Director/VP, Deposit Operations (San Diego)

CALIFORNIA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION•San Diego, CA

8d•$129,283 - $166,874•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the SVP Operations, the Director/VP of Deposit Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight for all Deposit Operations functions. This role leads the department, ensuring staff development, performance management, training, and operational excellence. The position oversees all aspects of check processing, deposit account servicing, complex account handling, and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include hiring, coaching, directing daily work, resolving escalated issues, supporting member-facing teams, and ensuring exceptional service to both internal and external members. The Director/VP manages key vendor relationships, oversees process design and optimization, ensures adherence to all applicable regulations, and leads the development of policies, procedures, and operational controls. This role also supports business continuity planning, system testing, regulatory audits, and enterprise initiatives that advance organizational goals. Title will be commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
5+ years of management or supervisory experience in deposit operations or financial services
Extensive knowledge of deposit operations, including returned items, exception processing, mail/payment processing, automated payments, payroll deductions, A2A transfers, check processing, and complex account types such as IRAs, fiduciary accounts, trusts, POAs, escheatment, and levies.
Strong understanding of deposit regulations, including UCC 3 & 4; Regulations CC, D, DD, E, J; NACHA Rules; BSA; and the PATRIOT Act.
Proven ability to balance risk management with exceptional member service while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Strong analytical, research, and documentation skills, with the ability to evaluate new products, processes, and services, including member impact and financial implications.
Demonstrated leadership ability with strong skills in team building, motivation, communication, and change management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence, educate, and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
Highly organized with strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Proficiency with Fiserv DNA (or equivalent core system) and strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other job‑related applications.
Ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages, and interpret operational data and reports.
Commitment to staying current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and operational best practices.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Deposit Operations department, including staffing, development, performance management, training, and resource allocation.
Oversee all check processing functions and ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with regulatory and operational standards.
Ensure full compliance with all deposit‑related regulations (UCC, Reg CC, Reg E, Reg D, BSA/AML/OFAC, etc.), internal policies, fiduciary rules, escheatment laws, probate requirements, and loss‑prevention standards.
Lead and oversee all deposit operational functions, including returned items, exception processing, payment/mail processing, A2A transfers, check collections, IRAs/HSAs/ESAs, fiduciary and decedent accounts, levies, garnishments, POAs, and backup withholding.
Manage key vendor relationships, including statement vendors, escheatment processors, IRA/HSA service providers, and government agencies (FTB, child support, Medicare/Medicaid).
Lead product strategy and lifecycle management for consumer deposit products, including pricing, features, disclosures, performance monitoring, and competitive analysis.
Drive process optimization by streamlining workflows, reducing friction, improving cycle times, and leveraging automation and technology to enhance member experience and operational efficiency.
Own deposit‑related workstreams for mergers and acquisitions, including product mapping, migration planning, training, and post‑conversion performance review.
Collaborate with Compliance, Risk, Audit, IT, Legal, and other business units to implement regulatory changes, maintain strong controls, and ensure operational readiness. Assist with account disclosure updates.
Serves as the primary point of contact for internal audits and NCUA examinations related to deposit products and check processing.
Ensures the department’s Business Continuity Plan is maintained, updated, and successfully tested on an annual basis.
Acts as the department steward within the credit union’s Data Governance program, ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and compliance with governance standards.
Prepare and present operational performance metrics, trend analyses, and executive‑level reporting to support strategic decision‑making.
Act as a subject matter expert for complex account types, regulatory interpretations, and operational escalations, ensuring timely and accurate resolution of member concerns.
Maintain and update departmental policies, procedures, SLAs, and documentation to ensure consistency, accuracy, and regulatory alignment.
Support enterprise initiatives, special projects, and cross‑functional efforts that advance organizational goals and improve the member experience.
Ensure staff remain knowledgeable, compliant, and aligned with evolving products, systems, and regulatory requirements.
Works on special projects, as assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Complies with BSA requirement as commensurate with position.