Banking Operations, AVP - Community Bank of Santa Maria

Company Profile:  

Founded on March 1, 2001, the Community Bank of Santa Maria (CBSM) has 2 branch offices in Santa Maria and is a full-service retail bank, offering traditional banking products to members of our community. We take pride in our staff and provide a working environment that promotes professional and personal growth, while allowing our leadership team to engage in hand-on management of his/her departments and not just policy implementation specialists. As such, this approach has resulted in decades long longevity within the bank of our employees. 

Job Summary:  

Reporting to the Administrative & Compliance Manager, the Central Operations Banking Officer, AVP, is responsible for the overall management, supervision and strategic direction of CBSM’s Central Operations Department. This position ensures the efficient, accurate and compliant execution of back-office banking functions, while maintaining adherence to FDIC regulations, state and federal banking requirements and internal policies and procedures. This role will oversee daily operations, staff performance, operational risk management and continuous process improvement, in support of CBSM’s mission and customer experience. The ideal candidate will possess strong operational expertise, exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to delivering outstanding customer service, within a professional, community-focused, banking environment. 

Duties / Responsibilities:  

Operations Management

Direct and oversee all Central Operations Department activities and personnel;

Ensure efficient processing and completion of daily operational functions in accordance with regulatory requirements and bank policies;

Manage workflow, staffing levels, productivity standards and operational performance metrics;

Develop and implement procedures that improve operational efficiency and service quality;

Monitor operational risk and establish effective internal controls. 

Back Office Operations

Oversee ATM and debit card processing activities, including settlement, balancing, exception resolution and vendor coordination;

Manage cash balancing functions and ensure timely resolution of balancing discrepancies;

Supervise account reconciliation processes, including related general ledger and correspondent bank reconciliations;

Ensure accurate processing of wire transfers, ACH transactions, returned items, stop payments and other operational services;

Monitor daily transaction processing and settlement activities. 

Digital Banking & Treasury Management

Oversee daily operational activities and support of online banking platforms;

Ensure timely and accurate processing of Treasury Management services, including ACH Origination, Remote Deposit Capture, Positive Pay and related business banking services;

Coordinate system updates, enhancements, testing and implementation of new services with CBSM’s IT Department;

Partner with the IT Department and vendors to support system functionality and service availability;

Assist customers and employees with complex online banking and treasury management issues. 

Compliance & Risk Management

Maintain adherence to regulatory and compliance requirements, including applicable FDIC regulations, BSA/AML requirements, NACHA operating rules and federal and state banking laws;

Maintain appropriate internal controls and operational procedures;

Support internal and external audits, regulatory examinations and compliance reviews;

Prepare reports and documentation requested by auditors, examiners and management. 

Leadership & Staff Development

Recruit, train, coach and develop Central Operations personnel;

Conduct performance evaluations and establish departmental goals;

Foster a positive, collaborative and customer-focused work environment;

Promote teamwork, accountability and professional development;

Serve as a resource for employees across the organization. 

Customer Service

Deliver exceptional customer service and serve as a resource for employees across the organization;

Resolve complex operational and customer issues professionally and timely;

Support CBSM's commitment to relationship banking and community involvement;

Maintain a positive and professional image consistent with CBSM’s values and culture;

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:  

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Banking, or related discipline, preferred, but not required;

At least 5 years of progressive banking operations experience;

At least 3 years of managerial experience within a banking environment;

Proficient knowledge of community bank operations, back-office processing and deposit operations;

Experience managing online banking and treasury management services;

Familiarity with ATM processing, cash balancing, account reconciliation, ACH, wire transfers and operational risk management;

Thorough understanding of FDIC regulations and banking compliance requirements;

Working knowledge of NACHA rules, BSA/AML regulations and operational controls; 

Proficiency with core banking systems, digital banking platforms and MS Office applications;

Ability to build positive working relationships with employees, customers, vendors and regulators;

Ability to develop bench-depth strength by cross-training and mentoring staff to maintain continuity;

Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills;

Exemplary time management, organizational, problem-solving, attention to detail, multi-tasking, critical thinking and follow-through skills;

Ability to work effectively alone and within a collaborate team environment. 

Compensation:

$80K - $95K base salary, DOE, for this full-time, exempt position. 

Benefits:

10 days of paid vacation annually accruing on start date during the 1 st year of employment and increasing incrementally thereafter;

6 days of paid sick time annually, allotted on January 1 in a lump sum, with a carryover not to exceed 90 days;

Medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance paid 100% for the employee; dependent coverage at employee’s cost available through employee’s payroll deductions;

401(K) with an annual 4% company match;

11 paid public holidays annually;

Restricted stock grant allotment. 

Working Hours:

8:15AM – 5:15PM Monday – Friday with potential rotating Saturday shift from 8:45AM - 12:15PM

Location:

Santa Maria, CA – onsite position