Job Summary
The ACH Specialist 1 is responsible for daily ACH receipt and return operations in accordance with the NACHA Rules, Federal Reserve guidelines, and bank policies and procedures. This position supports end-to-end ACH processing, including exception handling, returns, reconciliations, and client support. The ACH Specialist 1 assist with compliance monitoring, reporting, and special projects to ensure accurate, timely and compliant ACH operations.
Essential Duties
- Process daily ACH Receipt activity, including exception items, returns, Notification of Change (NOC), and Death Notification Entries (DNE) in compliance with NACHA Rules and Federal Reserve requirements, Regulation E and Bank policies and procedures.
- Reconcile daily ACH settlement activity to ensure accurate and complete posting of transactions.
- Research, resolve, and respond to ACH disputes, errors and inquiries in accordance with Regulation E and Bank procedures.
- Provide high quality customer service by responding promptly and professionally to phone and email inquiries from internal and external clients.
- Review daily OFAC monitoring reports and escalate items as required.
- Compile, maintain, and distribute ACH related reports, spreadsheets, and documentation as required to support operational and compliance needs.
- Maintain current knowledge of ACH regulations, Bank policies, and procedural updates.
- Participate in special projects such as but not limited to system conversions, release, disaster recovery testing, and process improvements.
- Attend training and work towards advancing to an ACH Specialist 2 position.
- Provide support to internal teams and external clients by responding promptly and professionally to ACH inquiries, including but not limited to transaction status and troubleshooting assistance.
- Recognize and identify ACH operational or compliance issues and notify management when discrepancies, errors, or risks are identified.
- Demonstrate dependability by consistently meeting deadlines, following procedures, and maintaining accuracy and quality daily work.
Complies with all State and Federal Banking regulatory requirements, including but not limited to: BSA, Anti-Money Laundering OFAC, CIP, Financial Elder Abuse Reporting, Sexual Harassment, Information Security, and privacy requirements. This position will elevate suspicious activity to supervisory staff and/or BSA department. Completes compliance and other technical training workshops as assigned.
Non-Essential Duties- Procedure documentation
- Scanning & Filing ACH documents.
- Monthly certifications
- Statistical tracking and reporting
Required Knowledge
- NACHA Rules
- Regulation E
- Regulation CC
- Regulation DD
- Bank Secrecy Act
Basic Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Outstanding customer service skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in an environment where deadlines require timely and accurate processing.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while supporting a team.
- Proficient personal computer skills including Microsoft Office Outlook, Word & Excel
- Ability to work in multiple online systems required for ACH processing.
- Strong oral and written communication skills when interacting with internal and external clients.
- Ability to respectfully communicate with Management and Co-workers
- Strong attention to detail with excellent follow-through
- Must have ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment maintaining attention to detail.
- Ability to respectfully communicate with Management and Co-workers
Equipment Operated
- Lap/Desk top computers.
- Standard Office Equipment (copiers, fax machines)
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
- Requires sitting for prolonged periods of time.
- Requires lifting to 5 lbs.
- Office setting w/controlled temperature
Education and Experience
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
- Preferred candidate must have 2-5 years of banking experience.
- Accredited ACH Professional preferred
As a part of the Bank’s internal control systems, employees holding sensitive positions are required to be absent from their duties for a minimum of two consecutive weeks each year. This position has been deemed to meet the test for a sensitive position, and therefore you will be required to meet the minimum absence requirement every year.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees will be required to perform additional related work duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and/or management.
F&M Bank reserves the right to revise or change a job description or duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Skills Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Knowledge of NACHA Rules
- Knowledge of Regulation E
- Knowledge of Regulation CC
- Knowledge of Regulation DD
- Knowledge of the Bank Secrecy Act
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Ability to work in multiple online ACH processing systems
- Strong customer service, communication, analytical, problem-solving, multitasking, and attention-to-detail skills
- Two to five years of banking experience
- Accredited ACH Professional certification
What We Do
Founded in Long Beach in 1907 by C.J. Walker, Farmers & Merchants Bank provides white-glove service to clients at 26 branches from San Clemente to Santa Barbara, as well as through robust Online and Mobile Banking platforms. The Bank offers commercial and small business banking, business loan programs, home loans, and a robust offering of consumer retail banking products, including checking, savings and youth accounts. Farmers & Merchants Bank is a California state-chartered bank with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Member FDIC) and an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #537388. For more information about F&M, please visit the website, www.fmb.com.
