Fraud Analyst, Merchant Services

FFB Bank•Fresno, CA

About The Position

The Fraud Analyst works closely with the Fraud Manager as well as the Compliance team and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of risk and underwriting within the company's merchant and acquiring portfolios. This role requires a robust understanding of the Merchant Acquiring space and will take a strategic approach at how the organization identifies and mitigates risk for our business segment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Finance, or related) preferred. Advanced degree or relevant certifications strongly preferred for senior-level roles.
Minimum 3–5 years of Merchant Services experience in relevant or related Risk Management/Fraud Prevention (Risk operations) experience required.
Minimum 1–2 years of experience in Merchant Risk & Fraud Monitoring, Merchant Underwriting and/or Merchant Acquiring solutions.
Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills; capable of interpreting complex data and providing meaningful insights; capable of detecting anomalous activity and identifying concerns within complex data sets.
Experience, knowledge and training in financial statement and tax return analysis typically resulting from a combination of education in accounting, financial and/or credit analysis or related areas a benefit, strongly preferred understanding of reviewing merchant applications, know your customer checks and services, and ability to review credit reports, business and individual financials, and make educated, informed decisions
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) required.
Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions, interpret documents, understand procedures, write reports and correspondence, and speak clearly to customers, vendors and employees.
Strong organizational and time management abilities with attention to detail.
Proficient teamwork and relationship skills to contribute to cross-functional collaboration and team success.
Willingness to take on special projects and perform other duties as assigned, beyond core responsibilities, to support team and organizational needs.
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development to stay current with industry standards and best practices.
Ability to maintain authenticity and integrity in all professional interactions, ensuring trust and credibility with stakeholders.
Capable of managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and procedures.
Current driver’s license and a vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage if required to drive while performing assigned duties and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Reviews and analyzes merchant applications to make confident informed decisions and recommendations.
Provides guidance and respond to daily inquiries from peers, Sub-ISO and ISO partners.
Prepares key points for presentation to management pertaining to customers that pose heightened or elevated risk to the Bank.
Maintains accurate and thorough documentation and audit trails of Merchant assessments, reports, documents, due diligence, investigation results, etc. in a timely manner.
Evaluates existing relationships and the timely identification and escalation of unusual activity. Complete appropriate Unusual Activity Reporting processes per policy to adhere with compliance requirements as needed.
Performs on-site visits to third party payment processors and coordinates audits performed by the business line, Third Party Risk Management and Financial Crimes Risk Management.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of all card brand rules and network regulations related to Payment Acceptance and Risk business line activities. Ensuring bank compliance and work to implement recommended best practices.
Identifies opportunities, develop procedures, and enhance existing processes to implement and/or recommended best practices.
Ensures proper communication and compliance of company and regulatory policies affecting all areas managed within merchant services including but not limited to: risk management, fraud prevent, card brand compliance.
Evaluates financial and bank statements to assess creditworthiness, determine merchant financial stability, and identify potential risks to the Bank’s operations. Make informed decisions or recommendations regarding financial activity observed including DDA account oversight and management for Merchant Services.
Reviews a wide range of data including business models, credit scores, internal and external processing metrics, bank statements, and peer benchmarks to assess merchant risk profiles and evaluate the overall relationship with the Bank.
Embodies the TRAC Values and Critical Behaviors (Teamwork, Relationship, Authenticity, Commitment) as core principles, using them to guide daily interactions and decision-making.
Completes administrative tasks with a sense of urgency, including required Bank Compliance Training. Responds to internal and external inquiries via email, phone, or messaging platforms in a timely and professional manner. Positively represents the Bank through ethical conduct and community involvement.
Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to EEO policies. Fosters a respectful, inclusive workplace by valuing cultural differences, preventing harassment of any kind, and supporting a diverse workforce.
Ensures adherence to all Bank policies, procedures, and processes, along with applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, ensuring confidentiality and data privacy while carrying out AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism) responsibilities specific to the role.
Performs duties in an office or home office environment, involving tasks such as writing, typing, speaking, lifting moderate weights, and operating office equipment. The position requires physical activities like sitting, walking, and reaching. Reasonable accommodation can be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Travels up to 10%, including but not limited to attending company meetings, training sessions, and corporate events, with travel typically being regional or local based on business needs.