Deposit Operations Specialist

Are you an experienced operations professional who thrives on solving complex problems and driving operational accuracy? As a Deposit Operations Specialist II within Reconciliation & CIT at First Bank, you will serve as a seasoned contributor responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and completeness of financial records through advanced reconciliation and adjustment activities. You will handle complex discrepancies, perform in-depth research and analysis, and take a proactive role in identifying trends, mitigating risk, and improving processes. You will also provide guidance to junior team members, partner with internal departments, and support regulatory compliance and continuous improvement initiatives. 

In this Role You Will 

Perform Complex Reconciliations: Perform daily and monthly reconciliations of bank accounts, payment platforms, and general ledger accounts with a high degree of accuracy. Complex reconciliations include high-risk, high-volume, or non-routine activities involving multiple systems or data sources, timing differences, aged or unresolved exceptions, significant dollar exposure, or items requiring advanced research, judgment, correction, or cross-functional coordination. 

Resolve Escalated Discrepancies: Investigate and resolve escalated discrepancies, including aged reconciling items, systemic errors, and high-risk transactions. 

Analyze Trends and Root Causes: Analyze large data sets to identify trends, root causes, and recurring issues impacting reconciliation accuracy. 

Ensure Proper Transaction Classification: Ensure proper classification and accounting treatment of transactions across multiple systems. 

Monitor Cash Operations: Monitor cash operations, including processing and validating branch and ATM cash orders, monitoring cash limits, and resolving fulfillment issues. 

Manage CIT Operations: Manage armored carrier (CIT) operations by tracking pickups and deliveries, verifying transactions, and resolving service disruptions or recurring issues. 

Resolve Complex Check Adjustments: Review, process, and resolve complex check-related adjustments, including returns, disputes, encoding errors, duplicate postings, and settlement discrepancies in compliance with regulatory requirements (Reg CC, UCC, Federal Reserve guidelines). 

Maintain Job Aids: Keep job aids current and accurate to reflect updated processes and controls. 

Process Mail: Process incoming and outgoing mail in support of reconciliation and adjustment activities. 

Support Team Development: Provide guidance and support to junior team members and assist with onboarding and training efforts. 

Drive Process Improvement: Contribute to process improvement initiatives, workflow optimization, and system enhancements. 

Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, internal controls, and bank policies in all reconciliation and adjustment activities. 

Qualifications, Competencies and Skills 

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred. 

• 2+ years of experience in reconciliation, banking operations, accounting, or financial adjustments. 

• Demonstrated experience handling complex reconciliations and escalated exception items. 

• Experience with automated reconciliation tools, banking platforms, and data analysis tools preferred. 

• Advanced knowledge of general ledger accounting, reconciliation processes, and cash management. 

• Strong expertise in check processing, exception handling, and adjustment workflows. 

• In-depth understanding of banking regulations (Reg CC, UCC, Federal Reserve rules). 

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and trends. 

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence and guide others. 

• Proficiency in banking systems, reconciliation platforms, and Excel (including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis). 

• Ability to work independently while contributing to team leadership and oversight. 

A reasonable estimate of the current pay range is $20.00 - $24.00 per hour.