Vp Payment Operations (Remote - Must Live In Co)

Why Westerra?

We Are Committed To Creating a High Performance Environment That Fosters And Rewards Excellence And Improves The Lives Of Our Employees By Providing

Westerra strives to be an employer of choice in a highly competitive environment. To achieve our business objectives, we are focused on attracting, developing, empowering, retaining, and motivating a highly qualified workforce. Therefore, we provide competitive compensation and benefits, and further differentiate our internal brand with a unique purpose that binds us all with our members and the communities we serve. Our Total Rewards programs make Westerra a compelling place for talented people to grow their careers.

• Compensation & Benefits : Pay is awarded fairly, contributions are rewarded, and programs are available to manage health and wealth. A list of some of our benefits can be viewed at the end of this posting.
• Careers & Well-Being : Our team members experience a feeling of belonging and support for their career journeys and well-being (physical, financial, emotional, social, community, career)
• Purpose & Culture : Our team members are passionate about our WHY and empowered to help our members and community achieve their dreams

Salary : Starts at $129,075 - $165,000 and is eligible for an annual bonus based off organizational performance. Please note: for internal transfers, Westerra’s Compensation Guidelines will be used to determine the appropriate promotional increase.

What is the role?

The Vice President of Payment Operations is responsible for all aspects of card and payment operations at Westerra. This individual helps translate the strategic plan, in cooperation with appropriate leaders and stakeholders in the organization, to deliver upon our digital first approach across all member experiences. They are a champion of change management, process management, improving operational efficiencies and consistency, and contribute to our overall business strategy to provide an exceptional member experience that will create long lasting relationships within our community and help enrich our members’ lives. Responsible for the development of strategies to grow our card portfolio and payments platform while maintaining high service quality, productivity, quality assurance, cost control and regulatory compliance.

What will be expected of me?

• Establishes and implements card and payment strategies that have short to mid-term (1-3 years) impact on business results in alignment with organization objectives.
• Facilitates product enhancements and works with stakeholders to implement new product features and benefits.
• Lead all oversight and improvement efforts related to card and payment operations.
• Directs short and long-term staffing needs and development of overall functional area.
• Refine strategies based on industry trends to support member expectations and accommodate future growth strategies.
• Conducts risk assessments to evaluate gaps and validate controls are effectively mitigating risks.
• Responds to card and payment escalations from members and internal staff to ensure issues are resolved quickly.
• Translates strategic action plans into relevant goals for functional area.
• Accountable for the performance and results of one or more lines of business.
• Develops short to mid-term (1-3 years) plans for optimizing the business and the talent required to execute strategies in the job area.
• Assists with the preparation of internal/external audits and regulatory exams. Supports internal and external auditors and responds to exceptions with detailed action plans to remediate audit findings.
• Responsible for oversight of all aspects of card and payment operations to include, draft, ACH, wire processing, fraud and ATM disputes, card portfolio management and mail processing.
• Manage contracts and relationships of all card and payment vendors.
• Oversee operational performance targets to ensure goals are met.
• Responsible for the overall budget for the department.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Maintain positive relationships and works collaboratively with cross-departmental teams to identify and improve processes within the departments.
• Responsible for development of annual business plan.
• Leads or collaborates with cross-departmental stakeholders on assigned departmental and corporate projects.
• Manage employee performance and develops staff for current and long-term needs and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all established policies, procedures and regulations.
• Coach department leadership in managing daily tasks, employee performance, communication and service quality standards.

Will I have Direct Reports? Yes No

What I’m Bringing…

Experience/Education:

• 12+ years’ experience leading cards and payment operations teams with demonstrated knowledge in cards, payments, vendor management and business continuity.
• Experience setting card and payment operations strategy, planning and execution in a financial services environment.
• Experience is hiring, training and developing teams and improving operational performance.
• Experience with various payment software applications such as P2P, mobile deposits, digital payment services, etc.

Skills and Abilities:

• Experience in project management methodologies preferred but not required.
• Ability to negotiate and influence (change, team, business units, executive leaders)
• Uses advanced logic to make highly complex judgements with a noticeable impact on the department and functional results.
• Must maintain high-levels of confidentiality.
• Can ensure appropriate talent selection, organization and leadership for functional areas.
• Exhibits strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience using Fed Line, ACH, FIS, CO-OP applications, preferred but not required.
• Experience using Microsoft Office.
• Understanding of NACHA and SWIFT processing rules.
• Ability to manage multiple areas of responsibility.
• Accountable for the achievement of results and metrics that contribute to the success of the department.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to learn and demonstrate that learning on the job.
• Master of core functional area and how it fits within the organization and competitive environment.

What is the work environment like, and are there physical requirements for this role?

Office environment / Works primarily at desk

Some of our benefit offerings...

• Up to $5250 per year for Educational Reimbursement
• Volunteer Time Off (16 hours per year), and if you use all of your VTO, you are awarded with an additional PTO day each year
• Each “non-milestone” year: 1 day of PLAY
• 20 days of Paid Time Off
• Year 20: 20 days of PLAY
• Awesome Anniversary Program that consists of PLAY(Paid Leave for Anniversary Year)
• Two Dental Plans that Westerra also contributes to – Being with Delta Dental means that any covered dependent under the age of 13 has coverage 100% for practically everything until their 13 th birthday!
• Year 15: 15 days of PLAY
• Westerra pays for Basic Life and AD&D, Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability
• 11+ Paid Holidays
• Year 10: 10 days of PLAY
• Three Health Plans through UHC that offer a variety of coverage Options, at extremely competitive premiums
• We offer HSA and FSA options, and for the HSA, Westerra contributes $600/year for Employee Only and $1200/year for Employee + Dependents
• 2 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Year 5: 5 days of PLAY
• Retirement (401K) – Match up to 4% and eligible for 7% Profit Share as well!
• Every 5 years thereafter: 20 days of PLAY

More About Westerra…

Westerra credit union was formed by eight schoolteachers, who pooled their funds in 1934 to be able to make loans to other teachers. These visionary leaders created Denver Public Schools Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial cooperative, owned and controlled by the members who use its services. Its purpose was to put the members first when offering financial services and treat them as valued owners. Today, the credit union remains focused on that same mission and purpose. During more than 85 years of operation, we have greatly expanded our products and services to meet the changing needs of our members. But our “people helping people” philosophy remains the same. Our highly professional, knowledgeable and friendly staff is dedicated to serving our members. What differentiates Westerra Credit Union from others is our low fees and top-notch service.