Risk & Underwriting Specialist II

The Risk & Underwriting Specialist II is a key contributor within the Payment Operations Department, responsible for the underwriting, onboarding, and ongoing monitoring of merchant accounts. This position plays an integral role in ensuring compliance with company credit policies and regulatory requirements while supporting the daily processing of bank files. The role requires attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to manage multiple account tasks in a fast-paced, regulated environment.

Responsibilities:

• Underwrite merchant account applications in accordance with credit policies, industry rules, and regulatory standards.
• Monitor and confirm the accuracy of daily bank files and transaction records.
• Conduct customer validation on new and existing merchants, including screening against OFAC Sanctions Lists.
• Maintain and update merchant account information across internal platforms and acquirer systems.
• Process merchant account changes, such as fee adjustments, distribution settings, and contact updates.
• Perform quality assurance audits to verify accuracy of merchant configurations and settings.
• Respond to merchant inquiries via email within the department's defined service level. Assist in the onboarding and monitoring of merchants through the acquirer portal.
• Support internal and external audits, including card brand reporting and compliance checks.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and recommend updates to standard procedures.
• Collaborate with team members and support special projects as assigned by leadership.
• Manage merchant account terminations in accordance with policies and regulatory standards.

Essential Functions:

• Underwrite and maintain merchant accounts in compliance with internal policies.
• Monitor and process daily bank files accurately.
• Perform customer validation and risk screening using regulatory tools.
• Maintain merchant data integrity across internal and external platforms.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively by meeting deadlines and managing workload efficiently.
• Maintain professional interaction with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and high-stress environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities with attention to detail.
• Familiarity with underwriting practices and risk management in payment processing.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow and contribute to documented procedures and policies.
• Strong organizational skills and time management in a deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in Accounting, Banking, or the Payments industry.
• Underwriting experience with a focus on payment processing, including domestic and international accounts, preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework or degree in a related field preferred.
• Availability to work Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with flexibility to stay late as needed, including select holidays.

AI & Operational Fluency:

• AI Integration: Utilize company-approved GenAI tools to accelerate high-value deliverables.
• Strategic Oversight: Exercise critical judgment as the "Human-in-the-Loop," by auditing AI outputs for factual accuracy, brand alignment, and the removal of hallucinations.
• Data Governance: Ensures no proprietary or Personally Identifiable Information (PII) data is exposed to unauthorized models.
• Prompt Competency: Demonstrates the ability to craft clear, context-rich prompts to achieve consistent, high-quality results across various business domains.

Benefits:

• Flexible and transparent culture with remote and hybrid work options, generous vacation time, and frequent company recharge days for work-life balance.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, including fertility benefits, for eligible employees and their families.
• HSA/FSA options and employer-paid disability benefits for eligible employees.
• Access to 401(k) or similar retirement plans with employer matching for eligible employees.
• Wellness initiatives, onsite gym access at HQ, gym memberships, mental health resources, wellness challenges, and employee assistance programs.
• Entrata Cares volunteerism, charity events, and community giving programs.
• Exclusive Previ cell phone plan and discounts on services or local business partnerships.
• Bi-annual swag drops for employees.