ACH Exceptions Specialist

Description

Overview:

The ACH Exceptions Specialist is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing and resolution of ACH exceptions, returns, disputes, and related payment activity. This position serves as the Bank’s primary ACH subject matter expert and escalation point, providing guidance across departments while ensuring adherence to Nacha Operating Rules, Regulation E, Federal Reserve requirements, Bank policies, and applicable regulatory standards. As a critical operational function, the position requires independent judgment, strong attention to detail, effective risk management, and dependable daily coverage of time-sensitive ACH activity. As a member of the Payment Operations Team, this individual will be cross trained on additional Payment Operations functions to maximize department capacity and coverage.    

Primary Accountabilities / Responsibilities:

1. Manage the end-to-end daily processing of ACH exception activity, including unposted transactions, NSF items, stop payments, returns, and other exceptions, ensuring timely and accurate resolution in accordance with current Nacha Operating Rules, Regulatory requirements, Bank policies, and established processing deadlines.
2. Research and process death notification entries, including post-death government benefit returns and reclamations; restrict or freeze associated deposit accounts when appropriate.
3. Process and monitor Notices of Change (NOCs), ensuring required account information updates are communicated to the appropriate department.
4. Research and resolve originated ACH returns, errors, and exceptions in collaboration with Treasury Services and Loan Operations as needed, including taking appropriate corrective action to prevent balance discrepancies in the ACH In-Process General Ledger account.
5. Verify pre-notification entries and return items with invalid account or payee information.
6. Balance and reconcile daily ACH settlement General Ledger account and research to resolve any discrepancies.
7. Research and resolve consumer and commercial reports of unauthorized or erroneous ACH debits.
8. Manage the Written Statement of Unauthorized Debit (WSUD) process, including obtaining required documentation, reviewing for completeness, maintaining appropriate records, and initiating related return activity within applicable time frames.
9. Apply applicable Nacha requirements, SEC codes, and return codes when processing unauthorized ACH transactions, including transactions subject to Regulation E.
10. Escalate legal, compliance, fraud, or operational-risk concerns as appropriate.
11. Maintain complete and accurate records supporting ACH disputes and returns.
12. Monitor ACH return activity and return ratios for commercial ACH originators using available reporting.
13. Identify originators approaching or exceeding applicable Nacha return-rate thresholds and escalate concerns appropriately.
14. Serve as the Bank’s primary ACH subject matter expert and escalation point for ACH-related questions, issues, and exceptions.
15. Provide guidance to Retail, Operations, Treasury Services/Treasury Management, Lending, Fraud, Compliance, BSA, and other departments regarding ACH processing, Nacha requirements, exceptions, disputes, and operational questions.
16. Participate in testing and implementation of system enhancements, ACH changes, and other payment-related initiatives.
17. Develop and deliver periodic ACH training for Retail, Operations, and other Bank personnel.
18. Educate employees on the appropriate questions and information-gathering requirements for reports of unauthorized ACH activity, with particular emphasis on NACHA’s definition of "unauthorized" as well as proper completion of WSUDs.
19. Maintain current ACH knowledge and required professional certifications.
20. Provide documentation and support for independent ACH audits, regulatory examinations, internal reviews, and risk assessments.
21. Develop, maintain, and periodically review detailed ACH procedures to support consistent processing, operational continuity, cross-training, and backup coverage.
22. Performs related and unrelated duties as may be required.

Requirements

Position Requirements:

• Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) certification is required.
• Accredited Payments Risk Professional (APRP) certification is highly preferred.
• Extensive experience in ACH operations, ACH exceptions, payment processing, and Nacha Rules, preferably within a banking environment.
• Strong understanding of Regulation E and ACH error-resolution requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to research complex ACH transactions, interpret applicable rules, and determine appropriate action.
• Experience with ACH processing within a core banking or payment processing system.
• Customer focused to provide quality service to customers and internal bank personnel;
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Highly detail-oriented with the ability to meet time-sensitive processing deadlines.
• Ability to manage changing priorities while maintaining accuracy and appropriate risk controls.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PDF documents, and other software applications used in the performance of this position’s responsibilities.

Work Environment/Physical Demands/Condition Requirements:

Open office environment; must be able to focus and not be easily distracted. Must be able to climb stairs, use computer/see screen and read documents. 

Equipment Used:

General office equipment: Computer, Telephone, Mobile devices

Compliance: 

Satisfactorily completes all required compliance training and complies with all regulations which apply within the scope of the position. 

Information Security:

Responsible for actively protecting the confidentiality of customer information and computer systems used in the bank by:

• Remaining alert to and reporting malicious or suspected malicious email.
• Participating in training opportunities to ensure continued protection of customer data.
• Provide feedback where possible to help improve the Bank’s security culture.

Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all sensitive information.

Benefit Offerings:

401k plan, heather insurance package, H.S.A. contribution, bank paid life insurance, wellness reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, PTO, Volunteer PTO, flexible work schedules, hybrid work roles, employee recognition program and career path coaching. 

Annual Salary Range: $56,125 - $67,275

The base salary range displayed represents the expected budget for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation packages are finalized at the offer stage and are determined by a variety of factors. The starting salary will be based on the following, but not limited to, the candidate's specific work experience, job-related knowledge, education, specialized skills, certifications, and internal pay equity across our current team.