Data Subject Matter Expert; SME Banking & Payments

Job Title: Data Subject Matter Expert (SME) Banking & Payments

Role Overview:
The Data SME will provide expert guidance and support for technology and consulting engagement within the banking and payments domain. This role bridges business, technology, and data teams to ensure the successful delivery of data-driven solutions aligned with banking and payments industry standards and regulatory requirements. The Data SME will leverage deep expertise in payment systems, banking data flows, and regulatory frameworks to drive solution design, implementation, and optimization.
Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary subject matter expert on data structures, flows, and standards across banking and payment systems (ACH, RTGS, SWIFT, ISO
  20022, SEPA, Faster Payments, BACS, CHAPS, cards, etc.).
• Collaborate with business stakeholders, product owners, IT development, and operations to define and refine data requirements for payment-related solutions.
• Support the development, integration, and implementation of new payment products, services, and compliance initiatives, ensuring data integrity and adherence to regulatory mandates.
• Provide input on solution architecture, data mapping, and interface design for payment hubs and related banking platforms.
• Lead or support data migration, transformation, and reconciliation activities as part of system upgrades or new implementations.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation on data processes, controls, and payment transaction life cycles.
• Advise on data governance, quality, and security best practices in line with industry and regulatory standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex data and payment issues, collaborating with internal and external partners as needed.

• Design and develop comprehensive test data sets that accurately reflect real-world banking and payment scenarios, including a variety of payment methods, transaction types, currencies, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with business analysts, QA teams, and developers to define test data requirements for payment workflows, ensuring coverage of both positive and negative test cases (e.g., successful transactions, failed payments, expired cards, insufficient funds, chargebacks, refunds, and fraud scenarios).
• Generate and manage input files (e.g., plain text, XML/ISO
  20022, proprietary formats) for payment hubs and gateways, simulating diverse user personas and transaction flows.
• Ensure test data complies with data privacy and security standards, including masking or anonymizing sensitive information to adhere to PCI DSS, GDPR, and other regulatory mandates.
• Automate test data creation and maintenance to support efficient, repeatable, and scalable testing processes for payment system implementations and upgrades.
• Validate and cross-check input and output files to ensure the payment system processes and generates data correctly, supporting end-to-end and regression testing efforts.
• Document test data preparation procedures and maintain up-to-date records to support audit, compliance, and knowledge transfer activities.
• Support certification and pre-certification testing by preparing data sets required for scheme compliance (e.g., Client, Visa, EMVCo) and regulatory reporting.

• Bachelor s or master s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in banking, payments, or financial services, with a focus on data analysis, data management, or payment operations.
• In-depth knowledge of payment scheme rules, data standards (SWIFT, ISO
  20022), and regulatory frameworks (PSD2, AML, PCI-DSS).
• Proven experience in data mapping, migration, and reconciliation for banking/payment systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.
• Experience supporting technology implementation or consulting engagements in banking/payments is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with API-driven payment platforms, open banking, and emerging fintech solutions.
• Experience with cloud-based data architectures and microservices.
• Knowledge of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and its application in payments.
• Advanced Excel and data visualization/reporting skills.

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data quality and compliance.

About ApTask:
ApTask is a leading global provider of workforce solutions and talent acquisition services, dedicated to shaping the future of work. As an African American-owned and Veteran-owned company, ApTask offers a comprehensive suite of services, including staffing and recruitment solutions, managed services, IT consulting, and project management. With a focus on excellence, collaboration, and innovation,…