payments Operations Specialist

Key Responsibilities:

• Process and validate

  incoming and outgoing payment transactions, including high-value and cross-border payments, using

  MX (ISO 20022)

  formats.

• Monitor and manage

  payment queues in real time to ensure timely processing and settlement.

• Investigate and resolve

  payment issues and exceptions including failed, delayed, or duplicate transactions.
• Act as the

  first point of contact

  for internal teams and external counterparties on payment discrepancies and inquiries.
• Interpret and process messages such as

  pacs.008, pacs.004, camt.056, camt.029

  , etc.
• Reconcile payment entries and ensure completeness and accuracy of postings in the ledger.
• Work closely with

  banks, SWIFT networks, and clearing systems

  to trace and resolve transaction issues.
• Escalate complex issues to the appropriate teams and ensure timely closure of open items.
• Maintain

  documentation and audit trails

  for all processed and investigated payments.
• Stay updated on global payments regulations (e.g., SEPA, CHAPS, TARGET2) and industry developments related to ISO 20022.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 3–6 years of experience in

  payment operations

  or

  transaction investigation

  , preferably in a bank or financial services environment.
• Strong knowledge of

  SWIFT and ISO 20022 MX message formats

  .
• Experience with

  payment lifecycle management

  , including initiation, clearing, settlement, and reconciliation.
• Proficient in tools/systems such as SWIFT Alliance, TLM, Oracle/ERP systems, or payment hubs.
• Familiarity with

  AML and sanctions screening

  related to payment messages is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for dealing with counterparties and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure in a high-volume environment with tight deadlines.