Deposit Operations Manager

FIRST FEDERAL BANK OF WISCONSIN•Milwaukee, WI

About The Position

This position combines leadership of the Deposit Operations team with responsibility for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance program. The role ensures operational excellence in Deposit Operations functions while maintaining a strong compliance posture in accordance with BSA/AML regulations. The Deposit Operations Manager & BSA Officer supervises the BSAA Analyst and collaborates across departments to deliver exceptional service, mitigate risk, and foster a culture of compliance and teamwork. Clear, proactive communication and collaboration with internal teams and external partners are essential to success in this role.

Requirements

4-year degree or equivalent experience in banking, compliance, or related field.
Minimum 5 years of experience in deposit operations and regulatory compliance, including BSA/AML.
Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
Ability to foster collaboration and maintain positive relationships across departments.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and banking systems.

Nice To Haves

Sound knowledge of Bank Financial services, Bank philosophy.
Leadership skills.
Ability to prioritize well, an aptitude for detail work, good communication and listening skills.
Tact and diplomacy in dealing with vendors and employees.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to work well under pressure.
Proficient computer skills.
Strong communication skills.
Problem solving skills.
Flexibility and ability to multi-task.
Flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

Manage daily processing for DDA, savings/MMDA, CDs, ACH, wires, debit cards, check clearing/returns, stop payments, chargebacks, and statements.
Ensure posting, balancing, reconciliations, and timely exception resolution (NSFs, stop pays, returns, disputes, negative balances, dormant/Escheat).
Own Reg CC holds, overdraft program processing, non-sufficient fund handling, and fee assessments consistent with policy.
Provide tier-2 support for branches and customer service teams on deposit ops questions and complex situations.
Establish and enforce branch control standards in procedures: Dual control protocols (cash vault, teller drawers, safe deposit access, negotiables).
Cash management (vault limits, shipment orders, surprise cash counts, teller audits).
End-of-day balancing, GL entries, and daily reconciliations (cash, cash letters, transit accounts, suspense).
Access controls, user entitlement reviews, and segregation of duties.
Monitor and remediate operational losses; track trends (kiting indicators, return items, card disputes, ACH reversals).
Maintain deposit operations policies and procedures aligned to Reg E, Reg CC, Reg D, EFTA, UDAAP, privacy, and state escheatment requirements.
Oversee Deposit Administration, responsible for rate changes, product development and recommendations for enhancements. Create/update all required deposit related disclosures for approval by Compliance Officer.
Ensure that the team partners with Compliance and BSA/AML Analyst on CIP/CDD oversight, OFAC screening workflows, fraud typologies, and exceptions that require SAR consideration.
Ensure record retention, disclosure delivery, adverse action notices (as applicable), and error-resolution timelines are met.
Manage deposit-related fraud monitoring and mitigation (check fraud, ACH/wire fraud, debit card fraud, account takeover, elder abuse indicators).
Lead case triage, investigations, documentation, and customer communication in coordination with BSA/Fraud.
Tune controls (deposit holds, RDC limits, wire/ACH limits, card controls) to mitigate emerging risks.
Serve as business owner/SME for core processing, online/mobile banking, debit card, ACH/wires, RDC, and statement platforms.
Coordinate upgrades, patches, conversions, and parameter changes; validate outcomes and communicate branch impacts.
Map and implement workflows; reduce manual touchpoints
Implement straight-through processing where feasible; standardize branch procedures and checklists.
Establish KPIs and dashboards; drive continuous improvement projects tied to measurable outcomes.
Lead, coach, and cross-train deposit ops staff and branch supervisors on critical processes and controls.
Create coverage plans for peak volumes, vacations, and incidents; personally step in for complex tasks as needed.
Deliver role-based training (Reg E disputes, Reg CC holds, error resolution, reconciliations, cash controls).
Primary contact for deposit operations and branch operational risk during internal/external audits and regulatory exams.
Prepare requested materials; respond to findings; own corrective action plans and verify remediation completion.
Maintain an issues log with root-cause analysis, due dates, and validation evidence.
Provide monthly/quarterly reports on: Processing volumes, exceptions, error rates
Fraud/loss trends and recoveries
Branch audit results and control testing outcomes
Backlog, staffing capacity, and system performance
Backup BSA Officer
Demonstrate a working knowledge, comply and enforce First Federal Bank of Wisconsin employee
Promote a culture of compliance and collaboration across all departments.
Communicate effectively with management, staff, and external stakeholders to ensure clarity and alignment on compliance and operational priorities.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
Perform other duties as assigned.