Job Description: Cross-Border Payments Specialist
Job Summary
The Cross-Border Payments Specialist is responsible for processing and managing international payment transactions while ensuring accuracy, regulatory compliance, and timely execution. This role works closely with banks, payment service providers, correspondent banking partners, compliance teams, and customers to facilitate secure and efficient cross-border payments. The specialist also supports foreign exchange (FX) transactions, investigates payment exceptions, and contributes to process improvements.
Key Responsibilities
- Process and monitor international payment transactions through SWIFT and other global payment networks.
- Validate payment instructions for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
- Coordinate with correspondent banks, payment service providers, and financial institutions to ensure timely settlement of cross-border transactions.
- Investigate and resolve payment delays, rejected transactions, sanctions alerts, and payment exceptions.
- Perform payment reconciliations and ensure transactions are accurately recorded in financial systems.
- Support foreign exchange (FX) payment processing and verify exchange rates where applicable.
- Ensure compliance with AML, KYC, sanctions screening, anti-fraud requirements, and applicable international payment regulations.
- Monitor transaction status and provide updates to internal stakeholders and customers.
- Maintain accurate documentation of payment activities, investigations, and operational procedures.
- Prepare operational reports, reconciliation reports, and payment performance metrics.
- Identify operational risks and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
- Collaborate with Compliance, Treasury, Finance, Customer Service, and Technology teams to resolve payment-related issues.
- Participate in system testing, payment platform upgrades, and implementation of new payment products or services.
- Stay informed about changes in international payment regulations, banking standards, and market practices.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Banking, Economics, or a related field.
- Professional certifications related to payments, banking, or financial services are an advantage.
- 3–6 years of experience in cross-border payments, banking operations, treasury, payment processing, or financial services.
Required Skills
- Strong knowledge of international payment systems, including SWIFT, correspondent banking, and global payment networks.
- Understanding of foreign exchange (FX) transactions and settlement processes.
- Knowledge of AML, KYC, sanctions screening, and international regulatory requirements.
- Experience with payment platforms, core banking systems, and financial applications.
- Strong analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Key Competencies
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Regulatory compliance
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Customer service orientation
- Critical thinking and decision-making
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Time management
- Continuous improvement mindset
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Cross-border payment processing accuracy
- On-time settlement of international transactions
- Payment exception and investigation resolution time
- Reconciliation accuracy
- Compliance with AML, KYC, and sanctions requirements
- Reduction in transaction failures and operational errors
- Customer satisfaction and service-level adherence
- Process improvement and operational efficiency
Working Conditions
- Full-time position.
- Standard business hours with flexibility to support international markets and different time zones.
- May require occasional extended hours during peak transaction periods, system upgrades, or month-end financial close.
