Foreign Exchange Payment Operations Specialist

UMB Bank•Kansas City, MO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Electronic Payments Operations team is responsible for the accurate, secure and timely execution of money movement in and out of the bank, including ACH, Wire Transfers and Instant Payments. The team ensures regulatory compliance, manages daily reconciliation and mitigates operational risks associated with payments. As the FX Payment Operations Specialist, you will have responsibility and oversight for post-trade currency transactions, ensuring accurate and timely settlement and compliance for UMB and our clients. This role also includes leading and participating in multiple projects & initiatives assigned by Bank Operations leadership. This position offers a hybrid work model (Monday through Thursday on-site / Friday remote) for candidates in the Kansas City metropolitan area and is open to qualified remote candidates outside of the Kansas City area, provided the remote location is within the US.

Requirements

Strong understanding of international payment systems and SWIFT message formats (MT103, MT202, MT300, etc.) and global currency markets
Proficiency in FX trading platforms and financial software
Familiarity with FX products (spot, forward, swaps, options)
Knowledge of AML, sanction screening, and regulatory requirements for cross-border transactions
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and banking operations systems
High attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to work under tight deadlines
Ability to utilize technical aptitude that allows for quick learning of company systems, platforms, and products
Strong customer service skills
Ability to work autonomously, escalating issues or problems as appropriate
Ability to recognize errors, issues, special requests, or inconsistencies in daily operations to solve or escalate to appropriate associate or manager
Legal authority to work in the United States

Nice To Haves

Accuracy and attention to detail in high-volume, high-value environments
Adaptability to changing regulatory, technological, and market environments
Ability to understand processes end to end and cross-functional work with other operational units

Responsibilities

Oversight of incoming and outgoing FX payments across multiple currencies and settlement systems
Oversight of trade details that are entered into the bank’s operations system in alignment with front-office confirmations
Ensure timely settlement of FX spot, forward, swap, and option transactions
Perform daily reconciliations of nostro/vostro accounts and investigate discrepancies
Resolve settlement failures, payment delays, and trade breaks in coordination with counterparties, custodians, and internal teams
Maintain accurate records for audit and regulatory purposes
Ensure adherence to internal risk controls, operational procedures, and anti-money laundering (AML) / sanctions screening requirements
Escalate unusual activity or potential fraud to compliance and management promptly
Support compliance with global regulatory reporting requirements
Provide operational support to corporate and institutional business partners & clients for FX transactions
Liaise with front-office traders, relationship managers, and treasury teams to ensure smooth trade execution
Address client inquiries regarding payment status, transaction charges, and settlement timelines
Prepare and present reports on foreign exchange activities for presentations to senior & executive management
Develop and maintain relationships with partner banks
Provide training and support to other team members on foreign exchange matters
Contribute to process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and reduce settlement risk
Lead and participate in testing and implementation of system upgrades or new payment platforms
Lead and participate in multiple projects & initiatives assigned by Bank Operations leadership

Benefits

Paid Time Off
401(k) matching program
annual incentive pay
paid holidays
comprehensive company sponsored benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, and other insurance coverage
health savings accounts
flexible spending accounts
dependent care accounts
adoption assistance
employee assistance program
fitness reimbursement
tuition reimbursement
associate wellbeing program
associate emergency fund
various associate banking benefits