Payments Specialist

Founded in 1948, Itasca Bank & Trust Co. is a locally owned, independent community bank with locations in Itasca and Roselle, Illinois. We value our staff and believe our greatest strength is our people, both our customers and employees. For more than 77 years, the Bank has been a responsible community leader by honoring the values of our past while making decisions that shape our future. Our ability to serve customers and remain a trusted corporate citizen depends on a dedicated and responsible team. Itasca Bank has been recognized as a Best of the Best/Top Pick by Daily Herald readers for multiple years since 2016, reflecting our commitment to quality service, high standards, and responsiveness to both customers and employees. We are a responsible employer dedicated to employee health and safety, maintaining diversity in our workforce and vendor relationships, and fostering a positive workplace culture. We encourage participation in community and civic activities and support a healthy work/life balance that helps create stronger communities and a better environment for our employees.

Essentials Functions

Process a variety of deposit and payment-related transactions, perform research, review reports, and reconcile general ledger accounts, including but not limited to Application Balancing, ATM, Zelle, Official Checks, Tax Withholding, and Safe Deposit Box.

Manage Exception Processing, including but not limited to Non-post, Overdrafts/NSFs, Stop Payments, Chargebacks/Redeposits, Duplicate Items Detection, High-Dollar & Two-Signature Checks, Positive Pay Exceptions, Reclamations, and Foreign and Canadian Check Processing, ensuring timely resolution.

Monitor, investigate, & resolve Zelle transaction failures, RTP credit exceptions, and Q2 Sentinel Suspects.

Perform assigned functions related to Lockbox services, ACH Processing (Origination, Returns, & NOCs), Branch Capture, and Premier core systems.

Manage end-to-end domestic, international, and bank-to-bank wire transfers. Responsibilities include transaction origination, verification, maintenance, and OFAC clearance utilizing Payments Exchange (WireXchange) system or Fedwire Funds Service to ensure accurate, secure, and compliant financial operations.

Perform daily processes, including file retrieval and upload through payments systems such as CSPI, MoveIt, DepCon, and other operations platforms.

Oversee daily incoming cash letter processing, balance daily work, and submit end-of-day files to the Federal Reserve Bank and Fiserv.

Attends all required bank training, adapts concepts and procedural changes. Assists management with updating and creating departmental procedures.

Research and resolve payment disputes including ACH and Debit Card, following Reg E regulation requirement and time frames.

Support internal and external customers with consumer and business online banking, including but not limited to new enrollments, eStatements, password resets/unlocks, user maintenance requests, access & limit changes, Bill Pay, Zelle, Positive Pay, ACH, Mobile Deposits/RDC, and COIs.

Process claims related to fraudulent checks in accordance with bank policies & regulatory guidelines.

Research and retrieve transaction histories, deposit/check images, and statements in response to internal or external requests (i.e., subpoenas).

Review and manage fraud alerts through CaseTracker. Perform fraud block maintenance and customer outreach for suspicious or compromised debit card activity.

Oversee the IOLTA interest remittance process, including reversing applicable account fees, and preparing, managing and submitting electronic remittance reports & payments to the Lawyer’s Trust Fund of Illinois.

Complete asset verification requests through LexisNexis or SSA systems by researching customer history and accurately submitting required information.

Manage the Dormant and Escheatment process, ensure state guidance is followed for reporting. Create and maintain procedures and training guides while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency.

Understand and adhere to Wire, ACH, Treasury Management and Bank policies and procedures as well as applicable state and federal regulations.

Maintain accurate and detailed records in the CRM system to document transactions, communications, and account activity for internal, audit, and examination purposes.

Ensure all documents are properly scanned and categorized into Director.

Demonstrate the ability to identify, research, and resolve issues in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Protect the Bank and its customers by maintaining a high level of security awareness and monitoring for suspicious transactions and anomalies across payment channels.

Review and approve checks submitted through Remote Deposit Capture & Mobile Deposits using critical thinking skills to identify anomalies or red flags.

Conduct regular maintenance reviews for online banking and monthly/annual risk assessments for ACH and RDC customers for compliance and efficiency.

Research, submit, and process Federal Reserve (Fed) check adjustments to resolve clearing discrepancies, missing items (PIL), and misrouted deposits (WPC), including Encoding/Amount Errors, Late Return Claims, Non-Cash Items, and Late Return Disclaimers electronically or directly with the Bank of First Deposit (BOFD) or offsetting bank ensuring Reg CC requirements and applicable UCC provisions.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones.

Physical Demands

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Department hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. Individual work schedules are set based on business needs.

Travel

None required.

Required Education and Experience

Minimum 2 years of banking experience required

High School education or equivalent

Strong knowledge of banking regulations, such as Reg E, Reg CC, and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)

Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify suspicious activity, operational risks, and potential fraud

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook.

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Demonstrates a strong follow-up and follow-through mentality with the ability to take ownership of responsibilities and drives tasks to completion

Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.

Committed to delivering excellent internal and external customer service

Preferred Education and Experience

1-3 years of bank operations experience

Strong knowledge of ACH payment systems and related NACHA operating rules

Knowledge of electronic file transfer processes through the Federal Reserve and related payment processing networks.

AAP/EEO Statement

Itasca Bank & Trust Co. is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.