Director (Projects), Settlement Services

The Director, Settlement Services supports the overall settlement lending activities of Merrick Bank Corporation (the “Bank”) by assisting in the design and implementation of new settlement products, initiatives, processing platforms, conversions, and special projects. This position will work closely with multiple departments at the Bank to ensure all aspects that pertain to or impact the settlement services team are researched, designed and implemented successfully. The Director Settlement Services supports the VP, Settlement Services by maintaining a thorough knowledge of the settlement processes for multiple processing platforms, performing various monthly and quarterly functions and assists the settlement services teams in completing required accounting functions and in identifying and solving complex accounting issues as required.

Essential Functions:

• Assists the VP, Settlement Services in directing and overseeing the settlement services functions for the Bank by maintaining a thorough knowledge of multiple processing platforms and the associated daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual settlement processes and controls and identifies improvements to such processes to add efficiency, automation and scalability.
• Oversees the research, planning and implementation of finance related items for conversions, new processors and new products including researching and identifying all Finance related tasks and any risks involved when scoping new products.
• Assists in identifying, designing, documenting and implementing controls for the settlement services processes.
• Installs, modifies, documents, tests and implements settlement services systems, vendors and processors in support of the Bank’s various lending business lines.
• Completes assigned monthly, quarterly and annual tasks as assigned for regulatory requirements.
• Collaborates and works smoothly with various departments within the Bank to streamline and create shared processes.
• Tracks and manages the project schedule to ensure objectives and timelines are met.
• Works with the Bank’s processors and the data teams to ensure that all necessary reports and files are available and received for new products and process changes.
• Creates training for the settlement services staff regarding new accounting products, processes and initiatives.

• Assists in conducting studies and making recommendations for improving and automating the settlement services operations. Works with the Manager of Accounting Automation and Transformation to implement recommendations.

• Completes special projects as assigned by the VP Settlement Services.

Compliance with Laws & Regulations: 

• Responsible for complying with all of the Bank’s internal control policies and procedures.
• Responsible for understanding and complying with all laws and regulations to which the Bank is subject.
• Responsible for communicating problems in operations, noncompliance with the code of conduct, noncompliance with laws and regulations, policy violations, or illegal acts.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is required, four (4) years of related and equivalent experience accepted in lieu of education requirement.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible accounting experience.

Summary of Qualifications:

• Experience with, and demonstrated skill at, the following computer applications:  Word Processing, Spreadsheets (Excel preferred), Accounting software (preferably Oracle Cloud Financials), Loan processing software (Fiserv) and E-mail.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Responsible, flexible individual with strong mathematical and analytical skills and an extensive knowledge of all aspects of settlement accounting, in general and specifically as applied to financial institutions.
• Communicates effectively both orally and in writing; presents ideas in a clear, concise, understandable, and organized manner.
• In-depth knowledge of the lending settlement process including installment loans, collateral, credit card, charge off, recoveries and payments.
• Ability to make suggestions and changes based on experience to improve the daily/monthly lending settlement process and suspense reconciliation process.