Manager, Payment Operations at ABSA Group

Job Opportunity: Manager, Payment Operations

• Remote Type: Hybrid
• Locations: Absa House – ABT
• Time Left to Apply: End Date: December 3, 2024
• Job Requisition ID: R-15969800

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.
With over 100 years of rich history and a strong position as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with us offers the chance to be part of an exciting growth journey. Join us to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job Summary

• Reporting to the Head of Transactional Banking Operations in Tanzania.
• Oversee wire transfers and low-value payment processing, ensuring payments meet required standards and acceptable Turn-Around-Time (TAT).
• Strategically position the Payments Unit to meet business goals by enhancing systems, processes, and controls.
• Gain in-depth knowledge of wire transfer and TACH processes.
• Proficient in payment systems such as SWIFT (CROSS BORDERS, TISS), TACH, EAPS, SADC-RTGS, and TIPS.
• Expertise in payment reconciliation and an understanding of internal account uses.
• Drive compliance, controls, and collaboration with business heads to support growth and process efficiency.

Job Description

Payments Operations Functionalities (55%)

• Manage daily payment operations, ensuring timely execution of wire transfers and TACH processes.
• Track payment KPIs for efficiency, accuracy, and reliability, identifying areas for improvement.
• Regularly update procedures, Operational Level Agreements (OLA), and SLAs to align with regulatory and industry standards.
• Strategically enhance payment processes and systems for efficiency and cost savings.
• Maintain strong knowledge of SWIFT transitions (ISO 150022 to ISO 20022) and related clearing systems.
• Collaborate with business units, compliance, finance, and reconciliation teams to ensure smooth operations and regulatory adherence.
• Participate in technology payment projects, system enhancements, and vendor collaborations.
• Conduct regular self-audits and ensure green status during audits.

People Management and Team Working (25%)

• Supervise, train, and mentor payment staff, conducting performance evaluations and development plans.
• Build team proficiency in system security, reporting, and operational processes.
• Work closely with the Head of Transactional Banking Operations to deliver high performance and quality output.
• Foster team cohesion through effective leadership and succession planning.
• Drive awareness of bank policies, emergency procedures, and KYC regulations within the team.
• Ensure adherence to individual delegated limits and operational efficiency during system downtime.

Risk Management (15%)

• Address outstanding entries in NOSTRO/BOT/Other Suspense Accounts as per business rules.
• Minimize operational costs and avoid revenue leakage.
• Identify risks in payment processes and implement effective mitigating controls.
• Comply with all regulatory, operational risk, and group requirements.
• Maintain high operational rigor and achieve a Green Audit status.

Continuous Improvement and Development (5%)

• Identify and address training needs for the team and individual members.
• Develop performance objectives and standards for staff.
• Provide expertise to resolve complex payment issues and reduce escalations.

Risk and Controls Objectives

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, operational risk frameworks, and Absa policies.
• Promote a positive risk culture and sound decision-making during stressful situations.
• Report risk events and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
• Actively engage with regulatory bodies and ensure completion of mandatory training.

Technical Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Expertise in TACH and SWIFT workshops and stakeholder management.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and deliver results under pressure.

Knowledge, Expertise, and Experience

• Deep understanding of payment techniques and systems (TISS, TIPS, TACH, EAPS, SADC RTGS).
• Expertise in inward/outward transfer operations and message type usage.
• Familiarity with banking processes such as Foreign Exchange and trade products.
• Flexibility to work extended hours during peak periods.

Absa Values
We live by our values to ensure high standards in all we do:

• Trust
• Resourceful
• Stewardship
• Inclusive
• Courage

Education

• Higher Diplomas in Business, Commerce, or Management Studies (Required)

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