Escrow Manager - Payments

Freelancer.com•San Francisco, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Escrow.com is a unique fintech company revolutionizing secure and high-value payments. We are the preferred secure transaction service for industries ranging from digital assets to heavy machinery and business acquisitions, securing multi-million dollar transactions for high-profile companies like Google, Meta, Uber, Amazon, and Microsoft. As Escrow.com expands its team in San Francisco, we are seeking an Escrow Manager to oversee payment operations and ensure regulatory compliance across our platform. This role involves managing daily escrow operations, supervising payment processing workflows, and maintaining adherence to state and federal regulations governing escrow services. We are looking for candidates with a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in escrow, payments, or accounting, who hold or are eligible to obtain an Escrow Manager License through DFPI.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in escrow operations, payments, or financial services, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
Must hold or be eligible to obtain an Escrow Manager License through DFPI (Department of Financial Protection and Innovation).
Comprehensive knowledge of legal regulations governing escrow transactions and services, including DFPI requirements.
Demonstrated experience managing accounting-related functions, including maintaining books, records, and accounts as required by regulatory bodies.
Strong understanding of payment processing systems, banking operations, and reconciliation processes.
Experience with domestic and international payment methods (wire, ACH, check, SWIFT, IBAN) and real-time payment systems (Zelle, FedNow, RTP) preferred.
Proven track record of team management, including hiring, training, and performance management.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail.
Strong communication skills with ability to engage effectively with internal teams, external partners, and customers.
Willingness to work flexible hours when necessary to support business needs.
Exceptional personal and customer service skills.
Positive, enthusiastic, and hands-on approach with a strong work ethic.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multitasking environment while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
Deadline-oriented with strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with domestic and international payment methods (wire, ACH, check, SWIFT, IBAN) and real-time payment systems (Zelle, FedNow, RTP).

Responsibilities

Prepare, review and approve financial transactions for escrow settlement.
Oversee and manage the daily payment operations, ensuring escrow processes are accurate, efficient and compliant.
Supervise and mentor a team of payments analysts, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback to ensure operational excellence.
Maintain deep knowledge of banking processes, payment rails, and transaction formats including wire, ACH, check, SWIFT, IBAN, and real-time payment systems (Zelle, FedNow, RTP).
Serve as the primary point of contact with external banking institutions, resolving complex payment processing issues and maintaining strong banking relationships.
Ensure compliance with all DFPI regulations and escrow laws, including maintenance of proper books, records, and accounts as required by legal regulations governing escrow transactions and services.
Hold an active Escrow Manager License issued by DFPI or obtain licensure within the required timeframe.
Develop and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and improve customer experience in payment operations.
Manage escalated customer inquiries and complex transaction issues, providing exceptional service while maintaining security protocols.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Compliance, Risk, Legal, and Product to ensure seamless operations across the business.
Monitor key performance indicators and operational metrics, preparing regular reports for senior leadership.
Lead initiatives to scale payment operations in line with business growth.
Oversee the reconciliation of inbound payments with created transactions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Manage customer communication processes for payment issues, ensuring prompt resolution.
Supervise anti-fraud procedures and controls, utilizing internal reporting systems and industry best practices.
Review and approve exceptions to standard payment processing procedures.
Oversee the review and release of escrow funds, ensuring all conditions are met and proper controls are in place.
Supervise the disbursement process according to transaction terms and seller preferences.
Ensure accurate reconciliation of outbound payments with closed escrow transactions.
Manage escalated client inquiries and complex disbursement scenarios.