ACH Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

HFCU is seeking a detail-driven ACH Specialist to serve as the subject matter expert for all Automated Clearing House activities, ensuring accurate processing, compliance, and risk management. This vital back-office role partners closely with internal teams to support ACH operations, wires, projects, and overall Deposit Operations excellence.

Who We’re Looking For

• An ACH professional with strong knowledge of NACHA rules and electronic payment processing
• A highly organized, analytical thinker who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• A collaborative team player with excellent communication skills and a commitment to accuracy and compliance

What You’ll Be Doing

• Processing and reconciling ACH files, managing exceptions, and monitoring activity for compliance and fraud risk
• Serving as the internal ACH resource by supporting departments, training staff, and improving workflows and controls
• Supporting Deposit Operations through wire processing, hotline coverage, audits, and cross-functional projects

Why Join Us:

• Heritage Family Credit Union is a dynamic and member-centric organization committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our members. We believe in delivering not just financial services but fostering meaningful relationships that enhance the overall well-being of our members and communities. With a focus on education, integrity, and community, we strive to be the preferred financial partner for our community.
• Benefits Include:
• Paid time off in addition to paid federal holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits to employees who regularly work 24+ hours a week
• 401k match
• Ongoing training opportunities
• 8 hours of volunteer time with an organization important to you
• Reimbursement each month for Gym membership (up to $25), hobby reimbursement (up to $25) and fresh local foods (up to $25 on a seasonal basis)

Salary Range: $25 - $30 hourly

Position Title: ACH Specialist

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Deposit Operations

EEO Code: Administrative Support Workers

Reports To: Manager Deposit Operations

Grade: 7

Summary:

The ACH Specialist serves as the credit union’s subject matter expert (SME) for all Automated Clearing House (ACH) activities. This back-office operations role is responsible for accurate ACH processing, exception handling, compliance with NACHA rules, and providing support to internal departments. The ACH Specialist also contributes to the broader Deposit Operations team by supporting wire processing, hotline coverage, project work, and backup responsibilities across the department.

Essential Functions:

ACH Processing & File Management

• Process all incoming and outgoing ACH files, including debits, credits, returns, and prenotes.

• Perform daily file imports, exports, balancing, and reconciliation functions.

• Review and process Notifications of Change (NOCs), Death Notification Entries (DNEs), reclamations, and government-related ACH items.

• Manage exception items including unauthorized and administrative returns, account errors, and irregular transactions.

• Support internal department file needs (payroll files, loan payment files, vendor payment files, etc.).

• Compliance, Controls & Risk Monitoring

• Maintain current knowledge of NACHA Operating Rules and ACH-related regulatory requirements.

• Monitor ACH activity for anomalies, potential fraud indicators, and compliance concerns; escalate when appropriate.

• Assist with ACH-related fraud investigations, Regulation E workflows, and internal documentation.

• Participate in internal audits, regulatory exams, and periodic reviews by preparing required reports and documentation.

Internal Support & Cross-Department Collaboration

• Serve as the internal resource for ACH rules, operational procedures, and system workflows.

• Provide ACH-related support to internal departments.

• Assist with training internal staff on ACH processes, exception handling, and system usage.

• Help streamline ACH operations, improve internal controls, and enhance department efficiency.

Team Support, Wires, Hotline & Projects

• Assist with processing incoming and outgoing wire transfers in accordance with policy and regulatory requirements.

• Provide coverage for the department’s internal support hotline, offering guidance to branches and staff on operational procedures.

• Participate in departmental and credit union–wide projects, including system upgrades, new product rollouts, workflow enhancements, and audit remediation tasks.

• Serve as backup for other Deposit Operations functions such as account maintenance, check processing, research tasks, and other electronic payment workflows.

• Contribute to maintaining a collaborative, flexible team environment by supporting teammates during high-volume periods, absences, or cross-training initiatives.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain accurate logs, reports, and documentation related to ACH activities.

• Recommend improvements to strengthen operational efficiency and controls.

• Assist with procedure updates, testing, and documentation tied to ACH and other operational systems.

• Ensure timely completion of all daily processing deadlines and cutoff times.

Qualifications:

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 2+ years of experience in deposit operations, ACH processing, or electronic payments within a financial institution.

• Knowledge of ACH regulations and NACHA Operating Rules.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

• High attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to deadlines.

• Excellent communication skills for internal collaboration.

• Ability to work both independently and in a team-focused back-office environment.

• Demonstrates a sense of urgency in handling tasks and meeting deadlines.

Preferred

• AAP or APRP certification—or willingness to obtain within a year of being hired

• Experience with common core processing or ACH systems

• Prior experience in a credit union or community financial institution.

Skills

This position requires a highly organized and detail-oriented self-starter with strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required, along with the ability to clearly explain processes and collaborate effectively with internal departments. Strong technical and computer proficiency is essential, including experience with core banking systems, ACH processing platforms, and Microsoft Office products. A solid understanding of ACH operations and NACHA rules is required, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet strict deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements:

Stand, walk, or sit for extended periods. Daily tasks include extensive use of a computer performing standard keyboard functions, requiring repeated motion, as well as use of the phone. Stretching breaks are recommended to avoid injury. Ability to lift/carry bulk mail and packages up to 50 pounds. Equipment is available and recommended for use of transporting large quantities of mail/packages and supplies to and from various locations.

Work Environment:

• Professional banking environment.

BSA/Risk : Employees will ensure adherence to BSA (Bank Secrecy Act) and risk compliance standards in all job responsibilities, maintaining the organization's regulatory integrity and mitigating potential risks.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Heritage Family Credit Union is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.