Payment Operations Manager

Our client is an established and actively expanding Financial Services firm. As a consequence, the need has arisen to hire a new Payments Manager to lead a growing team. You will be entering a dynamic environment in a firm that is undergoing active growth and transformation in it processes so the ideal applicant will havea track record of successfully operating in similar environment previously. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing organisation that offers genuine career progression and the ability to build your own team.
THE ROLE: Payment Operations Manager
Our client is looking for a seasoned professional in Finance Payments Operations with a background in team leadership. This role involves overseeing and managing both local and international payments, implementing controls for UK entities' payment operations, and handling operational treasury activities. As the Payments Manager, you will lead a small team, ensure operational procedures and controls are in place, and collaborate with the Finance Operations Manager to find opportunities for enhancing efficiency, automation, and overall improvement.
In this key position, you will significantly contribute to the organization's success. Your skills in collaboration, leadership, transformation, and adaptability will be crucial in reaching your goals and fulfilling stakeholder expectations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Payment Operations Manager
* Risk Management: Continuously monitor and assess risks to operations and processes, taking proactive steps to address and resolve any issues.
* Collaboration and Improvement: Work closely with the Finance Operations Manager and the broader Finance team to enhance existing processes and controls.
* Payment Processes Management: Oversee GBP and international payment processes, ensuring efficiency and compliance with standard procedures and controls.
* Efficiency Enhancement: Question current practices and propose improvements to maintain best practices and boost efficiency.
* Team Training: Ensure the payments team receives regular training on anti-fraud measures, AML, financial crime, and other relevant topics.
* Banking Procedures: Implement and follow best practice banking procedures.
* Service Level Agreements: Ensure payments to external parties are made in accordance with agreed SLAs.
* Intercompany Transfers:*Ensure timely execution of intercompany transfers.
* Liquidity Monitoring: Oversee liquidity levels across multiple bank accounts and facilitate necessary transfers per established procedures.
* Account Management: Regularly review and update bank account access, permissions, and SSIs for new employees, departures, and role changes, providing quarterly reports to Finance management on authorizers.
* Cash Position Reporting: Prepare and maintain daily cash position reports.
* Weekly Reporting: Generate weekly KPI reports on payment processes.
* Payment Review: Oversee payment runs to ensure accuracy and correct accounting.
* Control Checks: Conduct control checks to confirm proper authorization for various types of payments and ensure compliance with SLAs, preventing duplicate payments.
* Inbox Monitoring: Monitor group payments inboxes and handle any related complaints.
* Supplier Queries: Collaborate with procurement to investigate and resolve supplier queries promptly.
* Financial Analysis: Provide analysis to the Group Finance team to support the preparation of journal entries, ensuring accurate and correct accounting.
SKILLS / EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Payment Operations Manager
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience working in a payments team, handling multi-currency transactions and transfers. While experience in the insurance or financial services industry is preferred, it is not a requirement. Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills are essential, along with a proven track record of implementing process improvements and managing change effectively.
* Proven experience leading an international payments team or in a similar role, with a successful history of managing finance and accounting processes.
* In-depth understanding of the P2P process.
* Strong leadership, people management, and interpersonal abilities.
* Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
* Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail, coupled with strong problem-solving abilities.
* A people-oriented approach, with a demonstrated ability to align team performance with business objectives.
* Proficient in handling difficult situations and conversations with stakeholders.
* Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Project management experience.
* Experience in supporting change and driving process improvements within teams.
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills