ACH Specialist

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.

• 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 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 escalates concerns.

• 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…